Spicy BBQ Beef Ribs

Introduction

Let me share with you one of my favorite recipes for creating mouthwatering Spicy BBQ Beef Ribs that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. These ribs strike the perfect balance between sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors, while the meat remains tender enough to fall right off the bone. I’ve perfected this recipe through countless BBQ sessions, and I’m excited to show you exactly how to achieve restaurant-quality results in your own backyard.

Ingredients

• 4-5 pounds beef back ribs
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

1. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This step is crucial for allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat fully.
2. Mix all the dry ingredients (brown sugar, paprika, cayenne, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt) in a bowl to create your spice rub.
3. Massage the spice rub generously onto both sides of the ribs. Let them sit for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
4. Preheat your grill for indirect cooking at 225°F (107°C).
5. Place the ribs on the indirect heat side of the grill, bone side down.
6. Mix the apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of water in a spray bottle. Spray the ribs every hour to keep them moist.
7. After 3 hours, wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil and continue cooking for 2 more hours.
8. Unwrap the ribs and brush them with your BBQ sauce mixed with hot sauce (if using).
9. Cook for an additional 30 minutes until the sauce is sticky and slightly caramelized.
10. Let the ribs rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving.

Cook Time and Serving Size

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Marinating Time: 2-12 hours
Cook Time: 5.5 hours
Total Time: 6-16 hours
Servings: 4-6 people

Recipe Notes

– If you can’t find beef back ribs, short ribs work well too, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

– The key to tender ribs is cooking them low and slow. Don’t try to rush the process by increasing the temperature.

– To test for doneness, grab the end of a bone; it should move easily and start to slip out of the meat.

– If you’re sensitive to heat, start with half the amount of cayenne pepper and adjust future batches to your taste.

– Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them in a 300°F oven, wrapped in foil, until warm.

– For extra smoky flavor, add a few chunks of hickory or oak wood to your grill during the first 3 hours of cooking.

Spicy BBQ Beef Ribs

Mouthwatering Spicy BBQ Beef Ribs that strike the perfect balance between sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors, with tender meat that falls right off the bone.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 6 hours hrs

Servings 4 -6

Ingredients

  

• 4-5 pounds beef back ribs
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce

Instructions

 

• Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs.
• Mix all dry ingredients to create a spice rub.
• Massage the spice rub onto both sides of the ribs. Let sit for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
• Preheat grill for indirect cooking at 225°F (107°C).
• Place ribs on the indirect heat side, bone side down.
• Mix apple cider vinegar with water and spray ribs every hour.
• After 3 hours, wrap ribs tightly in aluminum foil and cook for 2 more hours.
• Unwrap ribs and brush with BBQ sauce (and hot sauce, if using).
• Cook for an additional 30 minutes until sauce is sticky and caramelized.
• Let ribs rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.