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Fall Off the Bone BBQ Beef Ribs

Fall Off the Bone BBQ Beef Ribs

Fall Off the Bone BBQ Beef Ribs deliver incredibly juicy, tender meat with a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. Slow-cooked or smoked to perfection, these ribs boast unmatched tenderness and rich barbecue taste, making them ideal for any occasion, from family dinners to weekend cookouts. This easy-to-follow recipe guides you through prepping, seasoning, cooking, glazing, and resting the ribs for an unforgettable meal everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Ribs

  • 1 full rack of beef ribs (preferably meaty with good marbling)

BBQ Dry Rub

  • 2 tbsp paprika
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tbsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder

Additional Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (mixed with water for spritzing)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or mustard (to help the rub adhere)
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • Wood chips or smoking chips (hickory or applewood, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ribs: Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs to help tenderize the meat during cooking. Lightly coat the ribs with olive oil or mustard to ensure the dry rub sticks evenly.
  2. Apply the Dry Rub: Generously sprinkle the BBQ dry rub on both sides of the ribs. Let rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes so the spices penetrate the meat.
  3. Slow Cook or Smoke the Ribs: Preheat your grill or smoker to indirect heat at 225°F (107°C). Place ribs bone-side down and cook slowly for 3 to 4 hours. If using an oven, wrap ribs tightly in foil and bake at 275°F (135°C) for approximately 3 hours.
  4. Add Moisture for Tenderness: Every hour during cooking, spritz the ribs with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water to maintain moisture and enhance tenderness.
  5. Glaze with BBQ Sauce: In the last 30 minutes, brush the ribs with BBQ sauce and continue cooking uncovered so the sauce caramelizes and thickens.
  6. Rest and Serve: Remove ribs from heat and let them rest loosely covered with foil for 10-15 minutes to redistribute juices and keep the meat moist.

Notes

  • Cooking low and slow guarantees soft, juicy ribs.
  • Membrane removal improves seasoning penetration and tenderness.
  • Using a water pan in your grill or smoker keeps ribs moist.
  • Apply BBQ sauce toward the end to prevent burning sugars.
  • Resting after cooking locks in moisture and improves texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ beef ribs, fall off the bone ribs, smoked beef ribs, slow cooked ribs, barbecue ribs, tender beef ribs