Pork Ribs

By Youcipe

6 months, 4 weeks ago

Description

Recipe: Tender, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs coated in a smoky spice rub and slathered with a tangy, sweet homemade barbecue sauce! Baked to perfection with a sticky, caramelized glaze, these ribs are a flavor-packed masterpiece. Perfect for BBQs, game nights, or a hearty family feast! 😋🍖

Ingredients

For the Spice Rub:

✅ 2.5 tsp paprika powder 🌶️

✅ 2 tsp garlic powder (or onion powder) 🧄

✅ 1.5 tsp onion powder (or garlic powder) 🧅

✅ 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, omit for non-spicy) 🌶️

✅ 1.5 tsp dried thyme 🌿

✅ 1.5 tsp dried oregano 🌿

✅ 1.5 tsp salt 🧂

✅ 0.5 tsp black pepper 🧂



For the Ribs:

✅ 2–2.5 kg (4–5 lb) pork ribs (2 racks) 🍖

✅ ¾ cup sweet alcoholic apple cider (hard cider) or apple juice 🍎

✅ 1 tbsp olive oil 🫒



For the Homemade Barbecue Sauce:

✅ ½ cup apple cider vinegar 🍎

✅ 1.5 cups tomato ketchup (or Aussie tomato sauce) 🍅

✅ ½ cup water (or remaining apple cider) 💧

✅ 1.5 tbsp molasses (original, not blackstrap) 🍯

✅ ⅓ cup brown sugar 🍬

✅ 2 tsp mustard powder 🌿

✅ 1.5 tsp garlic powder 🧄

✅ 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce 🥄

✅ 1 tsp salt 🧂

✅ 1 tsp black pepper 🧂

✅ 1 tsp Tabasco or cayenne pepper (optional, for spiciness) 🌶️

Equipment

✅ Baking tray

✅ Aluminum foil

✅ Baking/parchment paper

✅ Small saucepan

✅ Brush or spoon (for basting)

✅ Tongs

Quick Steps

1️⃣ Prepare the Rub:
Combine 2.5 tsp paprika, 2 tsp garlic powder, 1.5 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp cayenne (if using), 1.5 tsp thyme, 1.5 tsp oregano, 1.5 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Rub generously onto both sides of 2 racks of pork ribs (focus on meaty side). Let marinate for 20 minutes (or overnight in the fridge).

2️⃣ Bake the Ribs:
Preheat oven to 160°C/320°F (all oven types). Place ribs on a tray, pour ¾ cup apple cider or juice underneath, cover with foil, and bake for 1 hour 30 minutes until tender.

3️⃣ Crisp the Rub:
Increase oven to 180°C/350°F. Remove foil, drizzle ribs with 1 tbsp olive oil, and bake for 15 minutes until the rub is crusty.

4️⃣ Make Barbecue Sauce:
In a saucepan, combine ½ cup apple cider vinegar, 1.5 cups ketchup, ½ cup water, 1.5 tbsp molasses, ⅓ cup brown sugar, 2 tsp mustard powder, 1.5 tsp garlic powder, 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp Tabasco (if using). Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 45 minutes until thickened. Adjust taste with sugar, salt, or vinegar.

5️⃣ Glaze the Ribs:
Line a new tray with foil and parchment paper. Transfer ribs to the new tray, pour any tray juices over them. Flip ribs (bonier side up), slather with barbecue sauce, and bake for 10 minutes. Flip to meaty side, slather with sauce, and bake for 5 minutes. Repeat glazing and baking 2-3 more times for a thick glaze.

6️⃣ Serve:
Cut ribs into individual or multi-rib portions. Serve with remaining barbecue sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy the sticky, juicy deliciousness! 😍

Tips

👉 Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 160°C/320°F until warmed through.

👉 Serving: Pair with coleslaw, cornbread, or roasted veggies for a complete meal.

👉 Substitutions: Use honey instead of molasses for a different sweetness, or swap apple cider for pineapple juice for a tropical twist.

👉 Tenderness Tip: For extra tender ribs, marinate overnight and ensure the initial bake keeps the meat moist under foil.