Dry-Rubbed Memphis Ribs with Sweet and Spicy Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Fall-off-the-bone ribs coated in a flavorful dry rub, finished with a sticky sweet and spicy glaze inspired by Memphis barbecue traditions. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 215 minutes pairs pounds pork baby back ribs, brown sugar, tablespoons paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 195 min Serves 4 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons paprika, 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 1 tablespoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon onion powder. Pat dry the 3 pounds baby back ribs and generously rub the spice mix all over the ribs. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  2. Step 2: Preheat oven to 275°F. Wrap the ribs tightly in foil and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 3 hours until ribs are tender and the meat starts to pull away from the bone.
  3. Step 3: While ribs bake, combine 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons hot sauce, and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes until the glaze thickens and becomes sticky.
  4. Step 4: Remove ribs from oven and carefully unwrap. Brush the ribs with half of the sweet and spicy glaze, then broil on high for 3-4 minutes until the glaze caramelizes. Remove, brush with remaining glaze, slice between the bones, and serve.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Dry-Rubbed Memphis Ribs with Sweet and Spicy Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 215 minutes (20 min prep + 195 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Dry-Rubbed Memphis Ribs with Sweet and Spicy Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pounds pork baby back ribs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Dry-Rubbed Memphis Ribs with Sweet and Spicy Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Dry-Rubbed Memphis Ribs with Sweet and Spicy Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Dry-Rubbed Memphis Ribs with Sweet and Spicy Glaze?

American bbq & smoked like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes