Barbecue Pork Ribs Recipe - No Simple Matter

BBQ pork ribs are one of the most popular dishes among BBQ lovers. It has made its way, through the centuries, from being part of a carcass to be discarded, to a favorite of many and a even a delicacy to some.

There are very many ways of preparing a BBQ pork ribs recipe. Who am I to say that one way is either right or wrong? All I intend to do, is present you with some possibilities and give you some choices.

How the BBQ ribs are cooked is one of the first things that you must decide. Some folks grill them, some use foil, others cook them in an oven, some even boil them (or a combination of things). My preferred method is to slow smoke them with indirect heat from a mesquite fire.

Once you figure out how you want to cook the pork ribs, it's time to consider seasonings. If you decide to smoke them (like I do), then you've got a few more choices to make. That's right... more choices. Do you want to use a rub, or maybe a marinade? How about a mop or basting sauce? Don't forget the finishing BBQ sauce or dipping sauce.

With all of these choices looming, where do we start?

Let's just do it the way I do. What do you say? You can still make different choices at any time, though. This is just a rub, a mop, and a finishing sauce for you to consider using. Naturally, you are free to use all or any combination of these recipes as you see fit.

The rub:

1/4 c dark brown sugar

2 Tbl paprika

2 Tbl coarse salt

1 Tbl black pepper

1 Tbl chili powder

2 tsp garlic powder

2 tsp dry mustard

2 tsp cumin

1 tsp cayenne pepper

Mix the ingredients together. Apply generously to your choice of pork ribs (baby back, spare, St. Louis, etc.) Cover with plastic or foil and refrigerate while you prepare the smoker. If you have the time, refrigerate overnight.

The mop:

1 1/2 c cider vinegar

1 c apple cider

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 Tbl red pepper flakes

1 Tbl salt

Mix ingredients together and let sit for for an hour or more so flavors can infuse. Apply to ribs after they have been in the smoker for an hour or so. Continue to apply every 30 minutes to an hour until ribs are done (about 4 hours at 220 degrees Fahrenheit).

The BBQ sauce:

3 c ketchup

1/2 c orange juice

1/3 c cider vinegar

1/4 c Worcestershire sauce

1/4 c molasses

4 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 c brown sugar

2 Tbl prepared yellow mustard

1 Tbl red pepper flakes

Mix together all ingredients and let sit for at least an hour for flavors to blend. Apply to ribs during the last 15 to 20 minutes of smoking. Use additional sauce at the table if desired.

There are many possibilities of personalizing these recipes of rub, mop and BBQ sauce. I know... more choices. Lots of people like BBQ pork ribs the way I do, with a rub, a mop and BBQ sauce. But, not everybody does. Some folks think that a good barbecue pork ribs recipe is nothing more than a little salt and pepper And that's OK, too. Fix them the way you like them... Right?

I have heard many different people say, "It's all about the sauce". I can understand that way of thinking, too. Especially after you get used to having BBQ with sauce. It almost becomes a habit. You get used to it and then begin to expect it.

When you finish eating your BBQ pork ribs, though, before you realize that you forgot to put BBQ sauce on them... that's an indication you've turned out some pretty good BBQ.