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Classic Grandpa’s Backyard BBQ Ribs

Classic Grandpa’s Backyard BBQ Ribs - featured image
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A tender, juicy, and smoky ribs recipe inspired by backyard BBQ traditions, featuring a flavorful dry rub and a sweet-tangy glaze for perfect fall-off-the-bone ribs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 racks of pork baby back ribs (about 2 to 2.5 pounds / 900 to 1100 grams each)
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce (e.g., Sweet Baby Ray’s)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Remove the silver skin membrane from the back of the ribs by sliding a knife under it and peeling it off.
  2. Lightly coat both sides of the ribs with yellow mustard to help the rub adhere.
  3. Mix all dry rub ingredients in a bowl and generously sprinkle over both sides of the ribs, pressing the rub in with your fingers.
  4. Preheat the grill for indirect heat at about 250°F (120°C). For charcoal, bank coals to one side; for gas, turn on burners on only one side. Place a drip pan filled with water on the cooler side.
  5. Place ribs meat side up on the cool side of the grill. Close the lid and cook low and slow for 2.5 to 3 hours. After about 1.5 hours, check for tenderness by gently poking with a toothpick or tongs.
  6. Wrap ribs tightly in aluminum foil and return to the grill on indirect heat for 1 hour to steam and tenderize.
  7. Remove ribs from foil and place back on the grill over direct heat. Brush BBQ glaze evenly on both sides. Grill for 10 to 15 minutes, turning once and basting again, until glaze sets and caramelizes.
  8. Let ribs rest off the heat for 10 minutes before slicing between the bones and serving.

Notes

Remove the silver skin membrane for tenderness. Cook ribs low and slow at 250°F to break down collagen. Wrap ribs in foil midway to keep moist. Apply BBQ glaze only in the last 10-15 minutes to avoid burning. Let ribs rest before slicing. For oven cooking, bake at 275°F wrapped in foil for about 3 hours, then broil with glaze.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ ribs, backyard ribs, smoked ribs, tender ribs, juicy ribs, pork ribs, barbecue, grilling, dry rub, BBQ glaze

Find it online: https://clunkcook.com/classic-grandpas-backyard-bbq-ribs-recipe-easy-tender-juicy-perfection/