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Party Ribs Recipe

These fall-off-the-bone ribs deliver smoky, tender meat with a caramelized glaze that keeps guests coming back for more.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 68 people
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American Barbecue
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

For the Ribs
  • 3 full racks of pork spare ribs about 6 pounds total, membrane removed
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
For the Glaze
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce store-bought or homemade
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Equipment

  • Charcoal or gas grill (or smoker)
  • Meat thermometer
  • Large cutting board
  • Sharp knife for trimming and slicing
  • Aluminum foil
  • Small saucepan for warming glaze
  • Silicone basting brush
  • Heavy-duty tongs
  • Disposable aluminum pans (optional but helpful)

Method
 

  1. Remove the membrane from each rack of ribs.
  2. Combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne in a small bowl.
  3. Coat all sides of each rib rack with the dry rub; let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  4. Set up the grill for indirect heat, aiming for a temperature of 250 to 275 degrees Fahrenheit.
  5. Place the rib racks on the unlit side of the grill, bone-side down.
  6. Let the ribs cook undisturbed for the first two hours.
  7. After two hours, wrap each rack tightly in aluminum foil with a splash of apple juice or water and cook for another 90 minutes.
  8. In a small saucepan, combine barbecue sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, butter, and garlic powder. Warm over low heat.
  9. Unwrap the ribs and brush the glaze over both sides. Return them to the grill for the final 30 minutes.
  10. Test for doneness by ensuring the meat has pulled back from the bones and the thermometer reads 195 to 203 degrees Fahrenheit.
  11. Let the ribs rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve with coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans.