Ultimate Smoked BBQ Pork Ribs Recipe | Tender, Juicy & Easy

 

Juicy, smoky, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs coated in a sticky homemade BBQ glaze.

---

Ultimate Smoked BBQ Pork Ribs Recipe

Nothing captures the flavor of classic American barbecue quite like a tray of smoky, tender pork ribs coated in a rich, sticky barbecue glaze. Slow-cooked until the meat becomes incredibly juicy and nearly falls off the bone, these ribs are packed with bold flavors from a homemade spice rub and finished with a caramelized BBQ sauce that creates the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory.

Whether you're planning a summer cookout, weekend family dinner, football party, or holiday gathering, this Smoked BBQ Pork Ribs Recipe is guaranteed to impress everyone at the table. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you'll achieve restaurant-quality ribs right in your own kitchen or backyard smoker.

---

Ingredients

For the Ribs

• 2 racks pork baby back ribs
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Dry Rub

• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 tsp dried oregano

BBQ Glaze

• 1½ cups barbecue sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

---

Instructions

Step 1

Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs using a paper towel for better tenderness.

Step 2

Rub both sides with olive oil.

Step 3

Mix all dry rub ingredients and coat the ribs generously.

Step 4

Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil.

Step 5

Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 2½–3 hours until tender.

Step 6

Mix all BBQ glaze ingredients.

Step 7

Remove ribs from the foil and brush generously with the glaze.

Step 8

Grill or broil for 8–10 minutes, brushing with more sauce until caramelized.

Step 9

Rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Serve hot with coleslaw, baked beans, potato salad, cornbread, fries, or grilled corn.

---

Pro Tips

• Remove the membrane for extra tender ribs.
• Let the dry rub sit for at least 2 hours or overnight.
• Brush the BBQ sauce only near the end to prevent burning.
• Rest the ribs before cutting to keep them juicy.

---

Storage

• Refrigerate: Up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Up to 3 months.
• Reheat at 300°F covered with foil until warmed through.

---

Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 620
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 44g
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 890mg

---

FAQ

Can I make these ribs in the oven?
Yes. They come out tender and delicious even without a smoker.

Which ribs are best?
Baby back ribs are leaner and cook faster, while spare ribs are meatier and richer.

Can I prepare them ahead?
Yes. Bake them first, then glaze and grill just before serving.

---