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Barbecue pork ribs
Turn the racks bone side up. Slide a butter knife under the thin membrane at one end, grip it with a paper towel and pull it off in one sheet. Pat the ribs dry.
Tip: If it tears, start again from the other end. Every bit you leave turns leathery.
Questions about this dish
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Barbecue pork ribs take?
4 hr 10 min all in — 20 min prep, 2 hr 50 min cook, 1 hr rest. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 4 people. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
Medium.
How spicy is it?
Mild.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Fish. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Dairy-free, Nut-free.
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What does it cost to cook?
Treat yourself — about $28+ USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Oven, Baking tray, Saucepan, Tongs.
How much salt do I put in?
The recipe lists Salt at 1 tbsp.
How much brown sugar?
40 g of Brown sugar.
How much brown sugar?
50 g of Brown sugar.
What can I use instead?
Homemade sauce → A bottled Kansas City-style barbecue sauce. Thin it with a splash of cider vinegar so it brushes on in thin coats instead of sitting in a sugary layer. Worcestershire sauce → Soy sauce. Removes the anchovy for a fish-free sauce, but adds soy and wheat.
What should I watch for?
The sugar in the rub and sauce burns quickly. Move the ribs to the cooler side of the grill if it flares up.
Any tips from this recipe?
Pour the juices from the foil into the sauce and simmer it a few minutes longer. It is pork stock and seasoning, and it belongs there. For some smoke without a smoker, throw a handful of soaked hickory chips onto the coals at the grilling stage. St. Louis-cut spareribs work the same way. Give them 30 to 45 minutes longer in the oven.
Can I prepare this ahead?
Mix the rub ingredients and season both sides of the racks heavily, pressing it on. Leave them an hour at room temperature, or overnight in the fridge, uncovered.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.