Print

Flavorful Grilled BBQ Ribs Recipe with Brown Sugar Dry Rub and Tangy Sauce

grilled bbq ribs - featured image
Print Recipe

Tender, juicy grilled ribs coated with a caramelized brown sugar dry rub and finished with a tangy BBQ sauce, perfect for backyard cookouts and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 to 3 pounds pork ribs (baby back or St. Louis style)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 tablespoon paprika (smoked or regular)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt (kosher or sea salt)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Remove the silver skin membrane from the back of the ribs if not already removed. Pat ribs dry with paper towels.
  2. In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix well to make the dry rub.
  3. Generously coat both sides of the ribs with the dry rub, pressing it into the meat. Wrap in plastic wrap or foil and let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes or refrigerate for a few hours.
  4. In a small saucepan, whisk together 1 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon mustard, 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional), 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Preheat grill for indirect heat, aiming for about 275°F (135°C).
  6. Place ribs bone-side down on the cooler side of the grill. Close lid and cook low and slow for 1.5 to 2 hours, rotating every 30 minutes for even cooking.
  7. After 1.5 hours, wrap ribs tightly in foil with a splash of apple juice or water inside. Return to grill indirect heat for another 30 minutes until tender (internal temp about 190°F / 88°C).
  8. Carefully unwrap ribs and brush tangy BBQ sauce on all sides. Place ribs over direct heat for 3-5 minutes per side to caramelize the sauce, watching closely to avoid burning.
  9. Let ribs rest for 10 minutes before slicing between bones. Serve with extra sauce on the side.

Notes

Remove the silver skin membrane for tender ribs. Apply sauce in thin layers during the last minutes of grilling to avoid burning. Use a spray bottle with water to manage flare-ups. For a smokeless version, bake wrapped ribs at 300°F for 2.5 hours and broil with sauce to caramelize.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ ribs, grilled ribs, brown sugar dry rub, tangy BBQ sauce, backyard cookout, easy ribs recipe, smoky ribs

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/flavorful-grilled-bbq-ribs-recipe-with-brown-sugar-dry-rub-and-tangy-sauce/