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Flavorful Grilled BBQ Ribs Recipe Easy Brown Sugar Rub for Tender Meat

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This recipe features tender, flavorful grilled BBQ ribs with a simple brown sugar rub that caramelizes beautifully, balancing smoky and sweet flavors for an unforgettable bite. Perfect for easy weekend cookouts or impressing guests without complicated sauces.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2–3 pounds baby back or spare pork ribs, trimmed of excess fat
  • ½ cup (100 grams) packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Remove the silver skin membrane from the back of the ribs using a paper towel for grip. Rinse ribs under cold water and pat dry.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Mix well.
  3. Brush each side of the ribs with olive oil to help the rub stick and enhance moisture.
  4. Generously coat the ribs with the brown sugar rub, pressing it in to adhere well.
  5. Preheat grill to medium-low heat (about 275°F / 135°C). For charcoal grills, arrange coals for indirect heat.
  6. Place ribs bone-side down on the grill away from direct flames. Close lid and cook slowly for 1.5 to 2 hours, checking every 30 minutes and rotating to avoid hot spots.
  7. After about 1 hour, wrap ribs loosely in aluminum foil to lock in moisture and continue grilling.
  8. Unwrap ribs and place back on grill over direct heat for 10-15 minutes to caramelize the rub and create a crust. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  9. Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer; target 190°F (88°C) for tender ribs.
  10. Remove ribs from grill and let rest covered loosely with foil for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Remove the silver skin membrane for tender ribs. Use indirect heat and slow cooking to break down connective tissue. Wrap ribs in foil after 1 hour to retain moisture. Finish over direct heat to caramelize the rub but watch carefully to avoid burning. Ribs can be prepared ahead and refrigerated with rub for deeper flavor. Oven finishing is possible at 300°F (150°C) wrapped in foil for 1.5 hours, then broiled briefly.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled ribs, BBQ ribs, brown sugar rub, easy ribs recipe, tender ribs, smoky ribs, summer BBQ, backyard barbecue

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