Summer is here, and it’s time to fire up the grill! There’s nothing like the sweet, tangy flavor of BBQ ribs on a warm day. Whether you’re a classic BBQ enthusiast or looking to try something new and adventurous, we’ve got you covered with these 20 finger-licking BBQ ribs recipes.
From traditional St. Louis-style dry rub ribs to innovative glazes and marinades, our collection of recipes is sure to satisfy any BBQ craving. So grab your apron, preheat that grill, and get ready to impress your friends and family with the most tender, juicy, and flavorful ribs they’ve ever tasted.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey around the world, exploring different regional styles and flavor profiles that will add some excitement to your summer grilling. From spicy Korean gochujang glaze to sweet and tangy Carolina mustard BBQ, every recipe is a mouth-watering reason to fire up the grill and get ready for a summer of deliciousness.
Classic St. Louis BBQ Ribs with Homemade Dry Rub
Experience the authentic taste of St. Louis-style BBQ with this recipe for fall-off-the-bone tender ribs smothered in a rich, sweet, and tangy dry rub.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks pork ribs (about 4 pounds)
– 1/4 cup homemade dry rub (recipe below)
– 1 cup barbecue sauce
– Wood chips or chunks for smoking (optional)
Homemade Dry Rub Recipe:
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup smoked paprika
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 2 tablespoons garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. Remove membrane from back of ribs.
3. Apply homemade dry rub evenly, making sure to coat all surfaces.
4. Place ribs on a large baking sheet or two smaller sheets lined with aluminum foil.
5. Smoke or bake for 2-1/2 hours, or until tender and caramelized.
6. Brush with barbecue sauce during last 10 minutes of cooking.
7. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Slow-Cooked Honey Garlic BBQ Ribs
Get ready for fall-off-the-bone tender ribs smothered in a sweet and tangy honey garlic BBQ sauce. This slow-cooked recipe is perfect for a weekend gathering or a casual dinner with friends.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of pork ribs (about 4 pounds)
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. In a small bowl, mix together honey, garlic, and 1 tablespoon of the ketchup.
3. Season the ribs with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
4. Place the ribs in the slow cooker and pour the honey-garlic mixture over them.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together remaining ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and salt.
6. Pour the BBQ sauce over the ribs during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
7. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Spicy Sriracha and Brown Sugar Glazed Ribs
Get ready to fall in love with the perfect balance of sweet and spicy in these mouthwatering ribs. This recipe combines the richness of brown sugar with the bold flavor of sriracha, resulting in a glaze that will elevate your barbecue game.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds pork ribs
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 3 tablespoons sriracha sauce
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, sriracha sauce, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper.
3. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and place them on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
4. Brush the glaze all over the ribs, making sure to coat evenly.
5. Bake for 2 hours or until the meat is tender and caramelized.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Smoky Applewood Bacon-Wrapped BBQ Ribs
Get ready to fall off the bone with these tender and flavorful ribs, smothered in a tangy BBQ sauce and wrapped in crispy applewood bacon.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of pork ribs (about 4 pounds)
– 6 slices of applewood-smoked bacon
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Wrap each rack of ribs with 3 slices of applewood bacon, securing with toothpicks if needed.
4. Place the wrapped ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, leaving some space between each rack.
5. Brush the ribs with BBQ sauce and sprinkle with the sugar-paprika mixture.
6. Bake for 2 hours or until tender.
7. Finish with an additional 10-15 minutes of broiling to crisp the bacon.
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 10-15 minutes
Tangy Carolina Mustard BBQ Ribs
Get ready to fall in love with these tender and tangy ribs slathered in a sweet and spicy Carolina-style mustard BBQ sauce. This recipe is perfect for a casual gathering or game-day celebration.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of pork ribs
– 1/4 cup Carolina-style mustard (such as Duke’s)
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. Season ribs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Place ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, bone-side down.
4. Bake for 2 hours or until tender.
5. Meanwhile, mix together mustard, honey, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and salt in a bowl.
6. Remove ribs from oven and slather with the BBQ sauce mixture.
7. Return ribs to oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until caramelized.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes
Korean Gochujang Glazed BBQ Ribs
Experience the bold flavors of Korea with these sweet and spicy Gochujang Glazed BBQ Ribs. A perfect blend of Asian-inspired spices and classic American-style barbecue, this recipe is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks pork ribs
– 1/4 cup Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together Gochujang, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, vegetable oil, garlic, and ginger.
3. Remove membrane from ribs and place in a large baking dish. Brush both sides with the glaze mixture.
4. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours.
5. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until ribs are caramelized and tender.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Bourbon Peach BBQ Ribs with Fresh Herbs
Savor the rich flavors of bourbon-infused peaches and fresh herbs, perfectly balanced to complement the tender goodness of fall-off-the-bone ribs.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of pork ribs
– 1/4 cup Bourbon (or substitute with whiskey or dark rum)
– 1 ripe peach, diced
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh herbs: parsley, thyme, and rosemary, chopped (about 2 tbsp total)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together bourbon, peach puree, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Place ribs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the peach-bourbon mixture evenly over both racks.
4. Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs over the ribs.
5. Bake for 2 hours or until tender, flipping halfway through.
6. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Memphis-Style Dry Rub Ribs with Vinegar Mop
Get ready to fall in love with the rich, tangy flavor of Memphis-style dry rub ribs, paired with a vinegar mop that adds an extra layer of depth and tenderness. This recipe is perfect for any barbecue enthusiast looking to impress friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks pork ribs
– 1 cup dry rub (see below)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Vinegar mop (see below)
Dry Rub:
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 tablespoon paprika
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Vinegar Mop:
– 1 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1 cup water
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F (110°C).
2. Apply dry rub evenly to both racks of ribs.
3. Smoke for 4-5 hours or until tender.
4. Mix vinegar mop ingredients and brush on ribs during last 30 minutes of smoking.
5. Rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours
Pineapple Teriyaki BBQ Ribs
Succulent pork ribs smothered in a sweet and tangy pineapple teriyaki glaze, perfect for your next backyard barbecue.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of pork ribs (about 4 pounds)
– 1 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, and grated ginger until smooth.
3. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs (this will help them fall off the bone).
4. Place the ribs on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they’re nicely charred and tender.
5. During the last 10 minutes of grilling, brush the teriyaki glaze all over the ribs.
6. Remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: About 30-40 minutes total, depending on your grill temperature and the number of racks you’re cooking.
Coca-Cola Braised BBQ Ribs with Molasses Glaze
Experience the magic of Coca-Cola’s sweet and tangy flavor infused into tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs. This mouthwatering recipe combines the classic combination of BBQ ribs with a hint of molasses and a drizzle of cola.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of pork ribs (about 4 pounds)
– 1 cup Coca-Cola
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon molasses
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, combine ribs, Coca-Cola, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, molasses, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Cover the pot and braise for 2-1/2 hours or until the meat is tender and easily falls off the bone.
4. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
5. Glaze with a mixture of 1 cup BBQ sauce and 2 tablespoons Coca-Cola, reserving any remaining cola for serving (optional).
6. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Chipotle Maple BBQ Ribs with Smoked Paprika
Elevate your BBQ game with these tender, flavorful Chipotle Maple BBQ Ribs infused with the deep heat of smoked paprika. This sweet and smoky combination will become a new favorite!
Ingredients:
– 2 racks pork ribs
– 1/4 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together chipotle peppers, maple syrup, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Remove membrane from back of ribs; cut into individual portions if desired.
4. Brush the rib sides with the chipotle-maple mixture, making sure to coat evenly.
5. Place ribs on a large baking sheet lined with foil, bone side down. Bake for 2 hours or until tender and slightly caramelized.
6. Remove from oven; brush with barbecue sauce. Return to oven for an additional 10-15 minutes or until sauce is caramelized.
Cooking Time: Approximately 3 hours
Jerk-Spiced BBQ Ribs with Mango Salsa
Get ready to spice up your summer BBQs with this mouth-watering recipe that combines the bold flavors of jerk seasoning and sweet mango salsa. Perfect for a crowd, these tender ribs are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks pork ribs
– 1/4 cup jerk seasoning
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together jerk seasoning, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
3. Remove membrane from ribs and brush with jerk mixture.
4. Grill ribs for 5-7 minutes per side, or until tender.
5. Brush with BBQ sauce during last minute of grilling.
6. Meanwhile, combine mango, red onion, and jalapeño in a bowl.
7. Serve ribs with mango salsa spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Texas-Style Beef Ribs with Coffee Rub
These tender beef ribs are slathered in a rich coffee rub, giving them a deep, smoky flavor that’s perfect for any backyard BBQ or dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef back ribs
– 1/4 cup coffee rub (see below)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 cup barbecue sauce (optional)
Coffee Rub:
– 2 tablespoons ground coffee beans
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or oven to 275°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the coffee rub ingredients.
3. Remove membrane from ribs (optional).
4. Brush both sides of ribs with olive oil, then coat evenly with coffee rub.
5. Grill or bake for 2-3 hours, or until tender and caramelized.
6. If desired, brush with barbecue sauce during last 30 minutes of cooking.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Sweet and Spicy Hoisin BBQ Ribs
Sweet and Spicy Hoisin BBQ Ribs
Get ready to fall in love with these tender and flavorful ribs smothered in a sweet and spicy hoisin BBQ sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of pork ribs (about 4 pounds)
– 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-low heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
3. Remove membrane from back of ribs (optional).
4. Brush both sides of ribs with hoisin BBQ mixture.
5. Place ribs on grill, bone-side down.
6. Close lid and cook for 2-1/2 hours, or until tender.
7. Flip ribs and brush with additional hoisin BBQ mixture.
8. Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until caramelized.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours
Cherry Cola BBQ Ribs with Toasted Fennel
This recipe combines the classic flavors of BBQ ribs with a sweet and tangy twist, featuring cherry cola and toasted fennel. The result is a fall-off-the-bone tender rack with a rich, fruity glaze and a crunchy, anise-flavored topping.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of pork ribs
– 1 cup cherry cola
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 bulb fennel, thinly sliced
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together cherry cola, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove membrane from ribs and place in a large baking dish. Brush the cherry cola glaze all over the ribs.
4. Bake for 2 hours or until tender.
5. Meanwhile, toast fennel slices in a skillet with a little oil until crispy.
6. Serve ribs with toasted fennel on top.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Guinness-Braised BBQ Ribs with Stout Glaze
Transform traditional BBQ ribs into a luxurious treat by slow-cooking them in Guinness stout and finishing them with a sticky glaze. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of pork ribs
– 1 cup Guinness stout
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Stout glaze (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or braising pan, combine Guinness, brown sugar, vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the ribs and cover the pan with aluminum foil or a lid.
4. Braise for 3-1/2 hours, or until tender and falling off the bone.
5. While the ribs are cooking, prepare the stout glaze by whisking together 1/4 cup Guinness and 2 tablespoons brown sugar.
6. Remove the ribs from the oven and brush with the stout glaze.
7. Return to the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until caramelized.
Cooking Time: Approximately 3-1/2 hours (braising time) + 15-20 minutes (glazing time)
Lemon Pepper Wet BBQ Ribs with Herb Butter
Lemon Pepper Wet BBQ Ribs with Herb Butter: A sweet and tangy twist on classic BBQ ribs, this recipe combines the brightness of lemon zest with the richness of herb butter.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks pork ribs
– 1/4 cup lemon pepper seasoning
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together lemon pepper seasoning, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and olive oil.
3. Remove membrane from ribs and place in a large baking dish. Brush with the lemon pepper mixture.
4. Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours.
5. Remove foil and brush with herb butter (mix softened butter, garlic, and parsley). Return to oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
6. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Vietnamese Lemongrass and Fish Sauce BBQ Ribs
This sweet and savory recipe combines the bold flavors of lemongrass, fish sauce, and brown sugar to create a truly unique barbecue experience. Perfect for a summer cookout or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef ribs
– 1/4 cup lemongrass paste (or 2 stalks fresh lemongrass, minced)
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
– 1/4 cup beer (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together lemongrass paste, fish sauce, brown sugar, cumin, and smoked paprika.
3. Apply the spice mixture evenly to both sides of the ribs.
4. Grill ribs for 5-7 minutes per side, or until caramelized and tender.
5. Brush with barbecue sauce during the last minute of grilling.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh lemongrass leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Smoked Honey Mustard BBQ Ribs with Thyme
Elevate your BBQ game with this unique recipe that combines the richness of smoked honey, tanginess of mustard, and earthy notes of thyme.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of pork ribs
– 1/4 cup smoked honey
– 2 tbsp whole-grain mustard
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker or grill to 225°F (110°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together smoked honey, mustard, and thyme.
3. Remove ribs from packaging and season with salt and pepper.
4. Slather the honey-mustard mixture evenly onto both racks of ribs.
5. Place ribs in smoker or grill, closing lid to maintain temperature.
6. Smoke for 4-5 hours, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
7. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 4-5 hours
Pomegranate Molasses BBQ Ribs with Sumac
Experience the bold flavors of the Middle East with this unique take on classic BBQ ribs. Pomegranate molasses adds a tangy sweetness, while sumac provides a pop of citrusy freshness.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of pork ribs
– 1/4 cup pomegranate molasses
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon ground sumac
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together pomegranate molasses, olive oil, garlic, honey, and sumac.
3. Remove ribs from membrane and place in a large baking dish. Brush both sides with the pomegranate mixture.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill ribs for 2-3 hours, or until tender and caramelized.
6. Serve hot with additional sumac sprinkled on top, if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Summary
Get ready to fire up your grill this summer with these mouthwatering BBQ ribs recipes! From classic St. Louis-style ribs to spicy Sriracha and sweet bourbon peach, we’ve got 20 finger-lickin’ good options for you to try. Whether you’re in the mood for tangy Carolina mustard or smoky applewood bacon, there’s something on this list for everyone. So grab your apron and get grilling – these ribs are sure to be a hit at your next barbecue!
