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Tender, smoky, and sweet
If your idea of comfort food includes saucy, sticky, fall-off-the-bone ribs, then you’re in for a treat. These Easy BBQ Ribs are a nostalgic blend of sweet and smoky, slow-roasted to perfection — just the way Grandma used to make them on lazy summer Sundays.
Whether you’re firing up the grill or baking indoors, this foolproof recipe guarantees flavorful ribs every single time. Grab your apron and lets bring the backyard barbecue indoors!
Why You’ll Love These Ribs
- Tender Texture: Low-and-slow cooking melts the meat right off the bone.
- Homemade Sauce: Sweet, tangy, and smoky — a secret weapon passed down through generations.
- Versatile Cooking: Grill, bake, or slow cook — your kitchen, your rules.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Dry Rub:
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Ribs:
- 2 racks baby back or St. Louis-style pork ribs
BBQ Sauce (Homemade & Legendary):
- 1 cup ketchup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp mustard (Dijon or yellow)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp chili powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
Tools You’ll Need
- Baking tray or roasting pan (if oven baking)
- Grill or smoker (optional)
- Aluminum foil
- Meat thermometer
- Basting brush
How to Make Grandma’s BBQ Ribs
1. Prep the Ribs:
Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs. Trim excess fat and pat ribs dry with paper towels.
2. Rub-a-Dub:
Mix all the dry rub ingredients and generously coat both sides of the ribs. Massage it in — don’t be shy!
3. Slow Roast or Grill:
Preheat your oven or grill to 275°F. Place ribs meat-side up on a foil-lined tray or grill grate. Cover with foil and cook low and slow for 2.5 to 3 hours, until internal temp reaches 190–205°F.
4. Sauce Time:
In the last 30 minutes, brush your homemade BBQ sauce over the ribs. Let it caramelize into a beautiful sticky glaze.
5. Rest & Serve:
Remove ribs, let them rest 10 minutes, then slice between bones. Serve with more sauce and classic sides like baked beans or creamy coleslaw.
Smoking Tips (Optional)
Use applewood chips for a gentle sweetness or hickory for bold, smoky flavor. Soak chips for 30 minutes and add them to your smoker or grill to level up your ribs.
How to Tell They’re Done
- Internal temp: 195–205°F
- Meat pulls back from bone by about ½ inch
- Tender feel: A gentle poke should give, not bounce back
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftovers in foil or store in airtight containers. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes to bring back that juicy texture.
📌 Pin It for Later!
Planning a summer cookout or Sunday dinner? Save this Easy BBQ Ribs recipe to your Pinterest board so you’ll never be far from flavor heaven.
Printable Recipe Card: Easy BBQ Ribs
Here’s a simplified, printer-friendly version you can pin or tuck into your recipe box:
Easy BBQ Ribs (Printable Recipe Card)
Ingredients:
Dry Rub:
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- Salt & pepper to taste
Ribs:
- 2 racks baby back or St. Louis-style pork ribs
BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp chili powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Remove membrane and pat ribs dry.
- Mix rub and coat ribs evenly.
- Preheat oven/grill to 275°F.
- Wrap ribs in foil and bake or grill for 2.5 to 3 hours (target internal temp 190–205°F).
- Mix and simmer BBQ sauce ingredients until thick.
- In last 30 mins, brush sauce on ribs and let it caramelize.
- Let rest 10 mins before slicing and serving.
Notes:
Perfect with baked beans, coleslaw, or cornbread. Store leftovers in fridge for 3 days. Reheat at 350°F.
