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Fall-Off-The-Bone BBQ Pork Ribs

Close-up of tender BBQ ribs coated in a glossy, dark glaze, showing the juicy meat inside.

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Learn how to make tender, smoky BBQ pork ribs at home with this easy, foolproof recipe. These ribs are coated in a flavorful dry rub and slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in a juicy, fall-off-the-bone texture and a delicious homemade BBQ sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 pounds pork spare ribs or baby back ribs
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons paprika
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs if present.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). This is your dry rub.
  4. Generously rub the spice mixture all over the ribs, ensuring they are fully coated.
  5. Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with foil.
  6. Cover the ribs tightly with foil.
  7. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and starting to pull away from the bone.
  8. Carefully remove the ribs from the oven. Increase oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
  9. Remove the foil. Brush the ribs with your favorite BBQ sauce and the apple cider vinegar mixture.
  10. Return the ribs to the oven, uncovered, for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is caramelized and slightly sticky.
  11. Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • For grilling, cook ribs indirectly at 250°F (120°C) for 3-4 hours, wrapping in foil for the last hour, then brushing with sauce and finishing over direct heat for 10-15 minutes.
  • You can prepare the dry rub ahead of time and store it in an airtight container.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper in the rub to control the spice level.
  • Experiment with different BBQ sauces to find your favorite flavor.

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