American BBQ Ribs

American BBQ Ribs are tender, slow-cooked pork ribs coated in a rich, smoky, and slightly sweet barbecue sauce. The meat falls off the bone and is finished with a sticky glaze, perfect for grilling or oven-baking. Served with classic sides like coleslaw or fries, they’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser for summer gatherings.

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 2 30

Total Time 2 45

Servings People

Ingredients

For the Ribs:

For the BBQ Sauce:

Instructions

Prepare the Ribs:

Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).
Peel off the thin membrane from the back of the ribs (this helps them stay tender).
Mix the paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper in a small bowl.
2 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, salt, black pepper
Rub the spice mix generously all over the ribs, both sides.
1.5 kg pork baby back ribs

Slow Cook the Ribs:

Place the ribs on a baking tray lined with foil. Cover tightly with another sheet of foil.
Bake in the oven for 2 hours, until tender and nearly falling off the bone.

Make the BBQ Sauce:

While the ribs cook, mix all the BBQ sauce ingredients in a saucepan.
200 ml tomato ketchup, 3 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 pinch chilli flakes
Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and glossy. Set aside.

Glaze and Finish the Ribs:

After 2 hours, remove the ribs from the oven and discard the top layer of foil.
Brush the ribs generously with the BBQ sauce.

Either:

Oven Option: Return to the oven uncovered for 15-20 minutes, basting with more sauce halfway through.
Grill/BBQ Option: Transfer ribs to a hot grill and cook for 5-10 minutes, turning and basting often until caramelised and slightly charred.

Notes

Quick Tips for your American BBQ Ribs:

✅ For extra smoky flavour, add liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce or cook over wood chips on the grill.
✅ Ribs can be cooked ahead and glazed right before serving for stress-free entertaining.

Nutrition