Discover the Secret Ingredient in Our Finger-Licking Good Southern Style BBQ Pork Ribs Recipe!
Looking for a finger-licking good recipe for Southern Style BBQ Pork Ribs? Look no further! Our recipe will leave you craving every last bite. But, do you know the secret ingredient that makes these ribs stand out from the rest?
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BBQ Pork Ribs Southern Style: A Hearty and Flavorful Tradition
If you’re craving a meaty, smoky, and tangy dish that’s fit for a crowd, look no further than BBQ pork ribs Southern style. This iconic barbecue recipe originated in the Southern United States, where juicy and slow-cooked meats reign supreme and sauce is king.
The roots of Southern-style BBQ can be traced back to the Native American practice of pit-roasting or smoking meat, which was adopted and adapted by European colonists and African slaves. In the early 19th century, BBQ became a popular and competitive social event, often featuring whole hogs, live music, and elaborate side dishes. Each region and pitmaster developed its own style of seasoning, cooking, and saucing, giving rise to colorful names such as Memphis, Kansas City, Texas, and Carolina.
Southern-style BBQ pork ribs typically consist of a rack of pork spare ribs, which are the cheaper and fattier cut than baby-back ribs. The ribs are prepared with a dry rub of spices such as kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, and black pepper. This rub not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat and form a crust. The ribs are then slow-cooked in an oven or smoker for several hours until they are tender and juicy. Finally, a sweet and tangy sauce made with ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce is brushed on the ribs and caramelized in the oven for a sticky and rich finish.
While there are many variations and debates on the best way to make BBQ pork ribs Southern style, the key is to balance the smoke, spice, and sauce and let the meat shine. Whether you’re a fan of dry rubs, wet sauces, or both, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests. Just be prepared to lick your fingers and ask for seconds!
Ask the Chef: Pro Tips for making BBQ Pork Ribs Southern Style
Choosing the Right Ribs
When choosing pork ribs, look for meaty ribs rather than bony ones. Ask your butcher to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs to save some time and effort.
Letting the Seasoning Rest
After rubbing the seasoning mix onto the rib rack, let it rest for around 10 minutes. This gives the seasoning time to penetrate into the meat and form a crust that will keep the moisture locked in throughout the cooking process.
Using a Wire Rack
A wire rack is essential to elevate the ribs off the baking sheet and allow hot air to circulate all around it. This will ensure that the ribs cook evenly and produce a crispy exterior and a tender interior.
Basting the Ribs
Basting helps keep the ribs moist and adds extra flavor to the dish. Brush on the barbecue sauce mixture every 10 minutes during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Make sure to cover the ribs evenly with sauce on both sides.
Testing for Doneness
The ribs are cooked and ready when the meat is tender and starts to come away from the bones. If you have a meat thermometer, you can check if the meat has reached an internal temperature of 145°F.
Let It Rest
Once the ribs finish cooking, it’s crucial to let them rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and makes it easier to slice without losing too much of the flavorful juices.
Storing Leftovers
Leftover ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The best way to reheat them is to wrap them in foil and heat them in a 350°F oven for around 10 to 15 minutes or until heated through.
How Many Calories are in BBQ Pork Ribs Southern Style?
Nutrition Facts
4 Servings per Recipe
Calories: 760
- Total Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
- Sodium: 1840mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Total Sugars: 29g
- Added Sugars: 25g
- Protein: 55g
What Drinks Pair Best with Southern Style BBQ Pork Ribs?
Wine pairing: A full-bodied Zinfandel would pair well with the sweet and tangy flavors of the BBQ sauce and the smoky and savory flavors of the ribs.
Beer pairing: A suitable beer pairing for Southern Style BBQ Pork Ribs Recipe would be an American Amber Ale or a Brown Ale. The caramel and toffee notes in these beers will complement the sweetness of the barbecue sauce, while the moderate hop bitterness will cut through the richness of the pork.
Cocktail pairing: Pair the Southern Style BBQ Pork Ribs Recipe with a classic Bourbon Whiskey cocktail, like an Old Fashioned or a Whiskey Sour. The smoky and savory flavors of the pork ribs will be complemented by the sweet and spicy notes of the bourbon, resulting in a perfect combination of flavors.
How to Make BBQ Pork Ribs Southern Style
Ingredients
- 1 rack of pork ribs
- 1 Tbsp kosher salt
- 1 Tbsp garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp onion powder
- 1 Tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 Tsp chili powder
- 1 Tsp black pepper
- 1 Cup of barbecue sauce
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 275°F.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs using a knife.
- In a small bowl, mix salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, and black pepper.
- Rub this seasoning mix all over the rib rack and let it rest for about 10 minutes.
- Place the rack on the wire rack and bake it in the preheated oven for 3 hours.
- In a medium bowl, mix barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Brush the sauce mixture evenly over the rib rack.
- Turn up the heat to 350°F and put the ribs back in the oven for another 30 minutes, basting with the sauce every 10 minutes.
- When the meat is tender and starts to come away from the bone, remove the ribs from the oven.
- Transfer the ribs to a cutting board and let them rest for 5 minutes.
- Cut the ribs into individual portions, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot with extra barbecue sauce on top.
