Barbecue Ribs with Homemade Sauce

Ingredients:

2 racks pork baby back ribs (about 4–5 pounds)

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Homemade BBQ Sauce:

1½ cups ketchup

½ cup apple cider vinegar

⅓ cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons molasses

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs and pat them dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne. Rub the mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs, then drizzle with olive oil and massage it in.

Wrap the ribs tightly in foil and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 2½ to 3 hours, until tender and the meat easily pulls from the bone.

Meanwhile, make the BBQ sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.

Once the ribs are done, preheat your grill (or broiler). Brush the ribs generously with the homemade BBQ sauce and grill over medium heat for about 5 minutes per side, just until caramelized and slightly charred.

Serve hot with extra sauce on the side, along with coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread.

These Barbecue Ribs with Homemade Sauce are smoky, tender, and dripping with sweet tangy flavor — the kind of finger-lickin’ good that defines Southern cookouts.