Honey BBQ Ribs with Corn on the Cob

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tender and Juicy Ribs: The low-and-slow cooking method ensures the ribs are incredibly tender, with the meat easily pulling away from the bone.
• Homemade BBQ Sauce: The honey BBQ sauce is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors.
• Simple and Delicious Side: Corn on the cob is a versatile and easy-to-prepare side dish that perfectly complements the rich ribs.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe is ideal for family gatherings, summer parties, or whenever you’re craving comfort food.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Ribs:

• 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 4-5 lbs total)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp smoked paprika
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Honey BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 garlic clove, minced

For the Corn on the Cob:

• 4-6 ears of corn, husked
• 4 tbsp butter, melted
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

For the Ribs:

1. Prepare the Ribs: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs for maximum tenderness. Coat the ribs with olive oil, then rub with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Bake the Ribs: Wrap each rack of ribs tightly in aluminum foil and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 2 ½ to 3 hours, or until the ribs are tender and the meat starts to pull away from the bones.
3. Prepare the BBQ Sauce: While the ribs are baking, combine BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and minced garlic in a saucepan. Simmer over low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Glaze and Broil: Remove the ribs from the oven and unwrap the foil. Generously brush the ribs with the honey BBQ sauce. Broil in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce caramelizes and becomes sticky.

For the Corn on the Cob:

1. Cook the Corn: Boil the corn in salted water for 8-10 minutes or grill it for 10 minutes, brushing occasionally with melted butter.
2. Season the Corn: Once cooked, brush the corn with melted butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Serves 4-6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper to the rib rub or a splash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for extra heat.
• Garlic Butter Corn: Mix minced garlic into the melted butter before brushing onto the corn for a rich, savory flavor.
• Herb Butter Corn: Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro over the cooked corn for a fresh, herby twist.
• Different Cuts of Ribs: This recipe works with spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Leftover corn can be stored the same way.
• Reheating: Reheat ribs in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through. Brush with extra sauce to keep them moist. Reheat corn in the microwave or on a grill until warm.

FAQs

1. Can I make these ribs in advance?

Yes! You can bake the ribs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, brush with sauce and broil until sticky.

2. Can I use a different type of BBQ sauce?

Absolutely! Use your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce for a customized flavor.

3. How do I remove the silver skin from the ribs?

Slide a knife under the silver skin at one end of the ribs, then use a paper towel to grip it and pull it off in one piece.

4. Can I cook the ribs on a grill instead of in the oven?

Yes! Cook the ribs on indirect heat at 275°F, wrapping them in foil, and finish with direct heat to caramelize the sauce.

5. What’s the best way to ensure tender ribs?

Low and slow cooking is key. Wrapping the ribs in foil while baking helps lock in moisture.

6. Can I substitute honey with another sweetener?

Yes, maple syrup or brown sugar are excellent substitutes for honey.

7. How do I prevent the ribs from drying out?

Keep them tightly wrapped in foil while baking to retain moisture. Brush with sauce before broiling to add juiciness.

8. Can I make the BBQ sauce spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.

9. What other side dishes pair well with these ribs?

Mashed potatoes, coleslaw, baked beans, or a fresh green salad are all great options.

10. How can I grill the corn perfectly?

Turn the corn frequently while grilling to ensure even charring. Brush with butter during grilling to enhance flavor.

Conclusion

These honey BBQ ribs with buttery corn on the cob are a surefire hit for any occasion. Tender, flavorful, and easy to prepare, this dish combines the best of smoky and sweet with a side of classic comfort. Whether for a summer barbecue or a cozy family meal, this recipe delivers every time. Don’t wait—give it a try today!

---

Print