Kansas City-Style Ribs: A Taste of Home
Growing up in a family that cherished summer barbecues, Kansas City-style ribs were always the star of the show. The sweet, smoky aroma wafting through the air would draw everyone outside, and I can still hear the laughter and chatter as we gathered around the grill. This recipe is not just about food; it’s about memories, family, and the joy of sharing a meal together.
What Makes It Special
There are a few reasons why this Kansas City-style ribs recipe stands out:
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet and smoky flavors creates a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to resist.
- Perfectly Tender: The slow-cooking method ensures that the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender, making every bite a delight.
- Customizable: You can tweak the spice rub and sauce to suit your taste, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.
Gather Your Ingredients
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 4 hours | Servings: 4
- 2 racks of baby back ribs
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 1/2 cup of paprika
- 1 tablespoon of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 2 cups of Kansas City-style barbecue sauce
Let’s Get Cooking
-
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
-
Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for better flavor absorption.
-
In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to create the dry rub.
-
Generously apply the dry rub to both sides of the ribs, ensuring they are well-coated.
-
Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet.
-
Bake in the preheated oven for 3 hours.
-
After 3 hours, remove the ribs from the oven and carefully unwrap them.
-
Brush a generous amount of barbecue sauce on both sides of the ribs.
-
Grill the ribs on medium heat for an additional 15-20 minutes, basting with more sauce as desired.
-
Remove from the grill, let rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve!
My Pro Tips
-
For an extra smoky flavor, consider adding wood chips to your grill or using a smoker.
-
Let the ribs marinate with the dry rub overnight for deeper flavor.
What to Serve With It
- Coleslaw
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Baked beans
- Potato salad
- Sweet tea or lemonade
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of ribs?
A: Absolutely! Spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs work well too, but cooking times may vary slightly.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the grill.
The Heart of the Dish
This Kansas City-style ribs recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of family, tradition, and the simple joy of cooking together. Each bite brings back memories of laughter and love, making it a dish I cherish deeply. I hope it brings you as much joy as it has brought to my family.
Your Turn
Now it’s your turn to try this delicious recipe! I encourage you to make it your own by experimenting with different spices or sauces. Share your experiences and any tweaks you make—I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!
Kansas City-Style Ribs: Sweet, Smoky, and Finger-Licking Good
Ingredients
- 2 racks of pork ribs
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- Coleslaw (for serving)
- Grilled corn on the cob (for serving)
- Baked beans (for serving)
- Potato salad (for serving)
- Sweet tea or lemonade (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for better flavor absorption.
- In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to create the dry rub.
- Generously apply the dry rub to both sides of the ribs, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 3 hours.
- After 3 hours, remove the ribs from the oven and carefully unwrap them.
- Brush a generous amount of barbecue sauce on both sides of the ribs.
- Grill the ribs on medium heat for an additional 15-20 minutes, basting with more sauce as desired.
- Remove from the grill, let rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve!
Nutrition Information
Related posts:
