Sticky Sweet BBQ Ribs

Barbecue ribs have carved out a cherished place in culinary culture, celebrated across the globe for their rich flavors and tender meat. Whether at a backyard cookout, a family gathering, or a festive holiday meal, ribs evoke a sense of warmth and togetherness. Their appeal lies not only in the delicious taste but also in the social experience they create, bringing people together over shared plates and laughter. Among the myriad of rib recipes, the Sticky Sweet BBQ Ribs stand out for their perfect harmony of sweetness and savory notes, making them an ideal dish for any occasion.

Indulge in the mouthwatering delight of Sticky Sweet BBQ Ribs, a perfect dish for any gathering! These tender ribs are renowned for their combination of sweet and savory flavors, elevated by a sticky glaze made from brown sugar, honey, and spices. Ideal for backyard cookouts or family dinners, they are sure to be the highlight of the meal. Discover the art of marinating and baking for tender results, and finish with a quick grill for a caramelized crust. Serve them creatively alongside coleslaw or cornbread for a truly memorable experience. Enjoy the deliciousness and the joy of sharing!

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Ingredients

2 racks of baby back ribs

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup honey

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup ketchup

2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp ground black pepper

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)

1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening, optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Ribs: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for better flavor and tenderness. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels.

Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. Set aside a cup of this marinade for later use.

Marinate the Ribs: Rub the remaining marinade all over the ribs, making sure to coat both sides. Place the ribs in a large zip-top bag, seal it tightly, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for maximum flavor).

Bake the Ribs: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Remove the ribs from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and place them on the wire rack. Bake in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours until the ribs are tender.

Create the Glaze: While the ribs are baking, pour the reserved marinade into a saucepan. If you prefer a thicker glaze, mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry and add it to the sauce. Bring the marinade to a simmer over medium heat and let it reduce for about 10-15 minutes, until it thickens slightly.

Finish on the Grill: Once the ribs are tender, remove them from the oven. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Brush the glaze over the ribs as you transfer them to the grill. Grill for about 5-7 minutes on each side, basting with the glaze, until you have a nice caramelized finish.

Serve: Remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. Cut between the bones to serve and drizzle any remaining glaze over the top.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 3 hours | 4-6 servings