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Classic Dad’s Favourite Family BBQ Spread

classic dads favourite family bbq spread - featured image

A simple, hearty, and crowd-pleasing BBQ spread featuring smoky, juicy pork ribs or chicken thighs with a tangy homemade BBQ sauce and fresh side slaw. Perfect for family gatherings and casual weekend cookouts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 lbs pork ribs or chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on for best flavor)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp mustard powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 head green cabbage, finely shredded
  • 2 large carrots, grated
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh buns or crusty bread rolls
  • Pickles and sliced red onions

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork ribs or chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub olive oil evenly over the meat, then coat generously with the spice mix. Set aside.
  2. In a small saucepan, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened (about 5-7 minutes). Let cool slightly.
  3. In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage and grated carrots. In a separate small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Pour dressing over veggies and toss until evenly coated. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  4. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 350°F / 175°C). If using charcoal, let coals ash over to avoid flare-ups.
  5. Place meat on the grill skin-side down first. Turn every 5-7 minutes, basting with BBQ sauce during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) or ribs to 190°F (88°C).
  6. Remove meat from grill and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let rest for 5-10 minutes to redistribute juices.
  7. Serve the meat on a platter alongside the slaw, fresh buns, pickles, and sliced onions. Let everyone build their own BBQ plate.

Notes

Avoid applying BBQ sauce too early to prevent burning; brush it on during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Resting the meat after grilling is essential for juicy results. Use indirect heat for ribs to avoid charring. Sauce tastes better after sitting overnight. Can be adapted for vegetarian or low-carb diets.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ, barbecue, ribs, chicken thighs, family recipe, grill, summer cookout, homemade BBQ sauce, coleslaw, easy BBQ