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Steak / BBQ

Sticky Kansas City Style BBQ Pork Ribs

Tender, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs coated in a sweet and tangy Kansas City style BBQ sauce.

Sticky Kansas City Style BBQ Pork Ribs — Steak / BBQ — ChefSnap
20 minutesPrep
3 hoursCook
2Serves
MediumDifficulty
550 kcal per serving28g protein 15g carbs 32g fat
Watch it made — Sticky Kansas City Style BBQ Pork RibsWatch it madeSteven Raichlen - Official YouTube Channel · 3:20

Ingredients

Method

  1. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs.
  2. Rub the ribs with a spice mix of brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne.
  3. Bake ribs in an oven at 300°F wrapped in foil for 2.5 hours, or smoke them at 225°F.
  4. Unwrap the ribs and brush generously with BBQ sauce.
  5. Grill or broil for 5-10 minutes until the sauce is sticky and caramelized.
  6. Cut into individual ribs and serve with extra sauce.

Common questions

Can I substitute pork baby back ribs for spare ribs in this recipe?

Yes. Baby back ribs work well, but they’re smaller and leaner, so reduce the cook time a bit. Start checking about 30 to 45 minutes earlier in the oven or smoker so they don’t dry out.

How long should I bake or smoke the ribs so they’re actually tender?

At 300°F wrapped in foil, plan on about 2.5 hours for spare ribs. If smoking at 225°F, expect closer to 5 to 6 hours total. They’re ready when the meat pulls back from the bone and bends easily.

What are the most common mistakes with sticky BBQ ribs?

Leaving the membrane on, over-salting the rub, or saucing too early are the biggest issues. Also, don’t skip the final high-heat step; that’s what caramelizes the sauce instead of leaving it runny.

How should I store leftover ribs and reheat them without drying them out?

Cool leftovers quickly, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat wrapped in foil at 300°F with a spoonful of extra BBQ sauce or a splash of water until hot, then uncover briefly if you want the glaze to set.

What should I serve with Kansas City style BBQ ribs?

Classic sides are coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob, potato salad, and cornbread. Serve extra warm BBQ sauce on the side, plus pickles or pickled onions to cut through the sweetness and richness.