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American

Kansas City Style BBQ Ribs

Tender, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs slow-cooked with a dry rub and finished with a sticky, sweet, and smoky BBQ sauce.

Kansas City Style BBQ Ribs — American — ChefSnap
20 minsPrep
3 hours 10 minsCook
2Serves
HardDifficulty
650 kcal per serving40g protein 15g carbs 30g fat
Watch it made — Kansas City Style BBQ RibsWatch it madeHowToBBQRight · 11:50

Ingredients

Method

  1. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. Mix the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to make a dry rub.
  2. Coat the ribs generously with the dry rub. Wrap tightly in foil and bake at 275°F (135°C) for 3 hours.
  3. Remove ribs from the oven and unwrap. Brush them generously with BBQ sauce.
  4. Grill the ribs over medium-high heat or broil in the oven for 5-10 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
  5. Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before slicing between the bones.

Common questions

Can I substitute spare ribs for baby back ribs in this Kansas City-style BBQ recipe?

Yes, but spare ribs are larger and fattier, so they usually need a longer cook time. Keep the same rub and sauce, but expect about 30 to 60 extra minutes in the oven before they become tender.

How do I know when the ribs are done during the 3-hour bake?

They should be tender and the meat should have pulled back from the bones a little. If a toothpick slides in easily and the rack bends without cracking apart, they’re ready for the sauce and finishing heat.

What are the most common mistakes when making oven-baked BBQ ribs?

Leaving the membrane on, using too much salt in the rub, and cooking at too high a temperature are the biggest mistakes. Also avoid saucing too early, or the sugar in the BBQ sauce may burn.

How should I store leftover BBQ ribs, and how long do they keep?

Cool the ribs completely, then wrap tightly or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months. Reheat covered so they don’t dry out.

What should I serve with Kansas City-style BBQ ribs?

Classic sides include coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, potato salad, or mac and cheese. Serve the ribs with extra BBQ sauce on the side and slice between the bones after resting so they stay juicy.