Best 8 Kansas City Style Ribs Recipes

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Kansas City-style ribs, a staple of American barbecue, are renowned for their smoky flavor, fall-off-the-bone tenderness, and iconic sweet and tangy sauce. Originating in the vibrant barbecue scene of Kansas City, Missouri, these ribs have become a beloved culinary treasure, enjoyed by barbecue enthusiasts worldwide. This article presents a comprehensive guide to creating authentic Kansas City-style ribs, featuring three distinct recipes that cater to various preferences and skill levels.

First, we have the Classic Kansas City-Style Ribs, a time-honored recipe that stays true to the traditional preparation method. This recipe emphasizes the importance of selecting high-quality pork ribs, trimming them properly, and applying a flavorful dry rub before slow-cooking them in a smoker or oven.

Next, for those seeking a more modern twist, the Sweet and Spicy Kansas City-Style Ribs offer a tantalizing combination of sweet and heat. This recipe introduces a homemade sauce made from a blend of ketchup, brown sugar, honey, and a touch of cayenne pepper, creating a lip-smacking glaze that perfectly complements the tender ribs.

Finally, the article presents a simplified version with the Easy Kansas City-Style Ribs, designed for home cooks who want to enjoy delicious ribs without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe utilizes a flavorful marinade and a simplified cooking process, resulting in tender and juicy ribs that are sure to impress.

Whether you're a seasoned barbecue pitmaster or a home cook looking to impress your friends and family, this article has the perfect Kansas City-style ribs recipe for you. So, fire up your grill or oven, prepare your taste buds, and get ready to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the rich flavors and traditions of Kansas City barbecue.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

KANSAS CITY STYLE PORK RIBS



Kansas City Style Pork Ribs image

Provided by Patrick and Gina Neely : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time P1DT4h15m

Yield 4 large/8 small portions

Number Of Ingredients 21

2 slabs pork spare ribs, 3 pounds each
Kansas City Barbeque Sauce, recipe follows
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup dry mustard
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon salt
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 (about 2/3 cup)small onion, finely diced
3 cups water
1 cup (2 (6-ounce) cans) tomato paste
1/2 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup molasses
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Remove the thin white membrane off of the bone-side of the ribs. Mix together the brown sugar, dry mustard, cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Massage the rub into the ribs and let sit for 1 hour or up to overnight.
  • If cooking on the grill, place the ribs meat-side down next to medium-hot coals that are about 225 degrees F. The indirect heat will cook them slower, making them tender. Allow to cook for 1 hour. Turn ribs every half hour and baste with the Kansas City Barbeque Sauce. Cook until the ribs are tender, about 3 to 4 hours.
  • If cooking indoors, place in a roasting pan with a rack. Slather the ribs with the Kansas City Barbeque Sauce and tent a piece of aluminum foil over them. In a preheated 350 degrees F. oven, place the ribs, basting with the sauce every 30 minutes and removing the foil for the last 30 minutes and cooking until fork tender, about 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
  • In a small sauce pot on medium-high heat, heat the oil and add the onion, cooking until translucent.
  • Add the remaining ingredients in a large bowl and mix together. Add to sauce pan and let simmer for 30 to 45 minutes. Use to baste the pork spare ribs.
  • 3 cups

KANSAS CITY-STYLE RIBS



Kansas City-Style Ribs image

Our family recipe for ribs has evolved to near perfection. These country-style beauties are a legend in our close circle. -Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h35m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

1-1/3 cups packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons each garlic powder, onion powder and smoked paprika
1-1/4 teaspoons each ground cumin, coarsely ground pepper and cayenne pepper
12 bone-in country-style pork ribs (about 7 pounds)
SAUCE:
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 cup tomato sauce
1/3 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup molasses
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and seasonings; sprinkle over ribs. Refrigerate, covered, at least 1 hour., For sauce, in a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender, 5-6 minutes. Stir in remaining ingredients; bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat., Wrap ribs in a large piece of heavy-duty foil; seal edges of foil. Grill, covered, over indirect medium heat until ribs are tender, 1-1/4 to 1-3/4 hours., Carefully remove ribs from foil. Place ribs over direct medium heat; baste with some of the sauce. Grill, covered, until browned, 8-10 minutes, turning and basting occasionally with remaining sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 453 calories, Fat 18g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 101mg cholesterol, Sodium 452mg sodium, Carbohydrate 40g carbohydrate (36g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 31g protein.

KANSAS CITY STYLE ST. LOUIS RIBS



Kansas City Style St. Louis Ribs image

Barbecue-seasoned St. Louis ribs are grilled slowly over low heat and brushed with Kansas City-style barbecue sauce.

Provided by Smithfield(R)

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     Smithfield®

Time 4h40m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 racks Smithfield® Extra Tender St. Louis Pork Spareribs, membrane removed
Vegetable oil
¼ cup favorite barbecue seasoning rub
1 cup Handful hickory or apple wood chips for smoking, soaked in water and drained
1 (18 ounce) bottle ketchup
1 cup honey
1 cup white vinegar
¼ cup water
¼ cup light molasses
1 tablespoon chili seasoning blend
2 teaspoons hickory liquid smoke
1 teaspoon dry mustard
½ teaspoon ground allspice

Steps:

  • About one hour before smoking, coat both sides of ribs with a little vegetable oil and sprinkle with barbecue seasoning rub. Set aside at room temperature for 1 hour.
  • Heat charcoal or gas grill for indirect cooking at 230 to 250 degrees F. Add drained wood chips, if using.
  • Place the ribs, meaty side down, over a drip pan and cook for 2 hours. Add about 12 coals to a charcoal grill every 45 minutes or so to maintain the heat.
  • Remove ribs from grill. Double-wrap each rack in heavy-duty aluminum foil. Return wrapped ribs to the grill and cook for 1 1/2 to 3 hours more over indirect heat, until very tender. Add more coals as needed to maintain temperature for a charcoal grill.
  • Meanwhile, make the sauce. Combine all ingredients in small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Remove ribs from grill and unwrap. Place ribs over direct heat on grill and brush with Kansas City-style barbecue sauce. Cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce is set. Turn ribs and repeat with more sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1474.7 calories, Carbohydrate 121.6 g, Cholesterol 275.4 mg, Fat 87 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 58.2 g, SaturatedFat 30.6 g, Sodium 4630.6 mg, Sugar 110.4 g

NEELY'S KANSAS CITY STYLE PORK RIBS



Neely's Kansas City Style Pork Ribs image

The Neeley's have a cooking show on Food Network, and I love their recipes. If you love ribs like I do, you have got to TRY THESE!!! These ribs have some spice to them, so if you are making them for the kiddos or for those that don't like spicy food, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. PLEASE NOTE: The preparation time does not include the time it takes for the ribs to sit in the fridge with the rub on (1-24 hrs.) ALSO: It takes 3-4 hours, depending on whether you slow cook them on the grill or in the oven.

Provided by Lindas Busy Kitchen

Categories     Pork

Time 4h15m

Yield 4 large or 8 small

Number Of Ingredients 21

2 slabs pork spareribs, 3 pounds each
kansas city barbecue sauce, recipe follows
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup dry mustard
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon salt
2 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 about 2/3 cup small onion, finely diced
3 cups water
1 cup tomato paste (2 6-ounce cans)
1/2 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup molasses
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Dry Rub:.
  • Remove the thin white membrane off of the bone-side of the ribs. Mix together the brown sugar, dry mustard, cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Massage the rub into the ribs and let sit for 1 hour or up to overnight.
  • If cooking on the grill, place the ribs meat-side down next to medium-hot coals that are about 225 degrees F. The indirect heat will cook them slower, making them tender. Allow to cook for 1 hour. Turn ribs every half hour and baste with the Kansas City Barbeque Sauce. Cook until the ribs are tender, about 3 to 4 hours.
  • If cooking indoors, place in a roasting pan with a rack. Slather the ribs with the Kansas City Barbeque Sauce and tent a piece of aluminum foil over them. In a preheated 350 degrees F. oven, place the ribs, basting with the sauce every 30 minutes and removing the foil for the last 30 minutes and cooking until fork tender, about 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
  • Kansas City Barbeque Sauce:.
  • In a small sauce pot on medium-high heat, heat the oil and add the onion, cooking until translucent.
  • Add the remaining ingredients in a large bowl and mix together. Add to sauce pan and let simmer for 30 to 45 minutes. Use to baste the pork spare ribs.
  • Makes 3 cups sauce.

KANSAS CITY-STYLE BABY BACK RIBS



Kansas City-Style Baby Back Ribs image

Slow-cooked and broiled in the oven, these sweet ribs can be made year-round.

Provided by Kemp Minifie

Categories     Broil     Picnic     Super Bowl     Dinner     Pork Rib     Fall     Spring     Summer     Winter     Tailgating     Family Reunion

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 2-pound racks baby back pork ribs
1/4 cup plus 1/3 cup (packed) light or dark brown sugar, divided
1/4 cup chili powder
3 tablespoons sweet paprika
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 1/2 cups chopped onion
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 1/2 cups ketchup
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1/3 cup yellow (ballpark) mustard
1/4 cup molasses (not blackstrap)
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon hot sauce, or to taste
1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)

Steps:

  • Line a large heavy rimmed baking sheet with foil and put rib racks side by side in pan.
  • In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne and rub onto both sides of racks. Let ribs stand, meaty sides up, at room temperature, 1 hour.
  • Preheat oven to 325°. Cover pan tightly with foil and bake ribs 1 1/2 hours.
  • Make sauce while ribs bake: Cook onion in oil in a 3-4-quart heavy pot over medium-low heat, covered, stirring occasionally, until tender, 10-15 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add remaining ingredients, including remaining 1/3 cup brown sugar, and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, 15 minutes. Cool sauce slightly and purée in a food processor. Set aside 1 cup sauce for serving.
  • Remove foil cover and turn racks over so bone ends curve up, then baste ribs with pan juices and spread generously with some sauce. Continue to bake, uncovered, 30 minutes. Turn racks over, then baste again with pan juices and top generously with more sauce. Continue to bake until tender when pierced with a small knife, 30-45 minutes.
  • Broil ribs, meaty sides up, 4"-6" inches from heat, until browned, 2-3 minutes. Serve with reserved sauce.

ADAM PERRY LANG'S SWEET AND STICKY KANSAS-CITY STYLE RIBS



Adam Perry Lang's Sweet and Sticky Kansas-City Style Ribs image

Provided by Food Network

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 38

4 (1 1/4 lb) racks pork baby back ribs
1/2 cup Garlicky Barbecue Marinade, recipe follows
1/4 cup Seven Spice Dry Rub, recipe follows
Cider Mop spray, recipe follows
1/2 cup Sweet and Sticky Barbecue Sauce, recipe follows
10 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 medium onion, chopped
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup sweet paprika
1/4 cup kosher salt
1/4 cup chili powder
1/4 cup dry mustard
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup apple juice
1 cup water
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
5 garlic cloves, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
Salt
1/4 cup dark rum
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground clove
1 cup dark brown sugar
2 cups water
2 cups ketchup
1/2 cup molasses
1/2 cup yellow mustard
1/2 cup cider vinegar
2 teaspoons hot sauce

Steps:

  • Rub each rack of ribs all over with 2 tablespoons of the barbecue marinade and refrigerate overnight.
  • Bring ribs to room temperature and sprinkle each with 1 tablespoon of the dry rub.
  • Light a charcoal fire in a covered grill and set it up for indirect grilling: When the temperature reaches 225 degrees, carefully push the hot coals to one side and place a drip pan filled with 1 cup of water on the opposite side. Alternatively, bring a smoker to 225 degrees. Put the ribs on the grill over the drip pan, overlapping them slightly, and cover the grill; you'll need to cook the ribs for about 4 hours total, or until the meat pulls away from the bones and is very tender. Maintain the temperature at 225 degrees by replenishing the charcoal with a fresh batch of burning coals every hour. Every hour, drain 1/2 cup of the wood chips and scatter them over the hot coals. Add water to the drip pan when half of it is evaporated. After 1 1/2 hours, spray the baby back ribs with the Cider Mop spray and rotate them on the grill; repeat spraying every 45 minutes.
  • Remove the drip pan and spread the coals in an even layer. Replenish with fresh coals to make a medium-hot fire. Dilute the Sweet and Sticky Barbecue Sauce with 1/2 cup water. Brush sauce over ribs and cook for 30 minutes, turning often. Repeat brushing 4 or 5 times to build a sticky glaze. Transfer the ribs to a carving board and let rest for 10 minutes. Cut between each rib and serve. (If you would like to prepare them ahead, the glazed ribs can be refrigerated overnight. Serve cold or reheat in a 325 degrees oven.)
  • In a blender, puree the chopped garlic, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, onion and water. The marinade can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients. The dry rub can be refrigerated or frozen for up to 6 months.
  • In a large, glass measuring cup, combine the apple juice, water and vinegar. Pour into a spray bottle and refrigerate. The mop spray can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.
  • Heat the oil in a large saucepan. Add the garlic, onion, green pepper and a large pinch of salt and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes. Add the rum and simmer for 2 minutes. Add the chili powder, black pepper, allspice and cloves and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add the brown sugar, water, ketchup, molasses, mustard, vinegar and hot sauce and simmer over moderate heat, stirring often, until thickened, about 30 minutes.
  • Transfer the barbecue sauce to a large food processor and puree. Season the sauce with salt. The barbecue sauce can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

KANSAS CITY STYLE PORK RIBS



Kansas City Style Pork Ribs image

These ribs are mouth watering delicious. Courtesy The Neelys

Provided by Bernice Mosteller

Categories     Ribs

Time 4h15m

Number Of Ingredients 23

2- - - -3 lb slabs pork spare ribs
kansas city bbq sauce follows:
KANSAS CITY BBQ DRY RUB:
2 c brown sugar
1/2 c dry mustard
1 Tbsp cayenne pepper ( to your taste )
1 Tbsp smoked paprika
1 Tbsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp onion powder
1 Tbsp salt ( to your taste )
2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
KANSAS CITY BBQ SAUCE:
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 small ( about 2/3 cup ) onion, finely diced
3 c water
1 c ( 2---6 ounce ) cans tomato paste
1/2 c brown sugar
2/3 c apple cider vinegar
1/4 c molasses
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper ( to your taste )
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp salt ( to your taste )
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • 1. DIRECTIONS FOR THE DRY RUB:
  • 2. Remove the thin white membrane off of the bone - side of the ribs. Mix together the brown sugar, dry mustard, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Massage the rub into the ribs and let sit for 1 hour or up to overnight.
  • 3. If cooking on the grill, place the ribs meat side next to medium-hot coals that are about 225 degrees F. The indirect heat will cook them slower, making them tender. Allow to cook for 1 hour. Turn ribs every half hour and baste with the Kansas City BBQ sauce. Cook until the ribs are tender, about 3 to 4 hours.
  • 4. If cooking indoors, place in a roasting pan with a rack. Slather the ribs with the Kansas City BBQ sauce and tent a piece of aluminum foil over them. In a preheated 350 degrees, oven, place the ribs, basting with the sauce every 30 minutes and removing the foil for the last 30 minutes and cooking until fork tender, about 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
  • 5. DIRECTIONS FOR THE SAUCE::
  • 6. In a small saucepan on medium-high heat, heat the oil and add the onion, cooking until translucent. ADD the remaining ingredients in a large bowl and mix together. ADD to saucepan and let simmer for 30 to 45 minutes. Use to baste the pork spare ribs. YIELD::3 cups.

KANSAS CITY STYLE PORK RIBS



Kansas City Style Pork Ribs image

Categories     Bake     Dinner     Lunch     Pork     Grill/Barbecue

Number Of Ingredients 4

2 slices pork spare ribs, 3 pounds each
1 tablespoon salt
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 Kansas BBQ Sauce

Steps:

  • 1. Combine brown sugar, salt and RawSpiceBar's Kansas BBQ Rub.
  • 2. Massage spice rub and sugar mixture into ribs and let them sit in the fridge for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight.
  • 3. To cook them on the grill, turn grill to 225F and place ribs meat-side down on indirect heat. Turn the ribs every half hour, basting with BBQ sauce every 20 minutes. Cook until the ribs are tender, about 3 to 4 hours.
  • 4. If cooking them indoors, turn the oven to 350F. Place the ribs in a roasting pan with a rack. Slather the ribs with BBQ sauce and tent a piece of aluminum foil over them. Place ribs in the preheated oven, basting them with sauce every 30 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes. It will take 2.5 to 3 hours for them to become fully cooked and tender.

Tips for Making Kansas City-Style Ribs:

  • Choose the right ribs. Baby back ribs are the most popular choice for Kansas City-style ribs, but you can also use spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs.
  • Prepare the ribs. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and trim off any excess fat. Cut the ribs into individual portions.
  • Make the rub. Combine a mixture of brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Rub the mixture all over the ribs.
  • Smoke the ribs. Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the ribs on the smoker and cook for 2-3 hours, or until the ribs are tender.
  • Baste the ribs. While the ribs are smoking, baste them with a mixture of apple cider vinegar, melted butter, and brown sugar. This will help to keep the ribs moist and flavorful.
  • Finish the ribs. Once the ribs are tender, remove them from the smoker and let them rest for a few minutes. Then, serve the ribs with your favorite sides.

Conclusion:

Kansas City-style ribs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. By following these tips, you can make sure that your ribs turn out perfect every time. So fire up your smoker and get started today!

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