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For the Dry Rub:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (for sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons paprika (adds depth and color)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (adds a smoky flavor)
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard (for tanginess)
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
For the Sticky BBQ Sauce:
- 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce (use your favorite store-bought brand or homemade)
- 1/4 cup honey (adds stickiness and sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (for tang)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for depth of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a touch of sharpness)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sticky BBQ Ribs
1. Prep the Ribs:
- Remove the membrane: Before seasoning your ribs, you’ll need to remove the thin membrane on the back of the ribs. This membrane can become tough when cooked, so it’s best to remove it for a more tender result. Simply use a butter knife to loosen the membrane at one end of the rack and then peel it off.
- Rinse and dry: Rinse the ribs under cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels. This ensures the seasoning will stick properly.
- Rub with olive oil: Lightly coat the ribs with olive oil to help the dry rub adhere to the meat.
2. Apply the Dry Rub:
- In a small bowl, mix together all the dry rub ingredients: brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, mustard powder, and cayenne (if using).
- Season the ribs generously with the dry rub, making sure both sides are coated evenly. Press the rub into the meat to help it stick.
- Let the ribs sit for about 15 minutes to allow the rub to absorb into the meat. If you have extra time, you can wrap the ribs in plastic wrap and refrigerate them for up to 2 hours for even more flavor.
3. Cook the Ribs (Oven or Grill Method):
Oven Method (Slow-Cooking for Tender Ribs):
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with foil. For extra tender ribs, cover them with aluminum foil to create a steam effect.
- Bake the ribs in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours. This slow-cooking method ensures the ribs become tender and juicy. After 2 hours, you can check the ribs for doneness. The meat should be pulling away from the bones slightly but not falling off completely.
Grill Method (For a Smoky Flavor):
- Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350°F).
- Set up the grill for indirect heat by turning on one side of the burners and leaving the other side off.
- Place the ribs on the cooler side of the grill and cover with the lid. Grill for about 2 hours, turning the ribs every 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- If you want a smokier flavor, you can add a handful of soaked wood chips to the grill.
4. Prepare the Sticky BBQ Sauce:
- While the ribs are cooking, you can prepare the BBQ sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard (if using).
- Simmer the sauce over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
5. Glaze the Ribs:
- Once the ribs are cooked and tender, it’s time to add that sticky, sweet glaze.
- Brush the BBQ sauce generously onto the ribs, coating both sides. Be sure to reserve some of the sauce for serving.
- Grill the ribs for another 5-10 minutes (if using the grill) or place them under the broiler for 3-5 minutes to get that caramelized, sticky finish. Keep an eye on the ribs to avoid burning.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the ribs are coated in the BBQ sauce and caramelized to perfection, remove them from the grill or oven.
- Let them rest for a few minutes before slicing them into individual ribs.
- Serve the sticky BBQ ribs with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping, and enjoy with your favorite sides like coleslaw, grilled vegetables, or cornbread.
Tips for the Perfect Sticky BBQ Ribs
- Low and Slow Cooking: Whether you’re baking or grilling, cooking the ribs low and slow is key to getting them tender and juicy. Don’t rush the process!
- Caramelize the Sauce: For that sticky, mouthwatering glaze, be sure to brush the ribs with the BBQ sauce towards the end of cooking and allow it to caramelize slightly.
- Rest the Ribs: Let the ribs rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute and makes the meat even more tender.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you like your ribs spicier, feel free to increase the cayenne pepper or add a touch of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for an extra kick.
- Cutting the Ribs: When slicing the ribs, use a sharp knife or kitchen shears for clean cuts. This will make serving easier and neater.
Conclusion: A BBQ Favorite Everyone Will Love
This Sticky BBQ Ribs Recipe is perfect for those who love a combination of smoky, savory, and sweet flavors. The slow-cooked ribs are tender, juicy, and fall off the bone, while the sticky BBQ sauce gives them the perfect glossy finish that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re grilling in the summer or baking in the oven during the colder months, these ribs will never disappoint.
Serve them at your next gathering, and watch as everyone digs in, licking their fingers and asking for more. The recipe is simple, but the flavor is anything but—these ribs are sure to become your new go-to BBQ dish.
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