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Tender Fall-Off-the-Bone BBQ Ribs Recipe

tender fall-off-the-bone BBQ ribs recipe - featured image

A simple and foolproof recipe for tender, juicy BBQ ribs that fall off the bone, using pantry staples and a slow-cook then grill method for perfect smoky flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 23 pounds pork ribs (baby back or St. Louis style)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (50 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons paprika (smoked paprika optional)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (60 ml)
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (240 ml), store-bought or homemade
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Optional: a few drops liquid smoke
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs using a sharp knife and paper towel for grip.
  2. Combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl to make the dry rub.
  3. Rub olive oil all over the ribs, then apply the dry rub generously on both sides, pressing it in.
  4. Place ribs on a wire rack inside a foil-lined baking sheet and cover tightly with aluminum foil.
  5. Bake in a preheated oven at 275°F (135°C) for 2.5 to 3 hours to slow cook.
  6. Remove ribs from oven, discard foil, and brush a generous layer of BBQ sauce over the ribs.
  7. Preheat grill to medium-high heat and grill ribs for 5-7 minutes per side, brushing with more sauce as you turn, to caramelize and char slightly.
  8. Let ribs rest for 5 minutes before slicing between the bones and serving.

Notes

Remove the membrane for tenderness. Cook low and slow at 275°F to break down connective tissue. Wrap ribs tightly in foil to trap moisture. Finish on grill for smoky char. Avoid applying BBQ sauce too early to prevent burning. Rest ribs before serving. For indoor smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the sauce. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ ribs, fall-off-the-bone ribs, easy ribs recipe, slow cooked ribs, grilled ribs, homemade BBQ sauce, pork ribs