Description of this Recipe: Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with these slow-cooked BBQ beef ribs. This recipe transforms ordinary beef short ribs into a succulent, fall-off-the-bone masterpiece, drenched in a rich, homemade BBQ sauce. The low and slow cooking method ensures that the beef becomes incredibly tender, while the flavorful rub and sauce penetrate deep into the meat, creating an explosion of taste in every bite. This is not just a meal; it’s an experience that will leave you craving more.
Why You Will Love This Recipe: You’ll love this recipe because it’s the perfect balance of simplicity and depth of flavor. The hands-on time is minimal, allowing you to focus on other things while the oven does all the work. The homemade BBQ sauce is far superior to store-bought versions, offering a customized sweetness and spice level to suit your preferences. The results are consistently impressive, yielding tender, flavorful ribs that are perfect for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or even a special occasion. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen as these ribs slowly cook is simply irresistible, making it an experience you’ll want to repeat again and again.
Ingredients:
- 6 beef ribs (300–350g / 10–12 oz each), patted dry
RUB:
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 3/4 tsp mustard powder
- 1 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
BBQ Sauce:
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 cups ketchup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, loosely packed
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp mustard powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups water
Optional garnish: Parsley or chives, chopped
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 160°C/320°F. Ensure your oven rack is positioned in the center for even cooking. This slow and steady temperature will allow the beef ribs to become incredibly tender as they cook in the flavorful BBQ sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Rub. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin powder, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. This spice mixture will form a flavorful crust on the beef ribs as they cook, enhancing the overall taste.
Step 3: Rub the Ribs. Take each beef rib and press it firmly into the rub mixture, ensuring all sides are generously coated. Shake off any excess rub. This step is crucial for infusing the beef with flavor from the very beginning. The spices will penetrate the meat during the slow cooking process, creating a delicious depth of flavor.
Step 4: Prepare the BBQ Sauce. In a large baking pan or Dutch oven, combine the minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, black pepper, onion powder, mustard powder, cayenne pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well until the brown sugar is mostly dissolved. Then, add the water and stir to combine. This homemade BBQ sauce is the heart of the recipe, providing a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor that complements the rich beef ribs perfectly.
Step 5: Coat the Ribs. Place the rubbed beef ribs in the BBQ sauce, turning them to coat all sides. Arrange the ribs meat-side down in the sauce, with the bone side exposed. The sauce won’t completely cover the ribs, but that’s perfectly fine. This ensures that the meat absorbs the maximum amount of flavor during the cooking process.
Step 6: Bake the Ribs. Cover the baking pan tightly with foil or a lid to trap the moisture and prevent the ribs from drying out during the long cooking time. Bake for 3.5 hours, allowing the beef to slowly tenderize in the flavorful sauce. The low and slow cooking method is key to achieving that coveted fall-off-the-bone texture.
Step 7: Turn and Baste. After 3.5 hours, remove the baking pan from the oven and carefully remove the foil or lid. Turn the ribs over, spooning the sauce over them to ensure they are evenly coated. At this point, the ribs should be incredibly tender and starting to pull away from the bone.
Step 8: Caramelize. Return the uncovered baking pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes, spooning the sauce over the ribs again halfway through. This final step allows the sauce to caramelize on the surface of the ribs, creating a sticky, flavorful glaze that is simply irresistible.
Step 9: Check for Tenderness. To ensure the ribs are perfectly cooked, gently pry them apart using two forks. If the meat is easily separating from the bone and is fork-tender, they are ready. If not, cover the pan and return it to the oven for a bit longer, checking every 15 minutes until they reach the desired tenderness.
Step 10: Serve. Remove the ribs from the oven and carefully transfer them to a serving plate using a spoon, as the meat will be very tender and may be barely attached to the bone. Mix the sauce in the baking pan to bring it all together, adjusting the seasoning if needed. Spoon the sauce generously over the ribs and garnish with chopped parsley or chives, if desired.
Cooking Rating: Easy to Medium.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these slow-cooked BBQ beef ribs with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and cornbread for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Pair them with grilled corn on the cob, baked beans, or a fresh salad for a lighter but equally delicious option.
- For a more casual gathering, serve the ribs on slider buns with extra BBQ sauce and your favorite toppings.
- Consider offering a variety of BBQ sauces for guests to customize their ribs to their liking.
Tips:
- For the best flavor, use high-quality beef short ribs with plenty of marbling.
- Don’t skip the rub! It’s essential for creating a flavorful crust on the ribs.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper in the BBQ sauce to suit your desired level of spiciness.
- If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can substitute with white vinegar or lemon juice.
- To save time, you can prepare the rub and BBQ sauce ahead of time and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
- If you want to add a smoky flavor to the ribs, you can finish them on a grill for a few minutes after they come out of the oven.
- Leftover ribs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Note: Estimates can vary widely based on specific ingredients and portion sizes)
Calories: 750-900 per serving
Protein: 45-55g per serving
Sodium: 800-1200mg per serving
Conclusion: These slow-cooked BBQ beef ribs are a surefire crowd-pleaser that will impress your family and friends. The combination of tender, fall-off-the-bone beef and a rich, flavorful BBQ sauce is simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just looking for a comforting meal to enjoy at home, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and get ready to experience the ultimate BBQ indulgence!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use different types of ribs for this recipe?
A: While this recipe is specifically designed for beef short ribs (also known as beef ribs), you can technically use other types of ribs, such as spare ribs or baby back ribs. However, keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the thickness and meatiness of the ribs. Beef short ribs are ideal because they have a rich flavor and become incredibly tender during the slow cooking process.
Q2: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. First, rub the ribs with the spice mixture and sear them in a hot pan on all sides. Then, transfer them to the slow cooker and pour the BBQ sauce over them. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the ribs are very tender.
Q3: How can I make the BBQ sauce spicier?
A: If you prefer a spicier BBQ sauce, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the recipe. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Another option is to use a spicier ketchup or tomato sauce as the base for the BBQ sauce.
Q4: Can I freeze the leftover ribs?
A: Yes, leftover ribs can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Allow the ribs to cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, thaw the ribs in the refrigerator overnight and reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Q5: What if I don’t have all the spices for the rub?
A: If you’re missing some of the spices for the rub, don’t worry! You can still make delicious ribs with what you have on hand. Focus on the essential spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also experiment with other spices that you enjoy, such as chili powder, smoked paprika, or dried oregano. The key is to create a flavor profile that you find appealing.
