Enjoy these mouthwatering Southern-style barbecue ribs, perfectly seasoned and grilled to perfection, offering a delightful blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients
2 racks pork ribs
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 medium onion
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
as needed cups water
Method
Begin by rinsing the ribs and removing any excess fat. In a bowl, mix together sugar, a quarter cup of salt, black pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Rub this spice mixture generously over the ribs. Arrange the ribs in two roasting pans, stacking two racks per pan. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 8 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Bake the ribs uncovered for 3 to 4 hours, or until they are tender and nearly falling off the bone.
In a skillet, take 5 tablespoons of drippings from the roasting pans and heat them over medium. Sauté diced onion in the drippings until softened and lightly golden. Stir in ketchup and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently. Add water and brown sugar, seasoning with cayenne, salt, and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about an hour, adding more water as necessary to achieve your preferred sauce consistency.
Prepare your grill by heating it to medium-low.
When the grill is ready, add soaked wood chips to the coals or to the smoker box if using a gas grill. Lightly oil the grill grate. Grill the ribs in batches of two racks at a time, ensuring sufficient space between them. Cook for 20 minutes, turning occasionally. In the final 10 minutes, baste the ribs with the prepared sauce to enhance their flavor without risking burning.
