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Savory Honey Glazed BBQ Ribs with Brown Sugar Rub

honey glazed bbq ribs - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for tender, flavorful pork ribs coated with a smoky brown sugar rub and finished with a sticky honey glaze. Perfect for last-minute gatherings and backyard BBQs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 to 3 pounds baby back or spare pork ribs, trimmed of excess fat
  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/3 cup (113g) raw or wildflower honey
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 275Β°F (135Β°C).
  2. Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs by sliding a knife under it and pulling it off with a paper towel for grip.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir until evenly blended.
  4. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels, then coat both sides generously with the brown sugar rub, pressing it into the meat.
  5. Place the ribs meat-side up on a large piece of aluminum foil. Wrap them tightly to seal in moisture.
  6. Set the wrapped ribs on a baking sheet or roasting pan and bake for 2 to 2Β½ hours, until the meat is tender and starting to pull away from the bones.
  7. While the ribs bake, whisk together honey, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil in a small bowl to make the glaze.
  8. After baking, carefully unwrap the ribs and brush a generous coat of honey glaze over them.
  9. Switch your oven to broil and place the ribs under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, watching closely until the glaze bubbles and caramelizes.
  10. Let the ribs rest for 5 minutes before slicing between the bones and serving.

Notes

Remove the membrane for tenderness. Keep oven temperature low and steady for best results. Apply honey glaze only at the end to avoid burning. If ribs seem dry, add a little apple juice or water inside the foil packet before sealing. Watch ribs closely when broiling to prevent burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ ribs, honey glazed ribs, brown sugar rub, easy ribs recipe, backyard BBQ, pork ribs, sweet and savory ribs