When you think of classic Southern cuisine, ribs are often at the forefront of your mind. Southern Roadhouse Ribs embody everything we love about barbecue: rich flavors, tender meat, and that irresistible smoky essence. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or enjoying a cozy family dinner, these ribs are sure to impress. Get ready to indulge in a dish that brings the heart of Southern cooking right to your table!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes to 3 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: Approximately 550
- Protein: 40 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fat: 30 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugar: 12 grams
- Sodium: 900 mg
Why Make This Southern Roadhouse Ribs
Southern Roadhouse Ribs are a celebration of flavors and textures. The ribs become tender through long, slow cooking, allowing them to soak up the savory spice mix and barbecue sauce. When baked, the meat develops a lovely caramelized crust, and the aroma fills your kitchen, making it hard to wait for the first bite. This dish is perfect for gatherings, and it’s an easy way to impress family and friends with minimal effort.
How to Make Southern Roadhouse Ribs
Ingredients:
- 2 racks of pork ribs
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low and slow method will ensure your ribs become tender and flavorful.
Step 2: Mixing
In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. This spice blend brings warmth and depth to the ribs.
Step 3: Coating
Rub this spice mixture generously on both sides of the ribs. Don’t be shy! This is where the flavor begins to build.
Step 4: Wrapping
Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet. The foil helps to trap moisture, making the ribs incredibly juicy.
Step 5: Baking
Bake the ribs in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours. The low temperature allows the fat to render slowly, giving you that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 6: Unwrapping
After cooking, remove the ribs from the oven and take off the foil. Be careful—steam will escape, so use caution!
Step 7: Sauce Application
Brush barbecue sauce on both sides of the ribs. This will give them a delicious glaze and enhance the flavor.
Step 8: Caramelizing
Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the sauce is caramelized and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 9: Resting
Allow the ribs to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and full of flavor.
How to Serve Southern Roadhouse Ribs
Serve your Southern Roadhouse Ribs with classic sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans for a complete meal. They’re sure to be a hit at any barbecue or family gathering. Add some pickles on the side for a tangy contrast to the rich flavors!
How to Store Southern Roadhouse Ribs
Leftover ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them for up to 3 months. When reheating, cover them with foil to keep them moist.
Expert Tips for Perfect Southern Roadhouse Ribs
- For extra smoky flavor, you can add a dash of liquid smoke to your spice rub.
- If you prefer, use beef ribs instead of pork; the cooking method remains the same.
- If you like your ribs with a bit more heat, adjust the cayenne pepper to your taste, or add a splash of hot sauce to the barbecue sauce.
Delicious Variations
- Honey Mustard Ribs: Substitute some of the barbecue sauce with honey mustard for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Asian-Inspired Ribs: Use soy sauce, ginger, and garlic in the marinade for a delicious twist on traditional flavors.
- Spicy Mango Ribs: Mix diced mango with the barbecue sauce for a tropical flair.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I grill the ribs instead of baking?
Yes! After the initial baking, you can finish the ribs on a grill for an added smoky flavor and those fabulous grill marks.
2. What if I don’t have aluminum foil?
If you don’t have aluminum foil, you can use a baking dish with a lid or another baking sheet to cover them, although cooking time may vary.
3. How can I tell when the ribs are done?
The ribs are done when the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone. You can also use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach about 190°F (88°C).
4. Can I make the spice rub in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the spice rub a few days in advance and store it in an airtight container.
5. What’s the best way to reheat leftover ribs?
To reheat, wrap the ribs in foil and heat them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. This helps keep them moist.
Conclusion
Southern Roadhouse Ribs are a delightful dish that captures the essence of Southern cooking. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a mouthwatering meal that everyone will love. Whether it’s a special occasion or a casual weeknight dinner, these ribs will add a touch of warmth and joy to your table. So fire up your oven and get ready to savor every delicious bite!
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Southern Roadhouse Ribs
- Total Time: 170 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Southern Roadhouse Ribs embody the rich flavors of barbecue, offering tender meat with a smoky essence. Perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 racks of pork ribs
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Rub this spice mixture generously on both sides of the ribs.
- Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake the ribs for 2.5 to 3 hours.
- After cooking, remove the ribs from the oven and take off the foil.
- Brush barbecue sauce on both sides of the ribs.
- Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Allow the ribs to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For extra smoky flavor, consider adding liquid smoke to the spice rub or finishing the ribs on a grill.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 150 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
