Oven Pork Ribs with Barbecue Sauce

Oven Pork Ribs with Barbecue Sauce

The ribs are generously seasoned with a homemade spice rub, then cooked low and slow until tender and juicy.

BARBECUE RUB FOR RIBS:

▢2.5 tsp paprika powder

▢2 tsp garlic powder (sub with onion powder)

▢1.5 tsp onion powder (sub with garlic powder)

▢1 tsp cayenne pepper (omit for not spicy)

▢1.5 tsp dried thyme

▢1.5 tsp dried oregano

▢1.5 tsp salt

▢0.5 tsp black pepper

RIBS

▢2 – 2.5kg / 4 – 5lb pork ribs (2 racks)

▢3/4 cup sweet alcoholic apple cider (hard cider) , or apple juice (Note 2)

▢1 tbsp olive oil

HOMEMADE BARBECUE SAUCE

▢1/2 cup apple cider vinegar (Note 3)

▢1 1/2 cups tomato ketchup (or Aussie tomato sauce)

▢1/2 cup water (or use remaining apple cider!)

▢1 1/2 tbsp molasses , orginal (not blackstrap, Note 4)

▢1/3 cup brown sugar

▢2 tsp mustard powder

▢1 1/2 tsp garlic powder

▢2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

▢1 tsp salt

▢1 tsp black pepper

▢1 tsp Tabasco or cayenne pepper (optional, for spiciness)

Instructions

Combine the Rub ingredients and rub onto both sides of the ribs (most on meaty side). Set aside to marinate for 20 minutes (or overnight).

Preheat oven to 160°C/320°F (all oven types).

Place ribs on a tray in a single layer. Pour apple cider underneath the ribs, cover with foil then bake for 1 hour 30 minutes or until the meat is pretty tender (Note 5).

Remove from oven, turn up to 180°C/350°F. Remove foil, drizzle with olive oil, then return ribs to oven for 15 minutes or until rub becomes nice and crusty.

Line a new tray with foil then baking / parchment paper (you'll thank me later).

Remove ribs from oven, transfer to lined tray. Pour any juices from tray over the ribs.

Flip ribs so the bonier side is up. Slather with Barbecue Sauce, then bake 10 minutes.

Remove from oven, then turn ribs over so the meaty side is up. Slather with Barbecue Sauce, bake 5 minutes. Repeat 2 or 3 more times until you've got a thick glaze on the ribs.

Cut ribs into individual or multiple rib portions and serve with remaining Barbcue Sauce!

BARBECUE SAUCE

Place all ingredients in a saucepan and simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 45 minutes or until thickened.

Adjust to taste: sweetness with brown sugar / honey, salt and sour with vinegar. Use for glazing ribs and as a sauce for serving.

Reheating/Freezing Instructions:The cooked ribs will keep in a covered container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, or they can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the ribs overnight in refrigerator if necessary, then place on a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush the ribs with another layer of BBQ sauce and cover tightly with foil. Warm in a 250°F oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until warmed through. Remove the foil and continue cooking for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the sauce to set and the bark to crisp up.

Smoky and tender, kissed by the flame,

BBQ ribs, your taste has no name.

Glazed with a sweetness that sticks to the bone,

Each bite a delight, a flavor all its own.

From the first juicy bite to the last savory tear,

You melt in my mouth, no other can compare.

With a hint of spice and a dash of heat,

BBQ ribs, you’re the ultimate treat.

Gathered 'round the grill, we savor the feast,

In your smoky embrace, all cravings released.

BBQ ribs, you reign supreme,

A carnivore's joy, a foodie's dream.