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Juicy, smoky beef back ribs served with coleslaw and cornbread.

Smoky and Tender Beef Back Ribs

Enjoy fall-off-the-bone beef back ribs infused with smoky, savory flavors. This easy-to-follow recipe includes oven, smoker, and grill methods to suit every cook!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, BBQ
Servings 4 People
Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Ribs:

  • 2 racks Beef Back Ribs About 3-4 lbs
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Helps seasoning adhere
  • 2 tbsp Brown Sugar Adds a caramelized crust
  • 1 tbsp Smoked Paprika For smoky flavor
  • 1 tbsp Garlic Powder Enhances savory taste
  • 1 tbsp Onion Powder Balances flavor
  • 2 tsp Black Pepper Adds a mild kick
  • 2 tsp Salt Brings out natural flavors
  • 1 tsp Cayenne Pepper Optional for heat

For the BBQ Sauce (Optional but Recommended):

  • 1 cup Ketchup Base for sauce
  • 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar Adds tanginess
  • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar Sweetens the sauce
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce Umami depth
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Extra flavor
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika Enhances smokiness
  • 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper Optional for spice

Instructions
 

Prepare the Ribs

  • Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs using a butter knife and paper towel.
  • Pat ribs dry and rub with olive oil.

Season the Ribs

  • In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne.
  • Generously coat the ribs with the seasoning mix.
  • Let them rest for at least 30 minutes (or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor).

Choose Your Cooking Method

    Oven Method:

    • Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
    • Wrap ribs in aluminum foil and place on a baking sheet.
    • Bake for 3–4 hours until tender.
    • Brush with BBQ sauce and broil for 5–10 minutes for a caramelized finish.

    Smoker Method:

    • Preheat smoker to 225°F (107°C).
    • Use hickory or oak wood chips for best flavor.
    • Place ribs in smoker and cook for 5–6 hours.
    • Baste with BBQ sauce during the last hour.

    Grill Method:

    • Preheat grill to 250–275°F (120–135°C), using indirect heat.
    • Cook ribs for 3–4 hours, flipping occasionally.
    • Apply BBQ sauce in the last 30 minutes.

    Rest and Serve

    • Let ribs rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
    • Serve with coleslaw, mac and cheese, cornbread, or roasted veggies.

    Notes

    • For extra smoky flavor: Use mesquite or oak wood chips when smoking.
    • For tender ribs: The ideal internal temperature should be 200°F (93°C).
    • For storage: Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
    • For reheating: Wrap ribs in foil and bake at 275°F (135°C) for 20 minutes.
    Keyword beef back ribs, smoked beef ribs, BBQ ribs, grilled ribs, oven-baked ribs, easy beef ribs recipe