American BBQ ribs are a slow-cooked favorite, prized for tender meat, smoky spice, caramelized sauce, and charred edges.
A low oven makes the ribs tender before a final hot glaze creates the sticky finish associated with backyard barbecue.
Remove the membrane from the bone side so the rub can season the meat and the ribs become easier to slice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with creamy coleslaw, cornbread, pickles, and baked beans.
Recipe Notes
The ribs can be cooked one day ahead and chilled. Reheat covered, then glaze and broil just before serving.
American BBQ Ribs with Homemade Sauce
Tender pork ribs with a smoky spice rub, sticky homemade barbecue sauce, coleslaw, cornbread, and pickles.
Equipment
- Large sheet pan
- Foil
- Small saucepan
- Pastry brush
- Tongs
Ingredients
Ribs and rub
- 3 lb baby back pork ribs membrane removed
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Sauce and sides
- 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce homemade or favorite bottled sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup water for the pan
- 3 cups prepared coleslaw
- 6 pieces cornbread for serving
- 1 cup dill pickles for serving
Instructions
Season and bake:
- Heat the oven to 275°F (135°C). Combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the ribs all over with the spice mixture. Place them on a foil-lined sheet pan, add the water and vinegar, cover tightly, and bake for 2 1/2 hours.
Glaze:
- Warm the barbecue sauce in a saucepan. Remove the foil and brush the ribs generously with sauce.
- Increase the oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, brushing once more, until glossy and caramelized.
Serve:
- Rest the ribs for 10 minutes, slice between the bones, and serve with coleslaw, cornbread, and pickles.
Notes
- For extra char, finish the sauced ribs under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Let the ribs rest before slicing to keep the meat juicy.
Nutrition
Calories: 690kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 42gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 135mgSodium: 1180mgFiber: 3gSugar: 31g