Finger-Lickin’ Savory Short Ribs in Sweet BBQ Sauce Recipe

When hunger strikes, these succulent short ribs smothered in a mouthwatering BBQ sauce will make your taste buds dance with delight.

slow-cooked to tender perfection, this beef dish brings restaurant-quality comfort right to your dinner table.

The rich, caramelized sauce infuses every morsel with deep, complex flavors that melt in your mouth.

Each bite promises a symphony of sweet and savory notes that transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Minimal prep and maximum flavor make this recipe a weeknight winner for meat lovers.

Weekend or weekday, these short ribs will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Dive into this irresistible culinary journey and let the magic of slow-cooked beef redefine your dinner expectations.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 7

Savory Short Ribs in Sweet BBQ Sauce: Ingredient Rundown

• Beef Short Ribs: Succulent cut perfect for slow cooking, choose well-marbled ribs with rich fat content for maximum flavor.
• Salt: Enhances meat's natural taste and helps break down proteins.
• Black Pepper: Adds warm, earthy spiciness to complement the beef's richness.
• Paprika: Provides subtle sweetness and beautiful reddish color to the rub.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers concentrated savory depth without raw garlic texture.

• Tomato Ketchup: Creates tangy, sweet foundational flavor for sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel sweetness and helps sauce caramelize.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Introduces bright acidity to balance sauce's richness.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes complex umami and subtle fermented notes.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides sharp, tangy undertone to sauce complexity.

• Water: Helps thin sauce and create perfect braising consistency.
• Parsley/Chives: Optional fresh herb garnish for vibrant color and light herbal freshness.

Cooking Tools for Savory Short Ribs in Sweet BBQ Sauce

• Large baking pan: Essential for cooking and coating ribs with BBQ sauce.
• Meat fork: Helps check rib tenderness and pull meat apart.
• Small mixing bowl: Perfect for combining rub and sauce ingredients.
• Aluminum foil or lid: Necessary for covering pan during initial slow cooking.
• Measuring spoons: Helps precisely measure rub and sauce ingredients.
• Spatula or basting brush: Used for coating ribs with sauce during caramelization.
• Sharp knife: Useful for trimming ribs if needed before preparation.

How to Make Savory Short Ribs in Sweet BBQ Sauce Easily

• Rib Preparation

Preheat oven to a low temperature. Create a delicious spice mixture that will transform ordinary beef ribs into a mouthwatering delicacy. Massage the spices thoroughly into every nook and cranny of the meat, ensuring deep flavor penetration.

• Sauce Creation

Craft a rich barbecue sauce by blending sweet and tangy ingredients in a baking pan. Whisk until the mixture becomes a smooth, glossy liquid that promises incredible taste.

• Slow Cooking

Nestle the seasoned ribs into the sauce, ensuring they’re completely submerged. Cover tightly and let the oven work its magic, transforming tough meat into tender, fall-apart goodness over several hours.

• Caramelization Magic

Uncover the ribs and let them develop a gorgeous, sticky exterior. Baste with extra sauce to create a beautiful glazed finish that will make mouths water.

• Serving Presentation

Check the ribs are perfectly tender – they should pull apart effortlessly. Transfer to a stunning serving plate, drizzle with remaining sauce, and add a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a final touch of elegance.

Flavor Upgrades for Savory Short Ribs in Sweet BBQ Sauce

• Flavor Boosting BBQ Rib Secrets: Expert Tips and Twists
• Rub Intensity Hack: Double the spice blend for extra-deep flavor by adding smoked paprika or ground chipotle powder to your original rub mixture.
• Meat Selection Magic: Choose well-marbled short ribs with good fat content to ensure maximum tenderness and rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture during slow cooking.
• Sauce Depth Trick: Let BBQ sauce ingredients sit together for 30 minutes before mixing to allow flavors to develop more complex, robust undertones.
• Wine Enhancement Option: Replace water with red wine like cabernet or merlot to introduce deeper, more sophisticated flavor profiles that complement the beef's richness.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: These ribs taste even better the next day, so consider preparing them in advance and gently reheating before serving for intensified taste and improved texture.

Tips to Serve Savory Short Ribs in Sweet BBQ Sauce

• Backyard Barbecue Feast: Arrange these succulent ribs as the centerpiece of a summer gathering, surrounded by classic sides like creamy coleslaw and corn on the cob.
• Rustic Family Dinner Plating: Serve the ribs on a large wooden board with roasted vegetables and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, creating a hearty and inviting family-style meal that encourages sharing.
• Gourmet Meal Companion: Pair the tender ribs with a smooth red wine or craft beer, and add a side of creamy mashed potatoes or buttery polenta to complement the rich, sweet barbecue sauce.
• Quick Weeknight Comfort: Transform leftovers into a delicious sandwich by shredding the meat and placing it on toasted brioche buns with a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce for an easy next-day meal.

Smart Storage for Savory Short Ribs in Sweet BBQ Sauce

• Fridge-Fresh Storage: Seal cooked short ribs in airtight containers, keeping them refrigerated for 3-4 days. Ensure the meat stays submerged in its delicious sauce to maintain moisture and flavor intensity.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish 1-2 days before serving. The flavors will deepen and become more complex, making your meal even more delectable when reheated gently.
• Smart Freezing Strategy: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe wrap or containers. These savory ribs can stay frozen up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and taste restoration.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated or thawed ribs in a covered oven dish at 160°C/320°F for 20-25 minutes. Add a splash of extra sauce to prevent drying and restore the succulent tenderness that makes this dish irresistible.

Succulent Short Ribs in Sweet BBQ Sauce

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering short ribs in sweet BBQ sauce showcase classic American comfort cooking with rich, tender beef. Slow-cooked techniques and bold spices invite you to savor a hearty meal that delivers intense flavor and satisfying texture.

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Ingredients

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• 6 beef ribs (10 – 12 oz / 300 – 350 g), patted dry
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1.5 cups ketchup
• 0.5 cup apple cider vinegar
• 0.5 cup brown sugar
• 2 cups water
• 2 tsp paprika
• 2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp mustard powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 0.75 tsp mustard powder
• 0.5 tsp cumin powder
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• Parsley or chives, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Spice Infusion: Meticulously blend dry spices and herbs, then vigorously massage the seasoning mixture into every surface of the beef ribs, ensuring comprehensive coverage and deep penetration.
2. Sauce Preparation: Whisk liquid and dry components in a spacious baking pan, gradually incorporating water while stirring to create a smooth, lump-free barbecue sauce base with harmonious flavor integration.
3. Initial Roasting: Position seasoned ribs bone-side upward in the prepared sauce, tightly seal with aluminum foil, and slow-roast in a preheated oven at 300°F, allowing the meat to tenderize and absorb rich flavors for approximately 3.5 hours.
4. Caramelization Phase: Remove foil, flip ribs, and generously baste with surrounding sauce. Return to oven uncovered, periodically coating the meat to develop a glossy, sticky exterior that intensifies the barbecue glaze.
5. Final Verification: Test ribs with a fork – they should separate effortlessly, indicating perfect tenderness. Transfer to a serving platter, drizzling the reduced, concentrated sauce over the meat for maximum flavor enhancement.
6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle finely chopped fresh herbs across the ribs, adding a vibrant aromatic finish that elevates the dish’s sensory experience and visual appeal.

Notes

• Massaging Spices Deeply: Press and rub the dry spice mixture thoroughly into every meat surface to ensure maximum flavor penetration and seasoning adherence.
• Sauce Consistency Matters: Whisk liquid and dry ingredients carefully to create a smooth, lump-free sauce that will coat the ribs evenly and develop rich flavors during cooking.
• Moisture Sealing Technique: Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and prevent moisture loss, which helps tenderize the meat and maintain juiciness throughout slow cooking.
• Caramelization Basting Trick: Periodically baste the ribs during the final uncovered cooking stage to develop a glossy, sticky exterior and prevent the meat from drying out, ensuring a succulent and flavorful result.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg