Sticky Sweet BBQ Ribs

BBQ ribs hold a special place in culinary traditions across the globe. In American cuisine, they symbolize the spirit of summer cookouts, where friends and family gather to enjoy good food and share stories. Originating from the Southern United States, barbecue ribs have evolved into various styles, each with its unique flavors and cooking techniques. From the smoky, vinegar-based sauces of the Carolinas to the sweet, tomato-based sauces of Kansas City, BBQ ribs are a dish that transcends regional boundaries.

Discover the ultimate guide to cooking Finger-Lickin' Sticky Sweet BBQ Ribs, a favorite for summer barbecues and family gatherings. This step-by-step recipe teaches you how to select the best baby back ribs, prepare a flavorful seasoning blend, and create a mouthwatering homemade BBQ sauce. With tips on cooking methods and presentation, you'll impress your guests with tender, juicy ribs that are perfect for sharing. Enjoy the satisfaction of serving this delicious classic at your next gathering.

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Ingredients

2 racks of baby back ribs (about 4-5 pounds)

1 tablespoon salt

1 tablespoon black pepper

1 tablespoon smoked paprika

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

1 cup apple cider vinegar

1 cup water

1 cup ketchup

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons apple cider

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)

Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prep the Ribs: Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). Remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs for better flavor and tenderness. Rinse and pat them dry.

Season the Ribs: In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Rub this seasoning mix generously all over the ribs, coating them well.

Prepare the Cooking Liquid: In a saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar and water. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat, then remove from heat.

Cook the Ribs in the Oven: Place the ribs in a large baking dish or on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Pour the vinegar and water mixture over the ribs, tightly cover with foil, and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours until tender.

Make the BBQ Sauce: While the ribs are baking, prepare the sticky BBQ sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and liquid smoke. Stir well and allow the mixture to simmer for about 15-20 minutes until it thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Glaze and Broil: After the ribs are tender, remove them from the oven and discard the cooking liquid. Preheat your broiler to high. Brush the ribs generously with the BBQ sauce on both sides.

Broil the Ribs: Place the ribs under the broiler for about 5-7 minutes, keeping a close eye on them. You're looking for a nice caramelization and a sticky glaze formation on the BBQ sauce.

Serve: Once broiled to perfection, remove the ribs from the oven. Let them rest for a few minutes before slicing them between the bones. Serve with additional BBQ sauce on the side and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 3 hours 15 minutes | 4-6 servings