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Easy BBQ Ribs

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These Easy BBQ Ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender, packed with smoky flavor, and coated in a sticky, sweet, and tangy barbecue sauce. Whether you’re making them in the oven, on the grill, or in a slow cooker, this simple recipe guarantees juicy, flavorful ribs every time. Perfect for summer cookouts, game day, or a comforting weeknight meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Tender & Juicy – Slow-cooked to perfection, ensuring melt-in-your-mouth ribs.
  • Minimal Effort – Simple prep with no complicated steps.
  • Customizable – Use your favorite BBQ sauce or spice rub.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for BBQs, holidays, or an easy family dinner.
  • Works in Oven, Grill, or Slow Cooker – Choose the method that suits you best!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Pork baby back ribs or St. Louis-style ribs
  • Brown sugar
  • Paprika (smoked or regular)
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Chili powder (optional, for heat)
  • BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
  • Apple cider vinegar or apple juice (for tenderness)

Directions

this recipe

1. Prep the Ribs

  • Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs by loosening a corner with a knife and pulling it off using a paper towel.
  • Pat the ribs dry with a paper towel.

2. Season the Ribs

  • Mix brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder in a bowl.
  • Rub the seasoning all over the ribs, covering both sides. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.

3. Choose Your Cooking Method

Oven Method (Best for Tender Ribs)

  1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
  2. Place ribs on a foil-lined baking sheet and cover tightly with another sheet of foil.
  3. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours until tender.
  4. Remove from the oven, brush with BBQ sauce, and broil for 5 minutes for a caramelized finish.

Grill Method (Best for Smoky Flavor)

  1. Preheat grill to medium heat (300°F to 350°F).
  2. Wrap ribs in foil and grill for 2 hours, flipping halfway.
  3. Remove foil, brush with BBQ sauce, and grill directly over heat for 10-15 minutes, flipping and basting occasionally.

Slow Cooker Method (Easiest Hands-Off Option)

  1. Cut ribs into sections and place in the slow cooker.
  2. Add ½ cup apple juice or vinegar for extra tenderness.
  3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
  4. Transfer to a baking sheet, brush with BBQ sauce, and broil for 5 minutes for a caramelized finish.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2.5 to 8 hours (depending on method)
  • Total Time: Varies by method

Variations

  • Spicy Ribs – Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the rub.
  • Honey BBQ Ribs – Mix honey into the BBQ sauce for extra sweetness.
  • Asian-Inspired – Use a teriyaki glaze instead of BBQ sauce.
  • Dry Rub Ribs – Skip the sauce and serve with a smoky dry rub.
  • Smoked Ribs – If using a smoker, cook at 225°F for 5-6 hours with wood chips for the best flavor.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
  • Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F for 15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals.
  • Freezing: Wrap in foil, place in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

How do I make ribs more tender?

Slow cooking at low temperatures (275°F or in a slow cooker) ensures the best tenderness.

Should I remove the membrane from the ribs?

Yes! Removing the silverskin on the back of the ribs helps them absorb seasoning and cook evenly.

Can I cook ribs faster?

Yes, but they won’t be as tender. Cooking at 350°F for 1.5 hours will speed up the process, but lower and slower is best.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

Use your favorite store-bought brand or make a homemade mix with ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices.

Can I make ribs in advance?

Yes! Cook them ahead, store in the fridge, and reheat with BBQ sauce under the broiler or on the grill.

Do I need to wrap ribs in foil?

For oven and grill cooking, wrapping in foil keeps the ribs juicy and prevents drying out.

Can I use beef ribs instead of pork?

Yes, but beef ribs take longer to cook and may need 3-4 hours in the oven at 275°F.

How do I get crispy BBQ sauce on the ribs?

After cooking, broil for 5 minutes or grill over direct heat to caramelize the sauce.

Can I cook ribs without BBQ sauce?

Yes! Dry rub ribs are delicious without sauce—just serve with a side of dipping sauce if desired.

What sides go well with BBQ ribs?

Coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans, mac and cheese, roasted vegetables, or potato salad all pair well.

Conclusion

These Easy BBQ Ribs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, delivering tender, flavorful meat with a rich, smoky barbecue finish. Whether you make them in the oven, slow cooker, or grill, this foolproof recipe ensures the perfect ribs every time. Serve them up at your next cookout or cozy dinner, and enjoy a meal that’s finger-licking good!

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Easy BBQ Ribs

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2.5-3 hours (oven) / 7-8 hours (slow cooker) / 2 hours (grill)
  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking, Grilling, Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
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Description

These Easy BBQ Ribs are slow-cooked until fall-off-the-bone tender, then slathered in a smoky, tangy barbecue sauce. Whether you cook them in the oven, slow cooker, or grill, they’re simple to make and absolutely delicious!

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 racks baby back ribs (or St. Louis-style ribs)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Dry Rub:
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
For the BBQ Sauce:
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for extra sweetness)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ribs:
  1. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs by sliding a knife under it and pulling it off with a paper towel.
  2. Rub the ribs with olive oil, then coat them evenly with the dry rub, pressing it in well.
2. Cooking Methods:

Oven Method (Best for Fall-Off-the-Bone Ribs)

  1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
  2. Wrap the ribs tightly in foil and place them on a baking sheet.
  3. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours until tender.
  4. Remove from foil, brush with BBQ sauce, and broil for 5-7 minutes until caramelized.

Slow Cooker Method (Set-It-and-Forget-It)

  1. Cut the ribs into 3-4 rib sections and place them in the slow cooker.
  2. Cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours.
  3. Brush with BBQ sauce and broil for 5-7 minutes for a caramelized finish.

Grill Method (Smoky & Charred Flavor)

  1. Preheat grill to medium (350°F).
  2. Wrap ribs in foil and grill for 1.5 to 2 hours, flipping occasionally.
  3. Remove from foil, brush with BBQ sauce, and grill for 10 minutes per side, until caramelized.
3. Serve & Enjoy:

  1. Let ribs rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve with extra BBQ sauce!

Notes

  • For extra smoky flavor, add 1 teaspoon liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce.
  • Want crispy ribs? Finish on a grill or under a broiler for a charred crust.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

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