Name: Barbecue Ribs with homemade BBQ sauce
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 4 h
Yield: serves 6 people
Cuisine: Slovenska
Ingredients: 2 racks x 700g (1.5 pound) pork ribs (seasoned); 300 g (1 1/3 cup) ketchup; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 80 g (1/4 cup) brown sugar; 60 ml (1/4 cup) apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp smoked paprika powder; 1 tsp garlic powder; 4 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tbsp honey; 1 tsp mustard; 80 ml (1/3 cup) water

Barbecue Ribs with homemade BBQ sauce

Barbecue Ribs are a true delight for meat lovers. Juicy, tender, and full of flavor—they’re the perfect choice for summer picnics and garden parties. Barbecue enthusiasts will especially enjoy this recipe, as it’s a real pleasure to prepare the grill for smoking and then slowly (for a full three hours) smoke the pork ribs until they become juicy, tender, and perfectly glazed with homemade BBQ sauce. In this post, I’ll share a tried-and-true recipe, tips for preparation, and the secrets to achieving that signature smoky flavor and succulence we all crave.

Barbecue Ribs - our favorite recipe for juicy pork

If you’re looking for the king of the grill, pork ribs are definitely on top of the chart. Whether you go for the classic American version with BBQ sauce or something more local with a homemade spice blend, success is almost guaranteed. Here are the top reasons why you should make this recipe:

Glorious flavor: The meat on the ribs cooks beautifully on the grill, becoming juicy, while the BBQ glaze adds a sweet-smoky flavor that’s simply unforgettable.
Perfect for slow - cooking: Ribs are made for slow grilling (as in this recipe), making them an excellent choice for BBQ enthusiasts.
Great for gatherings: Ribs are often served in large portions and are perfect for picnics, gatherings, and parties.

Tips and Tricks

Use direct and indirect heat

We use both direct and indirect heat on the grill. First, smoke the meat over the cooler part of the grill for a longer period. Then brush it with BBQ sauce and cook over direct heat so the glaze and ribs caramelize perfectly.

Let it rest

After grilling, let the ribs rest for 10 minutes—this allows the juices to redistribute evenly, keeping the ribs moist and tender.

Cut between the bone

Use a sharp knife to cut the ribs between the bones—serve them as individual bone-in portions.

Fall off the bone BBQ ribs

If you want the meat extra tender, smoke it for an additional 2–3 hours over the cooler part of the grill—this results is a lovely fall off the bone meat.

Serving Ideas for Barbecue Ribs

Serve the grilled pork ribs with buttery corn or one of the side dishes listed below. For the finishing touch, add homemade BBQ sauce.

Storing and freezing

These barbecue pork ribs are best enjoyed immediately, served straight off the grill. However, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the meat before serving.

To make things easier and save time, you can prepare the BBQ sauce in advance. Store it in a well-sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. It can also be used as a dipping sauce or glaze for other dishes.

How to make Barbecue Ribs with homemade BBQ sauce at home (video)

Check this short video to master making this recipe at home.

Next, try these delicious pork recipes

Made in collaboration with Celjske mesnine d.o.o.

Ingredients

pork ribs and bbq sauce

2 racks x 700g (1.5 pound) pork ribs (seasoned)

300 g (1 1/3 cup) ketchup

1 tbsp tomato paste

80 g (1/4 cup) brown sugar

60 ml (1/4 cup) apple cider vinegar

1 tbsp smoked paprika powder

1 tsp garlic powder

4 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tbsp honey

1 tsp mustard

80 ml (1/3 cup) water

Tools and equipment

barbecue

disposable aluminum pan

charcoal

saucepan

METHOD

preparation

First, prepare the grill. Place an aluminum pan at the bottom and fill it with water—this will create moisture during smoking. Arrange charcoal around the pan on one half of the grill in two layers, then add fruitwood chips. This setup creates both a direct and an indirect cooking zone. Light the charcoal on one side and preheat the grill to 130 °C (265 °F) under the lid.
smoked pork ribs

Place the seasoned pork ribs on the indirect heat zone of the grill. Cover with the lid and let them smoke slowly for about 3 ½ hours. Halfway through the cooking time, check the charcoal and add more if needed to maintain consistent heat and smoke.
bbq sauce

Place all the ingredients for the BBQ sauce into a deep pan: ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, honey, mustard, salt, pepper, and water. Stir well and bring to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
barbecue ribs

Remove the grill lid and brush the ribs on both sides with the homemade BBQ sauce. Continue cooking over direct heat, uncovered, for another 30 minutes. Brush the ribs with sauce two to three times during this period, and serve any remaining sauce on the side.
serve

Remove the ribs from the grill, cut them into portions, and serve with BBQ sauce and your choice of side dishes.

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Barbecue Ribs with homemade BBQ sauce

Discover the perfect recipe for juicy barbecue pork ribs. Step by step, with grilling tips, smoky flavor, and a homemade BBQ glaze.

Barbecue Ribs - our favorite recipe for juicy pork