Ultimate BBQ Ribs with Smoky Glaze Recipe

Recipe Overview

If there’s one dish that encapsulates the essence of summer barbecues, it’s undeniably easy BBQ ribs with smoky glaze. This crave-worthy dish hails from the Southern United States, where grilling and smoking meats is not just a culinary skill, but an art form passed down through generations. With each bite of these tender, juicy ribs coated in a rich smoky glaze, you’ll understand why this recipe has become a timeless favorite. The sweet and smoky notes of the glaze complement the savory profile of the ribs, creating a mouthwatering harmony that’s hard to resist.

This homemade BBQ ribs with smoky glaze from scratch recipe is designed to be accessible for both novice cooks and seasoned pitmasters, ensuring that perfecting these ribs is as straightforward as it is delicious. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a family gathering or just craving that indulgent backyard flavor, these BBQ ribs will surely impress. And for those looking for a plant-based twist, we’ll even touch on how to create vegan BBQ ribs with smoky glaze and keep taste buds dancing!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours (including marinating time)
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Serving Size: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

For the Ribs:

2 racks of pork spare ribs (about 4-5 pounds)
2 tablespoons of olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Smoky Glaze:

1 cup ketchup
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional, for extra smoky flavor)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Possible Ingredient Substitutions:

Use chicken ribs or beef back ribs as alternatives to pork.
Try maple syrup in place of brown sugar for a unique twist.
For a gluten-free version, ensure the Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
Substitute coconut aminos for a soy sauce alternative in the glaze.
To make it vegan, swap the pork ribs with eggplant or jackfruit in the same recipe.

Equipment List

Grill or smoker
Aluminum foil
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Basting brush
Sharp knife
Meat thermometer
Serving platter

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Ribs: Begin by removing the silver skin from the back of the ribs. This thin membrane can prevent seasonings from penetrating and make the ribs chewy. Gently slide a sharp knife under the membrane and pull it away using a paper towel for grip.
Season the Ribs: Pat the ribs dry with a paper towel. In a small bowl, mix salt and black pepper along with any other preferred spices (like cayenne pepper or BBQ rub). Rub olive oil over the ribs and then generously apply the seasoning mix, ensuring all areas are coated evenly.
Make the Smoky Glaze: In a separate mixing bowl, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and liquid smoke. Whisk until well combined. This tangy, sweet, and smoky concoction will elevate your ribs to new heights!
Marinate: For optimal flavor, let the seasoned ribs marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator, allowing those rich flavors to meld together.
Prepare the Grill or Smoker: Preheat your grill or smoker to a low temperature of 225°F (107°C). This low-and-slow technique ensures the ribs become perfectly tender.
Cook the Ribs: Place the ribs bone side down on the grill. For the best results, consider wrapping the ribs in aluminum foil after 2 hours to lock in moisture. At this stage, if you’re using a smoker, add wood chips for that extra smoky flavor. If cooking on a grill, you can set up a two-zone fire, putting the ribs on the cooler side.
Baste with Glaze: After about 3 hours of cooking, remove the foil (if used) and baste the ribs with your smoky glaze. Allow the glaze to caramelize on the ribs by cooking them uncovered for an additional 30 to 60 minutes. You’ll know they are done when the meat pulls away slightly from the bones and reaches an internal temperature of at least 190°F (88°C).
Serve: Once cooked to perfection, remove the ribs from the grill. Let them rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting. Serve the ribs with additional glaze on the side for dipping and enjoy the smoky, sweet perfection!

Special Notes

Storage: Leftover ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.

Making Ahead: The smoky glaze can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for a week, making it easy to whip up delicious ribs at a moment’s notice.

Troubleshooting: If your sauce is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water or stock until the desired consistency is achieved. For a spicier kick, feel free to include hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the glaze mixture.

Variations and Customizations

If you’re looking for dietary variations, consider making vegan BBQ ribs with smoky glaze. You can use jackfruit or smoked tofu as an alternative to pork ribs. Apply the same preparation techniques and glaze as you would for traditional ribs, ensuring it’s both tasty and suitable for your dietary needs.

For a gluten-free option, you can swap conventional Worcestershire sauce with tamari or a gluten-free version to ensure everyone can indulge in this summer feast.

Nutritional Information

This section can help guide your dietary decisions:

Calories: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving (based on average portion size before sides).
Protein: 30-35 grams
Fat: 15-20 grams
Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
Fiber: 1-2 grams

Engaging Visual Details

As you approach serving time, the sight of these ribs should be a showstopper. Picture glistening ribs, deep mahogany in color, with the smoky glaze clinging to every curve. When you pull them apart, expect to see tender meat that nearly falls off the bone, with tantalizing juices running from every slice.

The aroma wafting from the grill should be a delicious mix of sweet and smoky, beckoning friends and family to gather around. Include images that capture the stages of preparation, marinating, cooking, and the final gloriously glazed product to enhance reader engagement and make it irresistible to try!

Conclusion

Now that you have all the tools necessary to create the ultimate BBQ ribs with smoky glaze, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start grilling! This recipe will deliver a sensational flavor experience that’s perfect for any occasion, from intimate family dinners to lively summer cookouts.

Leave a comment below if you tried this recipe and let us know how it turned out! Share your version on Instagram and tag us with MyDeliciousDish, so we can see your delicious creations!