Finger-Licking Good: Kansas City Style BBQ Pork Ribs with Sweet Molasses Sauce
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the irresistible
flavors of Kansas City-style BBQ pork ribs! This recipe combines tender, smoky
ribs with a sweet and tangy molasses sauce that will have you coming back for
more. Whether you're firing up the grill or using a smoker, these Kansas
City-style ribs are sure to be a hit at your next backyard barbecue. Let's dive
into the details and get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 2
racks of pork spare ribs (about 4-5 pounds)
- 2
tablespoons paprika
- 1
tablespoon brown sugar
- 1
tablespoon chili powder
- 1
tablespoon salt
- 1
teaspoon black pepper
- 1
teaspoon garlic powder
- 1
teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2
teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for some heat)
- 1
cup Kansas City-style BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For the sweet molasses sauce:
- 1
cup ketchup
- 1/2
cup molasses
- 1/4
cup apple cider vinegar
- 2
tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2
tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2
tablespoons brown sugar
- 1
tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1
teaspoon garlic powder
- 1
teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2
teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2
teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat
your grill or smoker to 225°F (107°C). If you're using a smoker, consider
adding some wood chips for an extra smoky flavor.
- Prepare
the ribs by removing the thin membrane on the back of each rack. Use a
butter knife to loosen the membrane, then grab it with a paper towel and
pull it off. This step ensures that the flavors penetrate the meat evenly.
- In a
small bowl, combine the paprika, brown sugar, chili powder, salt, black
pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if desired) to
create the rub. Mix well to blend the flavors.
- Generously
sprinkle the rub on both sides of the ribs, pressing it into the meat to
ensure it adheres. This flavorful rub will form a delicious crust on the
ribs as they cook.
- Place
the seasoned ribs on the grill or smoker, bone side down. Close the lid
and let them cook for approximately 3 hours, maintaining a steady
temperature of 225°F (107°C). The low and slow cooking method will result
in tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs.
- Meanwhile,
let's prepare the mouthwatering sweet molasses sauce. In a saucepan,
combine ketchup, molasses, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce,
Dijon mustard, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder,
black pepper, and salt. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.
- Bring
the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and
let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow
the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- After
the 3-hour mark, remove the ribs from the grill or smoker and generously
brush them with the Kansas City-style BBQ sauce. The sauce will add a
delightful layer of sweetness and tanginess to the ribs.
- Return
the sauced ribs to the grill or smoker and cook for an additional 30
minutes, or until the meat is tender and the internal temperature reaches
around 195°F (90°C). This final step ensures that the flavors marry
perfectly, and the ribs achieve their delectable texture.
- Once
done, remove the ribs from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes.
This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicy,
succulent ribs.
- To
serve, cut the racks into individual ribs and present them with the sweet
molasses sauce on the side. The rich, sticky sauce pairs perfectly with
the smoky and tender meat, creating a flavor explosion in every bite.
Congratulations! You've successfully mastered the art of
Kansas City Style BBQ Pork Ribs with Sweet Molasses Sauce. The combination of
the smoky, tender ribs with the sweet and tangy sauce is sure to make your
taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're hosting a backyard gathering or
simply craving some finger-licking barbecue, this recipe will undoubtedly
impress your family and friends. So fire up that grill or smoker, grab your
apron, and get ready to savor the deliciousness of Kansas City-style BBQ pork
ribs!