BBQ Ribs

Few things compare to the delight of sinking your teeth into tender, juicy BBQ Ribs. They’re the epitome of finger-licking goodness. The rich flavour of the meat pairs perfectly with the sweetness and tanginess of the barbecue sauce. The combination of a carefully crafted dry rub and a final glaze of BBQ sauce takes these ribs to the next level. Not only do they offer a satisfying bite, but the method of slow cooking ensures they are fall-off-the-bone tender.

With minimal prep time and a few hours in the oven, these ribs are surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re grilling them for a summer cookout or enjoying them as a hearty weeknight meal, BBQ Ribs bring a delightful, smokey depth to any table. 

Table of Contents

• Ingredient Breakdown
• Dry Rub: The Key to Perfect BBQ Ribs
• Slow and Steady 
• The BBQ Sauce
• BBQ Ribs: Serving Suggestions
• More Rib-tastic Recipes

Ingredient Breakdown

• Pork Loin Ribs (Baby Back Ribs): These tender ribs are the star of the show. They have a rich flavour and the perfect amount of fat to keep the meat moist while cooking.
• BBQ Sauce: A rich and sticky glaze that caramelises over the ribs, adding sweetness, tang, and a wonderful glossy finish.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds a caramelised sweetness that enhances the smokiness of the paprika and the savoury flavours of the ribs.
• Sea Salt: Balances the sweetness of the brown sugar and intensifies the savoury depth of the ribs.
• Mustard Powder: Provides a subtle tanginess, which helps cut through the richness of the meat and the barbecue sauce.
• Smoked Paprika: Infuses the ribs with a smoky undertone, giving them that classic BBQ flavour.
• Onion Granules: Adds a mild, savoury sweetness to complement the meat without overpowering it.
• Garlic Granules: Elevates the flavour profile, offering a rich, aromatic backdrop to the other spices.
• Freshly-ground Black Pepper: Brings heat and depth, adding to the overall complexity of the rub.
• Cayenne Pepper (Optional): A pinch of cayenne adds a subtle kick of heat, giving the ribs a balanced spice.
  

Dry Rub: The Key to Perfect BBQ Ribs

The secret to creating flavour-packed BBQ Ribs lies in the dry rub. This mixture of spices works as a marinade that infuses the meat with a depth of flavour. It then permeates the ribs as they cook. Unlike marinades that sit on top of the meat, dry rubs are massaged into the ribs. This allows the flavours to soak into every nook and cranny.

The brown sugar in the dry rub helps to caramelise the surface of the ribs. This enhances the final barbecue glaze, adding a subtle sweetness. The smoked paprika provides that signature smoky BBQ flavour, even if you’re not grilling the ribs over an open flame. Mustard powder and cayenne pepper work to add layers of subtle spice, cutting through the richness of the meat and balancing the overall taste.

The dry rub also serves a functional purpose. By coating the ribs in this seasoning blend, you create a barrier that traps moisture inside the meat. This helps to lock in the flavours while preventing the ribs from drying out during the long cooking process. The result is a flavour-packed, tender piece of meat that’s as juicy as it is delicious.

Slow and Steady

Though grilling BBQ Ribs over a smoky flame is often the go-to method, cooking them in the oven is just as effective and requires much less attention. By baking the ribs at a low temperature for several hours, you ensure they become incredibly tender without losing any of their natural moisture. The slow cooking process breaks down the collagen in the meat, turning the ribs into a melt-in-your-mouth treat.

Start by wrapping the seasoned ribs tightly in greaseproof paper and foil. This method locks in moisture and ensures that the meat stews in its own juices, making it tender and flavourful. Bake the ribs at a low temperature of 150°C (fan 130°C) for about 2 ½ hours. During this time, the flavours from the dry rub infuse into the ribs. The slow then cooking ensures that the meat becomes fork-tender without falling apart.

Once the initial baking is done, it’s time to add the barbecue sauce. By increasing the oven temperature to 220°C, you create a high-heat environment that allows the BBQ sauce to caramelise and form a sticky, glossy finish. Baste the ribs with the sauce, and roast for an additional 10 minutes. This last step ensures that the ribs have a beautiful lacquered glaze that’s sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of sticky.

The BBQ Sauce

While the dry rub gives the BBQ Ribs a strong base flavour, it’s the barbecue sauce that truly brings the dish together. The right BBQ sauce should complement the spiciness of the dry rub and the smokiness of the paprika, while adding a contrasting sweetness that ties all the flavours together. Whether you choose a tangy vinegar-based sauce or a sweeter, molasses-heavy variety, the sauce serves as the final element that turns good ribs into great ones.

When applying the sauce, it’s essential to do so in stages. After the initial bake, baste the ribs with half of the sauce, turning them once to ensure an even coating. This helps the sauce adhere to the ribs, forming a thick, sticky glaze. Roasting the ribs uncovered at a high temperature ensures that the sauce begins to caramelise, creating a rich, shiny finish. A final coat of sauce before the last 6 to 8 minutes of roasting ensures a perfect glaze that’s thick, sticky, and absolutely delicious.

BBQ Ribs: Serving Suggestions

BBQ Ribs are undeniably the star of the meal, but they shine even brighter when paired with complementary sides. Classic options include creamy coleslaw, which offers a crunchy contrast to the tender ribs, and corn on the cob, which adds a sweet, juicy element. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the ribs, providing a refreshing contrast. For a more indulgent side, creamy mashed potatoes or a side of mac and cheese makes for a comforting and satisfying pairing.

If you’re looking for a lighter option, grilled vegetables such as peppers, zucchini, or asparagus pair well with the smoky flavours of the BBQ sauce. These sides not only complement the taste of the ribs but also offer a colourful and healthy addition to the meal.

More Rib-tastic Recipes

If you’ve got a craving for more ribs after making these BBQ Ribs, here are some more flavour-packed recipes for you to try:

• Teriyaki Ribs: Sweet, sticky and delicious! These melt-in-your mouth baby back ribs are incredibly easy to make. They’re slow-cooked until super tender then coated in a tasty homemade teriyaki sauce. 
• Chimichurri Ribs: Super tender baby back ribs slathered with a delicious, zingy chimichurri, packed with parsley, oregano, mint, chilli, garlic and lots more. An absolute flavour bomb!
• Spicy BBQ Ribs: These tasty, melt-in-your-mouth ribs are so easy to make! After being sprinkled with a flavourful dry-rub, they’re wrapped up tight and baked in the oven until fall-off-the-bone tender.

See how I make all these recipes and more over on my Instagram!