Soulful Barbecue Ribs

Ingredients

While the original American barbecue ribs are known for their bold and tangy flavors, this soul food adaptation adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the dish. The ribs are slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a rich and comforting experience. The addition of soulful spices and seasonings elevates the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness. We alse have the original recipe for Barbecue Ribs, so you can check it out.

• 2 racks of pork ribs (about 4 pounds / 1.8 kg) 2 racks of pork ribs (about 4 pounds / 1.8 kg)
• 1 cup (240 ml) barbecue sauce 1 cup (240 ml) barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) apple cider vinegar 1/2 cup (120 ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) molasses 1/4 cup (60 ml) molasses
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) brown sugar 1/4 cup (60 ml) brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) smoked paprika 2 teaspoons (10 ml) smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) garlic powder 1 teaspoon (5 ml) garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) onion powder 1 teaspoon (5 ml) onion powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) black pepper 1 teaspoon (5 ml) black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) cayenne pepper (optional for heat) 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 30g (Saturated Fat: 10g)
• Carbohydrates: 15g (Sugars: 12g)
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat your grill or smoker to 225°F (107°C).
2. 2.
   In a bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, molasses, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt. Mix well to create the barbecue sauce.
3. 3.
   Prepare the ribs by removing the membrane from the back of each rack. This will help the flavors penetrate the meat.
4. 4.
   Rub the ribs generously with the barbecue sauce, making sure to coat both sides.
5. 5.
   Place the ribs on the grill or smoker, bone-side down, and cook for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is tender and starts to pull away from the bones.
6. 6.
   Every 30 minutes, baste the ribs with more barbecue sauce to keep them moist and flavorful.
7. 7.
   Once the ribs are cooked to perfection, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
8. 8.
   Slice the ribs between the bones and serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Barbecue sauce — Choose a high-quality, preferably homemade, barbecue sauce to enhance the flavor of the ribs.
• Apple cider vinegar — Opt for raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar for a tangy and authentic taste.
• Molasses — Use dark molasses for a rich and robust flavor profile.
• Smoked paprika — Look for smoked paprika to add a smoky depth to the ribs.
• Cayenne pepper — Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your desired level of heat.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra tenderness, you can wrap the ribs in foil during the last hour of cooking.
• If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can add a bit more brown sugar or honey to the barbecue sauce.
• To achieve a smokier flavor, use wood chips or chunks in your grill or smoker.
• Serve the ribs with traditional soul food sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, cornbread, and coleslaw.
• Leftover ribs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or on the grill.

Serving advice

Serve the Soulful Barbecue Ribs hot and fresh from the grill. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. Serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.

Presentation advice

Arrange the ribs on a platter, bone-side up, and drizzle some barbecue sauce over the top. Sprinkle with a pinch of smoked paprika for an added visual appeal. Serve with a side of coleslaw and cornbread for a complete soulful meal.