Memphis-Style Sticky Ribs with Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sauce

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

Fall-off-the-bone ribs glazed with a sticky, sweet, and tangy Memphis-inspired barbecue sauce, oven-baked to perfection. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 210 minutes blends pork baby back ribs, kosher salt, black pepper 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 480 calories and feeds 6, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 195 min Serves 6 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F. In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 2 tbsp paprika, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder to create a dry rub.
  2. Step 2: Remove the thin membrane from the back of 3 lbs pork baby back ribs and pat dry. Rub the dry spice mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs.
  3. Step 3: Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil and place on a baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 2.5 to 3 hours until tender.
  4. Step 4: While ribs cook, whisk together 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup molasses, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 3 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tsp hot sauce in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes until thickened and glossy.
  5. Step 5: Remove ribs from oven, discard foil, and brush ribs generously with half the sauce. Broil on high for 5 minutes until sauce caramelizes and becomes sticky. Brush again with remaining sauce before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Memphis-Style Sticky Ribs with Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 210 minutes (15 min prep + 195 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Memphis-Style Sticky Ribs with Sweet and Tangy BBQ 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 Memphis-Style Sticky Ribs with Sweet and Tangy BBQ 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 Memphis-Style Sticky Ribs with Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Memphis-Style Sticky Ribs with Sweet and Tangy BBQ 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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