Sweet and Spicy BBQ Ribs – Tender, Sticky & Packed with Flavor!

If you love fall-off-the-bone tender ribs coated in a sticky, sweet, and spicy BBQ sauce, this Sweet and Spicy BBQ Ribs recipe is for you! Whether you make them in the oven, slow cooker, or on the grill, these ribs are juicy, flavorful, and finger-licking good.

The combination of brown sugar, honey, smoky spices, and a little heat creates the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Serve them with cornbread, coleslaw, or baked beans for the ultimate BBQ feast!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Perfect Balance of Sweet & Heat – A delicious mix of smoky, tangy, and spicy flavors.
✔ Super Tender & Juicy – Slow cooking makes them fall-apart good.
✔ Great for Any Cooking Method – Oven, grill, or slow cooker options included!
✔ Easy to Make Ahead – Prep them in advance for a stress-free meal.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Ribs:

• 2 racks baby back ribs (or spare ribs)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Dry Rub:

• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat level)
• ½ teaspoon ground mustard

For the Sweet & Spicy BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (like sriracha or Tabasco)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)

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How to Make Sweet and Spicy BBQ Ribs

Step 1: Prep the Ribs

1. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs by loosening one end with a knife and pulling it off with a paper towel.
2. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels and rub with olive oil.

Step 2: Apply the Dry Rub

1. In a bowl, mix together all the dry rub ingredients.
2. Generously coat both sides of the ribs with the rub, pressing it in.
3. Let the ribs sit for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).

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Cooking Methods

Oven Method (Easy & Foolproof!)

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Wrap the ribs tightly in foil and place on a baking sheet.
3. Bake for 2 ½ to 3 hours, until tender.
4. Remove from foil, brush with BBQ sauce, and broil for 5 minutes until caramelized.

Grill Method (Smoky & Delicious!)

1. Preheat grill to medium (275-300°F).
2. Place ribs on indirect heat, cover, and cook for 2-3 hours, flipping occasionally.
3. During the last 30 minutes, baste with BBQ sauce every 10 minutes.

Slow Cooker Method (Ultra Tender!)

1. Place ribs in a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours.
2. Remove, brush with BBQ sauce, and broil for 5 minutes to caramelize.

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Step 3: Make the Sweet & Spicy BBQ Sauce

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine BBQ sauce, honey, brown sugar, vinegar, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes.
2. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and glossy.
3. Brush over the ribs before serving.

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Tips for the Best BBQ Ribs

✔ Remove the membrane – This makes the ribs extra tender.
✔ Low & slow cooking – Cooking at low heat gives the best texture.
✔ Broil or grill at the end – This caramelizes the sauce for extra flavor.
✔ Let them rest – Let ribs sit for 5 minutes before cutting for juicier meat.

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Variations & Add-Ins

Make It Extra Spicy 🔥

• Add an extra teaspoon of cayenne to the rub.
• Use ghost pepper hot sauce for an extra kick!

Make It Smoky 🌿

• Add 1 teaspoon liquid smoke to the sauce.
• Use hickory or mesquite wood chips if grilling.

Honey Garlic Version 🍯

• Swap hot sauce for extra honey & minced garlic in the sauce.

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How to Store & Reheat

Storing Leftovers

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating

• Oven: Wrap in foil and bake at 300°F for 15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, brushing with extra sauce.

Freezing

• Freeze cooked ribs (without sauce) for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight, then reheat with BBQ sauce.

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FAQs About Sweet and Spicy BBQ Ribs

Q: Can I use spare ribs instead of baby back ribs?
A: Yes! Just increase the cook time by about 30-45 minutes since they’re meatier.

Q: What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
A: A smoky, slightly sweet BBQ sauce works best—try hickory, honey, or brown sugar-based sauces.

Q: Can I cook ribs in advance?
A: Absolutely! Cook them a day ahead, then reheat with sauce for easy serving.

Q: What sides go well with BBQ ribs?
A: Coleslaw, cornbread, mac & cheese, baked beans, or grilled corn are great choices!

Q: How do I keep ribs moist?
A: Wrapping them in foil while baking or basting with sauce while grilling keeps them juicy.

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Final Thoughts

These Sweet and Spicy BBQ Ribs are the perfect mix of smoky, tender, sweet, and spicy—guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any BBQ or family dinner! Whether you bake, grill, or slow-cook them, they’ll turn out mouthwateringly good every time.

Give them a try and let me know how you like them! Do you prefer your ribs sweet, spicy, or smoky? Let’s chat in the comments! 🍖🔥

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