Barbecue Ribs are a quintessential American dish, enjoyed by many for their tender, flavorful meat and finger-licking good sauce. The dish consists of pork or beef ribs, which are seasoned, cooked, and slathered in a barbecue sauce. They are often served as a main course at cookouts, family gatherings, and outdoor events.

The cooking process for barbecue ribs typically involves a combination of slow cooking and grilling or smoking. This technique helps the meat become tender, allowing it to easily fall off the bone when eaten. There are several regional styles of barbecue ribs in the United States, each with its unique flavors, seasonings, and techniques. Some of the most popular styles include Kansas City, Memphis, St. Louis, and Texas.

Kansas City-style barbecue ribs are characterized by their sweet and tangy sauce, which is often tomato-based and features a blend of sugar, vinegar, and various spices. The ribs are typically pork, either spare ribs or baby back ribs, and are seasoned with a dry rub before being smoked or grilled. Kansas City-style ribs are known for their rich, bold flavor and sticky sauce.

Recipe for Kansas City-Style BBQ Pork Ribs:

Ingredients:

  • 2 racks of pork spare ribs or baby back ribs
  • 1/4 cup yellow mustard (optional, for binding)

Dry Rub:

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup paprika
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tbsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp onion powder
  • 2 tbsp salt
  • 1 tbsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Kansas City-Style BBQ Sauce:

  • 2 cups ketchup
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp liquid smoke (optional)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix all the dry rub ingredients until well combined. If using mustard, spread it evenly over the ribs to help the dry rub adhere. Apply the dry rub generously on both sides of the ribs, pressing it firmly into the meat. Allow the ribs to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes or refrigerate for a few hours for the flavors to meld.
  2. Preheat your smoker or grill to 225ยฐF (107ยฐC) for indirect cooking. Place the ribs bone-side down and cook for 4-5 hours (spare ribs) or 3-4 hours (baby back ribs), until the meat is tender and reaches an internal temperature of around 190-200ยฐF (88-93ยฐC).
  3. While the ribs are cooking, prepare the Kansas City-style BBQ sauce. In a saucepan, combine all the BBQ sauce ingredients and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool.
  4. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, baste the ribs with the BBQ sauce, ensuring a generous coating. Remove the ribs from the smoker or grill once they reach the desired tenderness and internal temperature.
  5. Allow the ribs to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing them into individual portions. Serve with additional BBQ sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.

This recipe for Kansas City-style BBQ pork ribs offers a delicious balance of sweet and tangy flavors, with a hint of smokiness.