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Carla’s Authentic Kansas City BBQ Ribs

Close-up of tender, saucy Kansas City BBQ ribs glistening with dark, rich glaze under sunlight.
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Make fall-off-the-bone, sticky ribs with the signature sweet and tangy tomato-molasses glaze that defines Kansas City style BBQ.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 racks St. Louis style pork ribs (about 3 lbs each)
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/4 cup yellow mustard
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 cups Kansas City BBQ Sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ribs by removing the thin membrane from the bone side using a paper towel to grip it.
  2. Mix the apple cider vinegar, water, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper in a bowl. This is your mop sauce.
  3. Place the ribs meat-side up on a large sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Brush the ribs generously with the mop sauce.
  4. Wrap the foil tightly around the ribs, creating a sealed packet. Place the packets on a baking sheet.
  5. Bake the ribs in an oven preheated to 275°F (135°C) for 3 to 3.5 hours, or until the meat is tender.
  6. Carefully open the foil packets, reserving any liquid. Turn the oven temperature up to 350°F (175°C).
  7. Place the ribs directly on a clean baking sheet, bone-side down. Brush the top side generously with your Kansas City BBQ Sauce.
  8. Return the ribs to the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
  9. Remove the ribs, brush with another layer of sauce, and return to the oven for a final 10 minutes to allow the glaze to set and become sticky.
  10. Let the sticky ribs rest for 10 minutes before slicing between the bones.

Notes

  • For a smoky flavor, you can finish the ribs on a grill over indirect heat after the initial oven cook instead of returning them to the oven for glazing.
  • If you prefer a thinner glaze, thin your favorite store-bought sauce with a tablespoon or two of the reserved cooking liquid.
  • This recipe creates tender, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs perfect for a classic American cookout.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbycarla.com/kansas-city-bbq-ribs-sticky-recipe/