Sweet and Spicy Barbecue Ribs: Tender, Fall-Off-the-Bone Perfection

Barbecue Ribs That Melt in Your Mouth

When it comes to barbecue, nothing beats fall-off-the-bone ribs coated in a homemade sweet and spicy sauce—these ribs will steal the show at your next summer cookout.

Ingredients for Barbecue Ribs

• 4 pounds pork spareribs
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• 1 cup ketchup
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• ¼ cup dark rum
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions: How to Bake and Grill Your Ribs

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and pat both sides dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Rub this spice blend all over the ribs.
4. Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and pulls away from the bone.
5. While ribs bake, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, honey, vinegar, smoked paprika, cayenne, rum, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
7. Carefully unwrap the ribs and transfer them to the grill. Brush generously with BBQ sauce, cooking 5 minutes per side, basting once more, until the sauce is sticky with perfect grill marks.
8. Remove ribs from the grill and let rest 5 minutes before cutting between the bones.

Pro Tips for Perfect Ribs

• Low and slow: Wrapping in foil locks in moisture for tender meat.
• Flavor boost: Toast spices in a dry pan before rubbing to deepen aroma.
• Don’t rush the rest: Let ribs rest to redistribute juices.

With these simple steps, your ribs will always delight dinner guests with a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors—no grill master title needed to rock your next cookout with unforgettable ribs.