Entrée: United States – Barbecue Spare Ribs

Food safety reminder: Follow safe food-handling practices and use a food thermometer to verify safe internal cooking temperatures.

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 30 min

Cook 5 hrs 30 min

Additional 30 min

Total 6 hrs 30 min

Ingredients

2 racks spare ribs, about 5 lb total (2.3 kg total)
2 cups (480 ml) barbecue sauce
1 / 4 cup (50 g) brown sugar
1 tbsp (15 ml) paprika
1 tbsp (15 ml) garlic powder
1 tbsp (15 ml) onion powder
1 tsp (5 ml) black pepper
1 tsp (5 ml) salt
1 / 2 tsp (2.5 ml) cayenne pepper (optional)
Apple cider vinegar for spritzing to taste

Instructions

1. **Prepare the Ribs:**
   - Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs using a paper towel to grip and peel it. This helps the spices and smoke penetrate better.
   - In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper.
   - Generously rub the spice mixture all over both sides of the ribs, ensuring an even coating.

2. **Cook the Ribs:**
   - Preheat your grill or smoker to 225°F (107°C).
   - Place the ribs meat-side up on the grill or smoker grates.
   - Cook the ribs low and slow for about 3 hours, spritzing occasionally with apple cider vinegar to keep them moist.
   - After 3 hours, brush the ribs with barbecue sauce.
   - Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil and return them to the grill or smoker for another 2 hours.
   - After this time, remove the foil, brush with more barbecue sauce, and grill for an additional 30 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
   - Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before slicing, then serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side.

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