Few dishes capture the essence of comfort food quite like Damon’s Ribs. Whether you’re planning a family barbecue, a weekend dinner with friends, or simply craving tender, flavorful ribs, this recipe is your go-to.
Bursting with a blend of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors, Damon’s Ribs have that perfect balance that makes every bite unforgettable. The secret lies in the marinade and the slow-cooking technique that locks in moisture while infusing the meat with deep, rich flavors.
Plus, these ribs are surprisingly easy to make in your own kitchen, so you don’t need a professional pitmaster to enjoy them.
In this post, you’ll find detailed steps, tips, and variations to tailor the recipe to your taste. Whether you like your ribs with a sticky glaze or a spicy kick, Damon’s Ribs recipe will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests.
Let’s dive into this mouthwatering adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Damon’s Ribs recipe is beloved for several reasons. First, the ribs come out exceptionally tender thanks to a slow-cooking method that allows the meat to fall off the bone effortlessly.
The marinade combines classic barbecue elements with a secret blend of spices that make this recipe stand out.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can prepare it in the oven, on a grill, or even in a slow cooker, adapting to your available equipment and time constraints.
The flavors are bold but well-balanced, pleasing both kids and adults alike.
Finally, Damon’s Ribs are ideal for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings. The recipe also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, which makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will be asking to have again.
Ingredients
- 2 racks of pork baby back ribs (about 3-4 pounds total)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Aluminum foil (for wrapping)
Equipment
- Large baking sheet or roasting pan
- Aluminum foil
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Brush for applying sauce
- Oven or grill
- Sharp knife (to remove the membrane from ribs)
- Tongs (for flipping ribs if grilling)
Instructions
- Prepare the ribs: Start by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs. Slide a sharp knife under the membrane and peel it off for tender ribs that absorb the marinade better.
- Mix the dry rub: In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir well to create a balanced spice blend.
- Apply the rub: Rub the spice mix generously over both sides of the ribs, pressing it into the meat to ensure maximum flavor penetration.
- Marinate: Wrap the ribs in plastic wrap or place them in a sealed container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to meld.
- Preheat your oven or grill: For oven cooking, preheat to 275°F (135°C). For grilling, prepare your grill for indirect heat at a similar temperature.
- Prepare the cooking pan: Place the ribs on a large baking sheet or roasting pan. Drizzle the olive oil over the ribs and cover tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture.
- Cook low and slow: Bake or grill the ribs for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and pulls easily from the bone.
- Make the glaze: While the ribs cook, mix the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl to create a tangy glaze.
- Apply the glaze: Remove the foil from the ribs during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Brush the ribs generously with the glaze and cook uncovered to develop a sticky, caramelized coating.
- Rest and serve: Once cooked, let the ribs rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing between the bones. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat moist.
Tips & Variations
“For the best ribs, patience is key. Cooking low and slow ensures tender results.”
- Membrane removal: Don’t skip this step. It’s crucial for tender ribs and better marinade absorption.
- Marinating time: The longer the ribs marinate, the deeper the flavor. If short on time, at least 2 hours will do.
- Spicy kick: Add more cayenne or even chipotle powder to the dry rub for a smoky heat.
- Glaze alternatives: Try swapping the barbecue sauce for a honey mustard glaze or a spicy sriracha blend for variety.
- Grill method: For authentic smoky flavor, use wood chips on your grill and cook with indirect heat.
- Slow cooker shortcut: You can cook ribs in a slow cooker for 4-6 hours on low, then finish under the broiler with the glaze for caramelization.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (approx. 4 oz) |
---|---|
Calories | 350 kcal |
Protein | 28 g |
Fat | 24 g |
Carbohydrates | 7 g |
Sugar | 5 g |
Sodium | 550 mg |
Note: Nutrition values can vary depending on the barbecue sauce and portion sizes used.
Serving Suggestions
Damon’s Ribs shine best when paired with classic sides that complement their rich flavor. Consider serving with creamy coleslaw, buttery corn on the cob, or a fresh garden salad to balance the meal.
For a heartier option, baked beans, mashed potatoes, or roasted sweet potatoes make excellent companions. Don’t forget some crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious glaze.
If you want to explore more side dishes to accompany your ribs, check out our Slow Cooker Roast Recipe With Vegetables Made Easy or the Apple Barn Pigeon Forge TN Vegetable Soup Recipe Guide for wholesome, comforting options.
Conclusion
Damon’s Ribs recipe is a true celebration of flavors and textures that will win over meat lovers and casual cooks alike. The combination of a thoughtfully crafted dry rub, low and slow cooking, and a tangy glaze results in ribs that are tender, juicy, and full of smoky-sweet goodness.
This recipe is perfect for those who want to impress with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Whether you’re grilling outdoors or roasting in your oven, these ribs elevate any meal to a special occasion. Don’t hesitate to experiment with spice levels or different glazes to make the dish your own.
For more delicious and easy-to-follow recipes, you might want to explore our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious or the Black Bean Sauce Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Guide for exciting meal ideas that complement your cooking adventures.
📖 Recipe Card: Damon's Ribs Recipe
Description: Tender, smoky ribs with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Easy to prepare and perfect for any barbecue.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT3H
Total Time: PT3H20M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 racks of pork ribs (about 4 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
- Mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and chili powder to make a dry rub.
- Remove the membrane from the ribs and rub the spice mix evenly over both sides.
- Place ribs on a foil-lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and cover tightly with foil.
- Bake ribs for 3 hours until tender.
- Remove foil, brush ribs with barbecue sauce mixed with apple cider vinegar.
- Broil ribs for 5 minutes until sauce caramelizes.
- Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 550 | Protein: 50g | Fat: 35g | Carbs: 15g
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