Grilled Spiced Barbecue Pork Ribs with Tangy Alabama White Sauce
Tender pork ribs marinated with smoky spices and grilled to perfection, served with a tangy and creamy Alabama white barbecue sauce. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 135 minutes blends pork ribs, smoked paprika, brown sugar into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork ribs
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp horseradish
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp hot sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat grill to medium heat (about 350°F). In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp smoked paprika, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, 1 tbsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Rub this spice mix evenly over 3 lbs pork ribs, coating both sides well.
- Step 2: Place the ribs on the grill over indirect heat and cook covered for about 1.5 to 2 hours, turning every 30 minutes, until meat is tender and pulls back from the bones.
- Step 3: While ribs cook, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp horseradish, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tsp hot sauce in a bowl until smooth and tangy.
- Step 4: Remove ribs from grill and let rest for 10 minutes. Serve ribs brushed generously with Alabama white sauce for a creamy, tangy finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Spiced Barbecue Pork Ribs with Tangy Alabama White Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 135 minutes (15 min prep + 120 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Spiced Barbecue Pork Ribs with Tangy Alabama White Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Spiced Barbecue Pork Ribs with Tangy Alabama White Sauce?
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 Grilled Spiced Barbecue Pork Ribs with Tangy Alabama White Sauce 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 Grilled Spiced Barbecue Pork Ribs with Tangy Alabama White Sauce?
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.
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