Ribs Recipe – Clara quick dinners

Ribs are a classic, flavorful dish that can be cooked in the oven, slow cooker, or on the grill for mouthwatering, fall-off-the-bone goodness. Whether you love smoky barbecue ribs or a sweet and tangy glaze, this recipe delivers tender, juicy ribs with bold flavors that will impress at any gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fall-Off-the-Bone Tender – Slow cooking ensures juicy, flavorful ribs.
• Easy to Make – Minimal prep with maximum flavor.
• Versatile Cooking Methods – Choose oven, grill, or slow cooker.
• Bold & Smoky Flavors – Perfectly seasoned and sauced for a BBQ-style taste.
• Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for backyard cookouts, family dinners, or game day!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Ribs:

• 2 racks of baby back ribs (or spare ribs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar (for tenderizing, optional)

For the Dry Rub:

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon paprika (smoked or regular)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• ½ teaspoon ground mustard

For the BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup barbecue sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon liquid smoke (for extra smokiness, optional)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Ribs

1. Remove the Membrane – Use a knife to loosen the membrane on the back of the ribs and pull it off for better texture.
2. Season with Vinegar – Brush apple cider vinegar on the ribs to help tenderize the meat.
3. Apply the Dry Rub – Coat both sides of the ribs with olive oil, then generously rub in the dry seasoning mix. Let sit for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Choose Your Cooking Method

Oven Method (Best for Tender, Juicy Ribs)

1. Preheat Oven – Set to 300°F (150°C).
2. Wrap & Bake – Wrap ribs in foil and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours until tender.
3. Add BBQ Sauce & Broil – Unwrap, brush with BBQ sauce, and broil for 5-7 minutes for a caramelized finish.

Grill Method (For a Smoky BBQ Taste)

1. Preheat Grill – Heat to medium-low (275°F to 300°F) for slow cooking.
2. Grill with Indirect Heat – Place ribs on indirect heat and cover. Cook for 2.5 to 3 hours, flipping halfway.
3. Sauce & Sear – Brush with BBQ sauce and grill over direct heat for 5 minutes per side.

Slow Cooker Method (Set & Forget)

1. Arrange in Slow Cooker – Cut ribs into sections and place in a slow cooker with ½ cup of BBQ sauce.
2. Cook on Low – Set to low for 6-8 hours (or high for 4-5 hours).
3. Broil or Grill for a Finish – Brush with extra sauce and broil or grill for 5 minutes to crisp up the edges.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2.5 – 3 hours (depending on method)
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes

Variations

• Sweet & Spicy Ribs: Add extra honey and cayenne for a sweet heat glaze.
• Asian-Style Ribs: Use hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and ginger for an umami twist.
• Memphis Dry Ribs: Skip the sauce and use a dry rub for a smoky, spice-forward taste.
• Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs: Mix honey, soy sauce, and garlic for a sticky-sweet glaze.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F for 20 minutes, covered with foil, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals.

FAQs

What’s the best type of ribs to use?

Baby back ribs are tender and cook faster, while spare ribs are meatier with more fat for extra flavor.

How do I get a crispy, caramelized finish?

Broil or grill after baking to get a sticky, charred crust.

Can I cook ribs faster?

Yes! Pressure cook ribs in an Instant Pot on high for 25 minutes, then broil with BBQ sauce.

How do I make ribs fall-off-the-bone tender?

Low and slow cooking (275°F – 300°F) ensures tender ribs.

Can I marinate ribs overnight?

Yes! Let the dry rub sit overnight for deeper flavor.

How do I prevent ribs from drying out?

Cooking low and slow, wrapping in foil, and basting with BBQ sauce helps retain moisture.

What’s the best wood for smoking ribs?

Hickory, applewood, and mesquite add great smoky flavors.

Can I make ribs without a grill or oven?

Yes! The slow cooker or Instant Pot method works just as well.

What are good side dishes for ribs?

Coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, mac & cheese, or potato salad pair perfectly.

How do I make ribs healthier?

Use a homemade BBQ sauce with less sugar and choose leaner cuts like baby back ribs.

Conclusion

Ribs are the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish, delivering bold flavors, juicy meat, and a smoky, caramelized finish. Whether baked, grilled, or slow-cooked, this easy-to-follow recipe ensures perfect ribs every time. Try them today and enjoy fall-off-the-bone deliciousness!

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