Tender BBQ Grilled Ribs with Homemade Sauce for Summer

There’s something incredibly satisfying about sinking your teeth into tender, juicy BBQ ribs with a rich, smoky flavor. Grilled BBQ ribs are a quintessential summer treat, perfect for backyard barbecues, family gatherings, or just a weekend feast. This recipe will guide you through making easy, tender BBQ grilled ribs with a homemade sauce that’s both tangy and sweet. The key to succulent ribs is a combination of slow cooking and grilling, which results in meat that falls off the bone with a delicious caramelized exterior.

In this recipe, you’ll learn how to prepare ribs that are seasoned with a blend of spices, cooked to tender perfection, and then coated with a flavorful BBQ sauce. The homemade BBQ sauce adds a personal touch to the dish, enhancing the flavor of the ribs with its perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and smokiness. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe ensures that you can achieve BBQ ribs that are sure to impress.

Ingredients for Tender BBQ Grilled Ribs

• 2 racks of pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup honey

For Homemade BBQ Sauce (Optional):

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

How to Make Tender BBQ Grilled Ribs

1. Prepare the Ribs:

• Start by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs if it hasn’t already been removed by your butcher. This thin layer can be tough and chewy. Use a paper towel to get a firm grip on the membrane and pull it off gently.

1. Season the Ribs:

• In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Rub the spice mixture generously over both sides of the ribs. Let the ribs sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the seasoning to penetrate the meat.

1. Cook the Ribs:

• Preheat your grill to a medium-low heat, around 275°F (135°C). If you’re using a charcoal grill, set it up for indirect cooking by placing the coals on one side of the grill and leaving the other side empty. For a gas grill, simply turn on one side of the burners and leave the other side off.

1. Indirect Grilling:

• Place the ribs bone-side down on the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat). Close the lid and cook the ribs for about 2.5 to 3 hours. The low and slow cooking method will help to make the ribs tender.

1. Prepare the BBQ Sauce:

• While the ribs are cooking, you can prepare the BBQ sauce. In a saucepan, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thickened and well combined, about 10-15 minutes. Set aside.

1. Glaze the Ribs:

• After the initial cooking time, brush a layer of BBQ sauce onto the ribs. You can also mix apple cider vinegar and honey with the BBQ sauce for an extra layer of flavor. Continue cooking the ribs for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, occasionally basting with more BBQ sauce and turning the ribs to ensure even caramelization.

1. Finish on the Grill:

• For a crispy exterior, increase the grill heat to medium-high for the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. Flip the ribs occasionally and brush with more BBQ sauce until the ribs are caramelized and the sauce is sticky.

1. Rest and Serve:

• Once the ribs are done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for about 10 minutes before cutting. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, making the meat even more tender. Cut the ribs between the bones and serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

About the Main Ingredients

• Pork Ribs: The star of the dish, pork ribs, come in two main types: baby back ribs and spare ribs. Baby back ribs are smaller, more tender, and generally more expensive, while spare ribs are larger and have more meat but are also a bit fattier. Both types are suitable for BBQ.
• Spices and Seasonings: A blend of brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper creates a flavorful rub that enhances the taste of the ribs. Cayenne pepper adds a touch of heat if desired.
• BBQ Sauce: Whether you choose a store-bought sauce or make your own, BBQ sauce is essential for adding flavor and creating a sticky glaze. A homemade sauce allows for customization and adds a personal touch to your ribs.
• Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey: These ingredients add a tangy and sweet dimension to the BBQ sauce. The vinegar cuts through the richness of the meat, while honey provides a caramelized finish.
• Grilling: The indirect grilling method ensures that the ribs cook slowly and evenly, making them tender and juicy. The final high-heat grilling step adds a crispy texture and enhances the caramelization of the sauce.

With this recipe, you’ll be able to prepare BBQ ribs that are tender, flavorful, and perfect for any summer gathering. Enjoy the smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors of these grilled ribs, and make your next barbecue memorable!