BBQ Beef Ribs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

BBQ Beef Ribs are a flavorful, tender, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any BBQ lover. Whether you’re cooking them in the oven or grilling them, these ribs are packed with smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors. The combination of the BBQ rub, tangy braising liquid, and caramelized barbecue sauce creates layers of flavor that’ll have your taste buds dancing. With only 10 minutes of prep time and 2 hours of cooking time, you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious, fall-off-the-bone rib meal without any fuss!

Ingredients

For the Ribs:

4 pounds beef ribs, trimmed and silver skin (membrane) removed
¼ cup BBQ rub (store-bought or homemade)

For the Braising Liquid:

1 cup beef stock
¼ cup pineapple juice
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon liquid smoke (for a smoky flavor)

For the Sauce:

1 ½ cups favorite barbecue sauce (tangy or spicy)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 300˚F (150˚C).

2. Prepare the Ribs:

Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil (shiny side down).
Coat the ribs generously with the BBQ rub on both sides, pressing the rub into the meat. For a deeper flavor, refrigerate the ribs with the rub for up to 24 hours before cooking.

3. Make the Braising Liquid:

In a bowl, whisk together the beef stock, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke. This braising liquid will infuse the ribs with a rich, tangy, and smoky flavor.

4. Wrap the Ribs:

Create a pouch with the aluminum foil around the ribs, leaving one end open. Pour the braising liquid evenly into the pouch, then seal the open end of the foil.

5. Cook the Ribs:

Transfer the ribs to the oven and bake for 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 190˚F (which ensures they’re tender and fall off the bone).

6. Broil and Caramelize:

Once cooked, unwrap the ribs and brush them with your favorite barbecue sauce.
Turn the oven’s broiler to high and broil the ribs for 4-5 minutes or until the sauce becomes caramelized and sticky.

7. Rest & Serve:

Let the ribs rest for 5 minutes after removing them from the oven to allow the juices to redistribute.
Cut into pieces and serve immediately with extra BBQ sauce if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 2 hours

• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

• Calories per Serving: 659 kcal

Tips & Variations

• Grill Option: For a grilled version, after baking, transfer the ribs to a preheated grill over medium heat. Brush with BBQ sauce and grill for about 5-7 minutes per side, until the sauce is caramelized and slightly charred.

• Enhanced Rub: Add a touch of brown sugar to the BBQ rub for extra sweetness, or a little cayenne for heat.

• Serve With: Pair the ribs with classic BBQ sides like coleslaw, grilled corn, or roasted vegetables for the perfect BBQ meal.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350˚F (175˚C) for about 10 minutes, or reheat on the grill for a few minutes to keep them juicy and tender.

FAQs

1. Can I make these ribs in advance?

Yes, you can prep the ribs with the rub and braising liquid up to 24 hours ahead and store them in the refrigerator. Just bake and broil when you’re ready to cook.

2. Can I use spare ribs instead of beef ribs?

Yes, you can use spare ribs for a slightly different texture, but adjust the cooking time if needed.

3. Can I use a slow cooker for these ribs?

Yes, you can use a slow cooker. Set it on low for 6-8 hours, and then broil the ribs to caramelize the sauce at the end.

4. What if I don’t have liquid smoke?

If you don’t have liquid smoke, you can skip it, or try adding a bit of smoked paprika to your rub for a similar smoky flavor.

5. Can I make my own BBQ rub?

Absolutely! A simple homemade rub can include brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and salt.

6. Can I use a different type of BBQ sauce?

Yes, feel free to use your favorite BBQ sauce, whether it’s sweet, tangy, spicy, or smoky.

7. How do I know when the ribs are done?

Ribs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 190˚F and are tender enough to pull apart easily.

8. How do I remove the silver skin (membrane) from the ribs?

To remove the silver skin, slide a knife under the membrane and pull it off with your fingers or a paper towel for a better grip.

9. Can I freeze leftover ribs?

Yes, you can freeze leftover ribs in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven or on the grill.

10. Can I use a gas grill for this recipe?

Yes, you can finish the ribs on a gas grill after baking. Just make sure to brush the ribs with sauce and cook them over medium heat to caramelize the sauce.

Conclusion

BBQ Beef Ribs (Oven or Grill) are a delicious and easy way to enjoy tender, flavorful ribs without a lot of fuss. Whether you bake them in the oven or finish them on the grill, the combination of smoky, tangy braising liquid and sweet, caramelized BBQ sauce will make these ribs a standout dish at any dinner table. Perfect for family gatherings or a weekend BBQ, this recipe will become your go-to for perfectly cooked, fall-off-the-bone ribs every time!

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