Kansas City Style BBQ Ribs
Kansas City Style BBQ Ribs Recipe - Authentic American BBQ
Introduction
Kansas City Style BBQ Ribs are a classic American dish that is known for its bold flavors and tender meat. These ribs are typically slow-cooked and then grilled to perfection, resulting in a mouthwatering meal that is sure to impress your family and friends.
History
Kansas City Style BBQ Ribs have a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. This style of ribs originated in Kansas City, Missouri, which is known for its love of barbecue. The ribs are typically seasoned with a dry rub and then cooked low and slow until they are fall-off-the-bone tender. The addition of a tangy and sweet barbecue sauce adds the perfect finishing touch to this delicious dish.
Ingredients
- 4 to 5 lb (2.27 kg) beef back ribs
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp celery salt
- 0.5 tsp dry mustard
- 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
- 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 cup hickory chips
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 cup ketchup
- 0.25 cup molasses
- 0.25 cup cider vinegar
- 0.25 cup water
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
- 0.5 tsp salt
How to prepare
- Trim the fat from the ribs.
- Place the ribs in a shallow roasting pan.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, celery salt, dry mustard, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Generously sprinkle the rub mixture over both sides of the ribs and rub it in with your fingers.
- Cover the pan with foil.
- Bake the ribs in a 350°F oven for 2 to 2.5 hours or until they are very tender. Drain off the fat.
- At least 1 hour before grilling, soak the wood chips in enough water to cover them. Drain the wood chips.
- For the sauce, in a medium saucepan, cook the onion and garlic in hot butter over medium heat for 5 minutes or until they are tender.
- Stir in ketchup, molasses, vinegar, water, brown sugar, chili powder, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and salt.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes or until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Sprinkle the wood chips over medium coals in a charcoal grill.
- Place the ribs on the grill rack directly over the coals.
- Grill the ribs, covered, for 10 minutes or until they are browned, turning them once and brushing them occasionally with the sauce.
- (For a gas grill, preheat the grill and reduce the heat to medium. Add the wood chips according to the manufacturer's directions. Place the ribs on the grill rack and grill as directed above.)
- Serve the ribs with the remaining sauce.
Variations
- Try using different types of wood chips, such as apple or cherry, for a unique flavor profile.
- Experiment with different barbecue sauce recipes to find your favorite combination of sweet and tangy flavors.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to trim the excess fat from the ribs before cooking to ensure that they are not greasy.
- Use a flavorful dry rub to season the ribs before cooking for maximum flavor.
- Soak the wood chips in water before grilling to add a smoky flavor to the ribs.
- Baste the ribs with barbecue sauce while grilling to keep them moist and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Kansas City Style BBQ Ribs with coleslaw, cornbread, and baked beans for a classic barbecue meal.
Cooking Techniques
Slow-cook the ribs in the oven before grilling to ensure that they are tender and flavorful.
- Use a charcoal grill for a smoky flavor, or a gas grill for convenience.
Ingredient Substitutions
Substitute pork ribs with beef ribs for a different flavor profile.
- Use a store-bought barbecue sauce if you are short on time.
Make Ahead Tips
Prepare the ribs and sauce ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to grill.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the ribs on a platter with a garnish of fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair the Kansas City Style BBQ Ribs with a cold beer or a glass of sweet tea for a refreshing beverage option.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the grill until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
350 per serving
Carbohydrates
25g per serving
Fats
- Total Fat: 15g per serving
- Saturated Fat: 6g per serving
Proteins
- Protein: 30g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamin A: 10% DV
- Vitamin C: 6% DV
- Iron: 15% DV
Alergens
Contains: None
Summary
Kansas City Style BBQ Ribs are a delicious and satisfying dish that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. They are a great option for a hearty meal that is sure to please a crowd.
Summary
Kansas City Style BBQ Ribs are a classic American dish that is perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy winter meal. With a flavorful dry rub, tangy barbecue sauce, and tender meat, these ribs are sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Kansas City Style BBQ Ribs. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my friend Martha's house for a barbecue. Martha's husband, Jim, was manning the grill and cooking up some of the most delicious ribs I had ever tasted. I begged Martha for the recipe, and she promised to share it with me.
As we sat around the picnic table, enjoying the smoky aroma of the ribs cooking on the grill, Martha told me the story behind the recipe. She explained that Jim had learned how to make Kansas City Style BBQ Ribs from his grandfather, who had grown up in Kansas City and was a master on the grill. Jim had spent years perfecting the recipe, and it had become a family favorite.
I listened intently as Martha shared the ingredients and steps for making the ribs. The key, she said, was the dry rub that Jim used to season the meat before cooking. It was a blend of spices that included paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. Martha explained that the dry rub was what gave the ribs their signature flavor and helped to create a beautiful caramelized crust on the outside of the meat.
After the ribs had been seasoned with the dry rub, Jim would slow cook them on the grill for hours, basting them with a tangy barbecue sauce made from ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and a few secret ingredients. The sauce would caramelize and create a sticky, sweet glaze on the ribs that was absolutely irresistible.
As Martha finished explaining the recipe, I knew I had to try it for myself. I asked her for a copy of the recipe, and she happily obliged. That night, I went home and gathered all the ingredients I needed to make the Kansas City Style BBQ Ribs.
The next day, I fired up the grill and got to work. I carefully seasoned the ribs with the dry rub, making sure to coat every inch of meat with the flavorful mixture. As the ribs cooked low and slow on the grill, I basted them with the tangy barbecue sauce, watching as it bubbled and caramelized on the meat.
After hours of cooking, the ribs were finally done. I carefully removed them from the grill and placed them on a platter, the rich aroma of smoked meat filling the air. I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into the tender, juicy ribs that I had worked so hard to create.
As I sat down at the table and took my first bite, I knew that Martha had been right. These were the best ribs I had ever tasted. The meat was fall-off-the-bone tender, the dry rub had created a flavorful crust, and the barbecue sauce was the perfect blend of sweet and tangy.
From that day on, Kansas City Style BBQ Ribs became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made them for family gatherings, backyard barbecues, and any time I wanted to impress my guests with a delicious, finger-licking meal. And each time I made them, I thought of Martha and Jim, and the day they had shared their recipe with me.
As I sit here now, reminiscing about that summer day and the delicious ribs that started it all, I am grateful for the friends who have shared their recipes and culinary wisdom with me over the years. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and I love nothing more than creating delicious meals to share with the ones I love.
So here's to Kansas City Style BBQ Ribs, a recipe that holds a special place in my heart and on my table. Thank you, Martha and Jim, for introducing me to this mouthwatering dish that has brought joy and flavor to so many meals shared with family and friends.