Pork Spare Ribs Recipe- American Special

If you love ribs with bold flavor, this Pork Spare Ribs recipe is made for you. It starts with a savory dry rub that seeps into the meat, then the ribs are slow-cooked until supremely tender and finished off with a generous coat of barbecue sauce that caramelizes into a sticky glaze. Whether you’re cooking for a gathering favourite or craving some hearty comfort food, these ribs deliver rich, smoky, sweet satisfaction in every bite.
- Prep Time20 min
- Cook Time4 hr
- Perform Time8 hr
- Total Time12 hr 20 min
- Cuisine
- Course
Pork Spare Ribs Ingredients :
- 2 racks of pork spare ribs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite)
Dry Rub (optional):
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
How to make Pork Spare Ribs :
Prepare the Ribs: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs if it’s still attached.
Make the Dry Rub: In a small bowl, mix all the dry rub ingredients. Rub it generously over both sides of the ribs.
Bake the Ribs: Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with foil. Cover them with another layer of foil and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, until tender.
Add Barbecue Sauce: Remove the top layer of foil, brush the ribs with barbecue sauce, and bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes.
Serve: Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before cutting. Serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side.
Recipe Notes :
Cook Time Tips: Make sure the ribs are baked slowly at a low temperature (around 275°F / 135°C) to break down the connective tissue—this yields meat that falls off the bone.
Marinade vs Rub: The recipe uses a dry rub, but you can marinate ribs overnight with the same spices + a bit of apple juice or vinegar for extra flavor depth.
Resting Period: After baking and glazing, allow the ribs to rest for a few minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute and the glaze sets up.
Storage Suggestions: Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a low-heat oven to preserve moistness and prevent the glaze from burning.
Side Dish Pairing: These ribs go well with coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans, or roasted vegetables to balance the richness and add freshness.