Sweet and Sticky Honey Barbecue Ribs
Sweet and Sticky Honey Barbecue Ribs
Ingredients
For the Ribs
- 2 baby back ribs, racks, about 2 1/2 to 3 pounds each, membrane removed
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
For the Honey BBQ Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups ketchup
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional, for a hint of warmth
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Ribs: If not already done, remove the thin membrane from the bone-side of each rack of ribs. To do this, slide a knife under the membrane at one end, then grip it with a paper towel and pull it off. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels.
⏱️ 5 min
- 2
Make the Dry Rub: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well. Generously rub the mixture all over both sides of the ribs, pressing it gently to adhere.
⏱️ 5 min
- 3
Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 275°F. Place each rack of ribs on a large sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Wrap each rack tightly in the foil, ensuring no gaps for steam to escape. Place the wrapped ribs on a large baking sheet.
⏱️ 5 min•🌡️ 275
- 4
Slow Bake the Ribs: Bake the ribs in the preheated oven for 2 hours and 30 minutes. The low and slow cooking will make them incredibly tender.
⏱️ 150 min•🌡️ 275
- 5
Prepare the Honey BBQ Sauce: While the ribs are baking, combine all the honey BBQ sauce ingredients (ketchup, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes) in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
⏱️ 15 min
- 6
Finish the Ribs: After 2 hours and 30 minutes, carefully remove the ribs from the oven. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (or preheat your broiler). Carefully unwrap the ribs, discarding the foil and any accumulated liquid. Place the ribs directly on the baking sheet, bone-side down.
⏱️ 5 min•🌡️ 400
- 7
Baste and Caramelize: Generously brush the top side of the ribs with a thick layer of the prepared honey BBQ sauce. Return the ribs to the 400°F oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is caramelized and slightly sticky. If using a broiler, broil for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
⏱️ 20 min•🌡️ 400
- 8
Rest and Serve: Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing between the bones. Serve immediately with extra honey BBQ sauce on the side.
⏱️ 10 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Sweet and Sticky Honey Barbecue Ribs
Ingredients
For the Ribs
- 2 baby back ribs, racks, about 2 1/2 to 3 pounds each, membrane removed
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
For the Honey BBQ Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups ketchup
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional, for a hint of warmth
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Ribs: If not already done, remove the thin membrane from the bone-side of each rack of ribs. To do this, slide a knife under the membrane at one end, then grip it with a paper towel and pull it off. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels.
⏱️ 5 min - 2
Make the Dry Rub: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well. Generously rub the mixture all over both sides of the ribs, pressing it gently to adhere.
⏱️ 5 min - 3
Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 275°F. Place each rack of ribs on a large sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Wrap each rack tightly in the foil, ensuring no gaps for steam to escape. Place the wrapped ribs on a large baking sheet.
⏱️ 5 min•🌡️ 275 - 4
Slow Bake the Ribs: Bake the ribs in the preheated oven for 2 hours and 30 minutes. The low and slow cooking will make them incredibly tender.
⏱️ 150 min•🌡️ 275 - 5
Prepare the Honey BBQ Sauce: While the ribs are baking, combine all the honey BBQ sauce ingredients (ketchup, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes) in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
⏱️ 15 min - 6
Finish the Ribs: After 2 hours and 30 minutes, carefully remove the ribs from the oven. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (or preheat your broiler). Carefully unwrap the ribs, discarding the foil and any accumulated liquid. Place the ribs directly on the baking sheet, bone-side down.
⏱️ 5 min•🌡️ 400 - 7
Baste and Caramelize: Generously brush the top side of the ribs with a thick layer of the prepared honey BBQ sauce. Return the ribs to the 400°F oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is caramelized and slightly sticky. If using a broiler, broil for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
⏱️ 20 min•🌡️ 400 - 8
Rest and Serve: Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing between the bones. Serve immediately with extra honey BBQ sauce on the side.
⏱️ 10 min