How to Make the Perfect BBQ Ribs
American · Intermediate · 4 hours 15 minutes min · 4 servings

Tender, fall-off-the-bone BBQ ribs glazed with a homemade barbecue sauce.
Why this recipe works
This BBQ Ribs recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 4 hours 15 minutes minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 450 calories with 30g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 16 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 lbs pork ribs
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup ketchup
- 0.5 cup apple cider vinegar
- 0.25 cup honey
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup cornbread mix
- 1 cup sliced green onions
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ribs
Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and pat dry.
Step 2: Make the Dry Rub
Mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, cayenne, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Step 3: Rub the Ribs
Generously rub the spice mixture into the ribs.
Step 4: Prepare the BBQ Sauce
In a saucepan, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and water. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 5: Cook the Ribs
Place ribs in a preheated oven at 275°F and cook for 3 hours, basting with sauce every hour.
Step 6: Glaze the Ribs
In the last 30 minutes, brush the ribs with more sauce and increase temperature to 350°F.
Step 7: Serve
Slice and serve with green onions on top.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- Pork ribs → Beef ribs
- Honey → Maple syrup
- Ketchup → Tomato sauce
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not removing the membrane from the ribs.
- Basting too frequently, which can interfere with cooking.
- Rushing the cooking time.
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 450 calories, 30g protein, 20g carbs, 25g fat, 1g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →