Description
These tender, juicy pork ribs are coated in a flavorful, spicy barbecue rub and slow-cooked to perfection. Paired with a homemade barbecue sauce made from apple cider vinegar, ketchup, molasses, and a kick of heat, this recipe is sure to impress at your next barbecue!
Ingredients
For the Barbecue Rub:
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2.5 tsp paprika powder
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2 tsp garlic powder (or substitute with onion powder)
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1.5 tsp onion powder (or substitute with garlic powder)
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1 tsp cayenne pepper (omit for a milder version)
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1.5 tsp dried thyme
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1.5 tsp dried oregano
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1.5 tsp salt
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0.5 tsp black pepper
For the Ribs:
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2 – 2.5 kg (4 – 5 lb) pork ribs (2 racks)
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¾ cup sweet alcoholic apple cider (hard cider), or apple juice
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1 tbsp olive oil
For the Homemade Barbecue Sauce:
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½ cup apple cider vinegar
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1 ½ cups tomato ketchup (or Aussie tomato sauce)
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½ cup water (or use the remaining apple cider)
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1 ½ tbsp molasses (original, not blackstrap)
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⅓ cup brown sugar
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2 tsp mustard powder
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1 ½ tsp garlic powder
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2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp salt
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1 tsp black pepper
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1 tsp Tabasco or cayenne pepper (optional, for spiciness)
Instructions
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Prepare the Ribs:
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs if necessary, and pat them dry with paper towels. Rub the olive oil over both sides of the ribs. -
Make the Barbecue Rub:
In a small bowl, mix together all the spices for the barbecue rub (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper). Rub this mixture generously over both sides of the ribs, ensuring they are evenly coated. Set aside. -
Cook the Ribs:
Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Pour the apple cider (or apple juice) into the bottom of the pan, and cover the ribs tightly with another sheet of foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours until the ribs are tender and cooked through. -
Make the Barbecue Sauce:
While the ribs are cooking, prepare the homemade barbecue sauce. In a saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, tomato ketchup, water (or apple cider), molasses, brown sugar, mustard powder, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and Tabasco (or cayenne pepper, if using).
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Set aside. -
Grill the Ribs:
Once the ribs are cooked, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Transfer the ribs to the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, brushing them with the homemade barbecue sauce as they cook. Be sure to watch them closely to avoid burning. - Serve:
Once the ribs are nicely charred and coated with the sauce, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before cutting. Serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side.
Notes
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If you don’t have apple cider or prefer a non-alcoholic option, apple juice works just as well.
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The homemade barbecue sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- For a slightly smokier flavor, try adding smoked paprika to the rub.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking, Grilling
- Cuisine: American