Sweet and Spicy BBQ Baby Back Ribs: Your Ultimate Guide

Meta Description: Discover the secrets to perfect Sweet and Spicy BBQ Baby Back Ribs. This easy recipe will make you the star of your next BBQ. Try it today! (150 characters)

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Introduction

Many outdoor cooks shy away from making Sweet and Spicy BBQ Baby Back Ribs, fearing a plate of tough, chewy bones. Instead, they stick to sausages or burgers. But with this simple recipe, you can master tender, flavorful ribs that will wow your guests. Let’s dive into an easy step-by-step guide to elevate your BBQ game!

Ingredients for Sweet and Spicy BBQ Baby Back Ribs

Here’s what you need to get started. Gather these components to create a mouthwatering dish.

The Ribs

• 2 racks of baby back pork ribs
• ½ cup yellow mustard
• 1 cup apple juice
• Your favorite BBQ rub

BBQ Sauce Ingredients

• 200g apple juice
• 150g tomato sauce
• 100g rich cream sherry
• 50g dark muscovado cane sugar
• 50g light muscovado cane sugar
• 1 tsp garlic granules
• 1 tsp onion granules
• ½ tsp Kashmiri chili powder (or mild chili powder)
• ½ chicken stock cube

How to Cook Sweet and Spicy BBQ Baby Back Ribs

Cooking Sweet and Spicy BBQ Baby Back Ribs is simpler than you think. Follow these steps for tender, juicy results.

Step 1: Prepare the Ribs

First, check your ribs. If the butcher hasn’t removed the silverskin membrane from the bone side, peel it off. Slide a butter knife under the membrane over a middle bone. Then, grip it with a paper towel and pull it away.

Step 2: Apply Mustard and Rub

Next, grab a pastry brush. Slather mustard on both sides of the ribs. After that, sprinkle your favorite rub generously all over. This adds flavor and helps the ribs stay juicy.

Step 3: Smoke the Ribs

When you’re ready, set your grill to 180°F (85°C). Preheat it with the lid closed for 15 minutes. Then, place the ribs meat-side up on the grill. Smoke them for 3 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (72°C).

Step 4: Wrap with Apple Juice

After 3 hours, it’s time to wrap the ribs. Turn the grill up to 275°F (135°C). Place one rack on a large piece of foil and fold up the edges. Pour in ½ cup of apple juice. For extra tenderness, add a tablespoon more. Wrap tightly in another foil sheet to seal in the juices. Repeat for the second rack.

Step 5: Cook Wrapped Ribs

Next, return the foiled ribs to the grill. Cook for 2 more hours, or until they hit 205°F (95°C). This step makes them fall-off-the-bone tender.

Step 6: Add BBQ Sauce

Finally, unwrap the ribs carefully. Brush both sides with your Sweet and Spicy BBQ Sauce. Place them back on the grill. Let the sauce thicken and get sticky for 30-60 minutes. Rest the ribs for a few minutes before serving.

Sweet and Spicy BBQ Sauce Recipe

This sauce is the perfect match for your ribs. Here’s how to whip it up.

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

First, toss all the sauce ingredients into a large pan. Warm it slowly until bubbles start to form.

Step 2: Reduce the Sauce

Then, increase the heat. Let it bubble to evaporate moisture. Stir constantly to avoid burning the bottom.

Step 3: Check Consistency

You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce thickens and coats a spoon with a glossy finish.

Step 4: Store or Use

Also, you can make this ahead. Store it in the refrigerator until you need it.

Tips for Perfect Sweet and Spicy BBQ Ribs

Want the best Sweet and Spicy BBQ Baby Back Ribs? Try these tricks.

1. Pomegranate Molasses: If you find it, add a few teaspoons to your sauce for extra sweetness. It’s optional but delicious. Learn more in our Top 10 BBQ Tips.
2. Flavor Twist: For a sticky Chinese-style sauce, mix in a teaspoon of five-spice powder.
3. Versatility: This sauce works great with chicken wings too!

The History of BBQ Baby Back Ribs

Baby back ribs come from the top of the rib cage, near the spine. They’re shorter than spare ribs, earning the “baby” name. Barbecuing ribs began in early American history, blending Native American smoking methods with African American spice traditions. Today’s sweet and spicy flavors, like in this recipe, evolved with ingredients like sugar and chili. Explore BBQ history for more.

Side Dishes to Pair with Sweet and Spicy BBQ Baby Back Ribs

Complete your meal with these sides. They balance the bold flavors of the ribs.

• Coleslaw: A cool, crunchy contrast.
• Baked Beans: Try our smoky baked beans recipe.
• Cornbread: Sweet and soft, it soaks up the sauce.

Image Optimization

Caption: BBQ’s tangy secret

Description: A plate of tender baby back ribs glazed with sweet and spicy BBQ sauce.

Alt Text: Delicious Sweet and Spicy BBQ Baby Back Ribs

Final Thoughts

Mastering Sweet and Spicy BBQ Baby Back Ribs is easier than you think. With this recipe, you’ll impress everyone at your next BBQ. Try it out and share your results in the comments below!