BBQ Beef Ribs

Slow-Cooked BBQ Beef Ribs: A Tender and Flavorful Feast

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BBQ Beef Ribs

Imagine coming home to the rich, savory aroma of beef ribs slow-cooked to perfection, with the sweet and smoky scent of barbecue sauce filling the air. The anticipation builds as the ribs bake for hours, transforming into tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites that practically fall off the bone. There’s something deeply satisfying about gathering around the dinner table with a plate of BBQ beef ribs—it’s a meal that brings people together, creates conversations, and satisfies even the most discerning palates.

Beef ribs, especially when cooked slowly, offer an extraordinary combination of flavors and textures. The beef’s natural richness is enhanced by a balanced rub, providing a burst of smoky, sweet, and spicy notes. The barbecue sauce, which caramelizes beautifully in the oven, wraps each rib in a sticky glaze, creating a delightful contrast between the tender meat and the slightly crisped exterior. It’s a dish that can turn a simple dinner into a special occasion, yet it’s straightforward enough to prepare without needing to be a master chef.

Many people think that making perfect beef ribs at home is an intimidating task, but the truth is far from it. With the right technique and a little patience, you can achieve a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen. The key is low and slow cooking, allowing time for the meat to become tender while absorbing all those delicious flavors from the rub and sauce. While the process takes some time, most of it is hands-off, giving you the freedom to relax or prepare side dishes that complement the ribs, like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.

This recipe is ideal for weekends when you have a few hours to spare or for those special gatherings where you want to impress your guests. It’s also versatile, allowing you to adjust the spice level or sweetness to match your preference. If you like a bit of heat, add more cayenne. Prefer it on the sweeter side? A touch more brown sugar will do the trick. The magic happens in the oven, where the meat slowly transforms into a juicy, flavorful delight, and the sauce thickens into a perfect glaze that clings to each rib.

In this recipe, we’ll go through the steps to create these mouthwatering BBQ beef ribs, starting with a flavorful rub that forms a delicious crust and ending with a rich, sticky barbecue sauce that ties everything together. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of the ingredients and instructions to help you create a memorable meal. Get ready to savor every bite, and let’s dive into the art of slow-cooked BBQ beef ribs.

Slow-Cooked BBQ Beef Ribs Recipe

Ingredients

  • 6 x 300-350g / 10-12 oz beef ribs (also known as beef short ribs)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder: Enhances the depth of flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder: Adds a rich, savory undertone.
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder: Introduces a subtle tangy warmth.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami richness to the dish.
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Adjust for more or less heat.
  • 1 cup ketchup: Forms the base of the barbecue sauce.
  • 1/4 cup cider vinegar: Adds a zesty, acidic balance to the sweetness.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic elevates the flavor profile.
  • 1/4 cup water: Helps to thin the sauce initially for better coating.
  • Substitutions for Cider Vinegar: Use white wine vinegar, sherry, champagne vinegar, or regular white vinegar if cider vinegar is unavailable.

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven
    Preheat your oven to 160°C/320°F (suitable for all oven types). Slow and steady heat is essential for tenderizing the ribs while keeping them juicy.
    Cooking Tip: Make sure your oven rack is positioned in the middle for even heat distribution.
  2. Prepare the Rub
    In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, and cayenne. Mix until the spices are well blended, forming a dry rub.
    Pro Tip: This rub works great as a base for other meats too—try it on chicken for an equally delicious result.
  3. Coat the Ribs
    Press each beef rib into the spice rub, ensuring all sides are coated evenly. Shake off any excess rub, but don’t worry about getting every last grain off—the flavors will infuse the meat as it cooks.
    Cooking Tip: Let the ribs sit with the rub for about 10 minutes before placing them in the sauce to allow the spices to penetrate the meat.
  4. Prepare the Barbecue Sauce
    In a baking pan, mix ketchup, cider vinegar, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and any other desired seasonings. Stir in the water until the sauce is smooth and slightly runny.
    Pro Tip: For a smokier flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of liquid smoke or using smoked paprika in the sauce.
  5. Combine Ribs and Sauce
    Place the ribs into the baking pan with the sauce, turning them over to ensure they are fully coated. Arrange the ribs meat side down, with the bone side exposed in the sauce.
  6. Bake Covered
    Cover the baking pan tightly with aluminum foil or a lid. Bake in the preheated oven for 3 1/2 hours. This long, covered bake allows the meat to become tender and absorb all the rich flavors.
    Cooking Tip: Make sure the foil is well-sealed to trap steam and keep the ribs moist during the baking process.
  7. Finish with a Caramelized Glaze
    After 3 1/2 hours, carefully remove the pan from the oven and take off the foil. Turn the ribs over so the meat side is facing up. Spoon some of the sauce over the ribs to coat them once more. Place the uncovered pan back in the oven.
  8. Bake Uncovered for Caramelization
    Continue baking the ribs uncovered for another 30 minutes, spooning the sauce over them halfway through. This step helps the sauce thicken and caramelize, creating a sticky glaze on the ribs.
    Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the ribs during this step to prevent the sauce from burning. You want a rich, dark caramelization, not a burnt crust.
  9. Serve and Enjoy
    Remove the ribs from the oven and transfer them to a serving plate. Stir the remaining sauce in the pan to bring it together, then drizzle over the ribs or serve on the side.
    Cooking Tip: Let the ribs rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute through the meat.

Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 538 kcal per serving
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Protein: 43 g

Serving Suggestions

Pair these slow-cooked BBQ beef ribs with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, or a fresh coleslaw for a well-rounded meal. For a lighter option, serve with a simple green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the ribs. No matter how you serve them, these ribs are sure to be a hit with friends and family, making every dinner feel like a special occasion.

Indulge in the delightful experience of preparing and savoring these slow-cooked BBQ beef ribs. With just a little patience and a few simple ingredients, you’ll be rewarded with a dish that’s as impressive as it is comforting—perfect for cozy nights in or gatherings that call for a touch of smoky, hearty flavor.