Tender smoky glazed ribs (Print Version)

Juicy ribs slow-cooked and glazed with smoky barbecue sauce, ideal for gatherings.

# Ingredients List:

→ Ribs

01 - 3 to 4 pounds pork or beef ribs
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Dry Rub

03 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
04 - 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
07 - 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
08 - 1 teaspoon salt
09 - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

→ Barbecue Sauce

10 - 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
11 - 2 tablespoons honey
12 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 300°F. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil.
02 - Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs if present, then pat dry with paper towels.
03 - Rub olive oil evenly over the ribs. Combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper in a bowl, then coat the ribs thoroughly with the mixture.
04 - Place ribs meat side up on the prepared baking sheet. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 2 to 2½ hours until tender and the meat pulls away from the bones.
05 - While ribs bake, whisk barbecue sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar together in a bowl.
06 - Remove ribs from oven and increase oven temperature to 425°F or preheat grill to medium-high heat. Brush ribs generously with the barbecue sauce mixture.
07 - Return ribs uncovered to the oven or place on grill and cook 10 to 15 minutes, basting once, until the glaze is sticky and caramelized.
08 - Allow ribs to rest for 5 minutes. Slice between bones and serve with additional sauce if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The meat literally falls off the bone without needing any fancy restaurant equipment or overnight prep
  • That homemade dry rub creates layers of flavor store-bought ribs never achieve
02 -
  • That membrane on the back absolutely must be removed or the rub cannot penetrate properly
  • The honey in the glaze burns fast, so watch closely during those final ten minutes
03 -
  • A sharp knife makes slicing between bones so much cleaner and less messy
  • Wrap the foil packet tightly during the initial cook so no steam escapes
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