The BBQ Ribs are a classic crowd-pleaser, slow-cooked to achieve tender, fall-off-the-bone perfection, and smothered in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce that delivers bold flavor with every bite.
Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or a family gathering, these ribs are sure to be a hit. The low and slow cooking method ensures the meat stays juicy and soft, while the rich barbecue sauce adds that perfect balance of sweetness, smokiness, and tang.
BBQ ribs have deep roots in American culinary tradition, particularly in Southern cooking. Slow-cooked meats, including ribs, became popular in the 19th century, especially in barbecue joints across the South. Different regions developed their own barbecue styles—whether it’s the sweet, tomato-based sauce of Kansas City, the mustard-based sauce of South Carolina, or the vinegar tang of North Carolina barbecue. Regardless of style, the goal has always been the same: tender, flavorful ribs that practically melt in your mouth.
The process of slow-cooking ribs, either on the grill, in the oven, or in a smoker, allows the connective tissues to break down, making the meat incredibly tender. The final step of brushing on a rich, tangy barbecue sauce and letting it caramelize adds that sticky, flavorful finish that makes these ribs irresistible.
If you’re craving more barbecue goodness, don’t miss out on the BBQ Beef Burger: How to Make The Best Smoky and Flavorful Burger, which brings together smoky flavors in a juicy burger perfect for any grill session.
Grilling enthusiasts know that patience and proper technique are essential to achieve the best results, making the slow-cooking process vital for creating perfectly tender ribs.
A fun fact is that barbecue competitions in the U.S. are taken very seriously, with rib competitions being a major category. From local cookouts to national events, perfecting the art of BBQ ribs is a culinary passion for many.
BBQ Ribs: How to Cook Tender, Fall-Off-the-Bone, Ultimate Perfection
These BBQ Ribs are slow-cooked to perfection, then smothered in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. Tender and flavorful, they’re a hit at any gathering, especially during summer cookouts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
Season the ribs: In a bowl, mix the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
Rub this mixture all over the ribs.
- Cook the ribs: Wrap the ribs tightly in foil and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until tender.
- Brush with BBQ sauce: Remove the ribs from the oven, unwrap them, and brush generously with barbecue sauce. Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and return the ribs to the oven for another 10 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
- Serve: Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
Note
Grill option: You can finish the ribs on a grill for extra smoky flavor.
Barbecue sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce, or make your own for a personalized touch.