Best 4 Kansas City Sweet And Smoky Ribs Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

**Kansas City Sweet and Smoky Ribs: A Journey Through BBQ Delights**

In the heart of the barbecue belt lies Kansas City, a city renowned for its irresistible sweet and smoky ribs. These finger-licking ribs, imbued with the essence of time-honored traditions and a burst of bold flavors, have captivated the taste buds of rib enthusiasts worldwide. Dive into a delectable array of recipes that showcase the essence of Kansas City's beloved pork ribs, ranging from classic to contemporary creations. Indulge in the iconic Kansas City Sweet and Smoky Ribs, tantalize your palate with the tangy Spicy Kansas City Ribs, and explore innovative takes like the Sweet and Smoky Ribs with Asian Glaze. Each recipe promises a distinct culinary adventure, celebrating the versatility and sheer deliciousness of Kansas City's signature dish. Get ready to embark on a flavor-packed journey as you uncover the secrets behind these mouthwatering ribs, sure to leave you craving for more.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

KANSAS CITY SWEET-AND-SMOKY RIBS



Kansas City Sweet-and-Smoky Ribs image

Provided by Steven Raichlen

Categories     Marinate     Graduation     Backyard BBQ     Dinner     Beef Rib     Spring     Summer     Tailgating     Grill     Grill/Barbecue

Yield Serves 4 to 8

Number Of Ingredients 7

4 racks of spareribs (4 to 6 pounds total)
6 cups apple cider, plus additional for spraying the ribs
2 whole lemons (optional), halved
2/3 cup Basic Barbecue Rub or your favorite commercial brand
3 cups of your favorite homemade barbecue sauce or your favorite commercial brand
YOU'LL NEED:
3 cups wood chips (preferably hickory), soaked for 1 hour in apple cider to cover, then drained; spray bottle; rib rack (optional)

Steps:

  • 1. Trim each rack of ribs or have your butcher do this for you.
  • 2. Place the ribs in a large nonreactive roasting pan. Pour the cider over the ribs. Squeeze the juice from the lemons over the ribs, catching the seeds with your fingers. Turn the ribs a couple of time to coat all over with marinade. If desired, let the ribs marinate in the refrigerator, covered, for 4 to 6 hours, turning several times.
  • 3. Drain the ribs and blot dry with paper towels. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of the rub on both sides of the ribs, patting it onto the meat with your fingers. Let the ribs stand in the refrigerator, covered, for 1 to 2 hours.
  • 4. Set up the grill for indirect grilling and preheat to medium. If using a charcoal grill, place a large drip pan in the center. If using a gas grill, place all the wood chips in the smoker box or in a smoker pouch and preheat to high until you see smoke, then reduce the heat to medium.
  • 5. When ready to cook, if using charcoal, toss 1 cup of wood chips on the coals. Place the ribs in the center of the hot grate, away from the heat. Cover the grill and cook the ribs for 2 to 3 hours. After 30 minutes, spray the ribs with apple cider and continue to spray every half hour until ready to brush with the sauce. If using a charcoal grill, you'll need to add 12 fresh coals and 1/2 cup wood chips per side after each hour.
  • 6. Lightly brush the ribs with 1 cup of the sauce 20 minutes before the ribs are done. When the ribs are fully cooked, the meat will have shrunk back from the bones about 1/4 inch, and the meat will be tender enough to tear apart with your fingers. But don't overcook; the ribs should have some chew to them. If the ribs start to dry out, wrap them in aluminum foil for the last hour of cooking.
  • 7. Transfer the ribs to plates or a platter. Sprinkle the ribs with the remaining rub and lightly brush again with barbecue sauce. Let the ribs rest for a few minutes, then serve with the remaining barbecue sauce on the side.
  • VARIATION:
  • You can also cook the ribs in a smoker. Smoke them for 4 to 5 hours at 225°F
  • ALSO GOOD FOR:
  • This is a wonderful way to prepare baby back ribs. In this case, you'll need to allow 1 to 1 1/2 hours for indirect grilling or 2 to 3 hours for cooking in a smoker.

KANSAS CITY SWEET AND SMOKY BARBECUE RUB



Kansas City Sweet and Smoky Barbecue Rub image

Sweet rather than salty, flavorful rather than fiery, this seasoning mix contains mustard in the style of a Memphis rub and chili powder in the style of Texas.

Provided by Steven Raichlen

Categories     Grill/Barbecue     Spice     Paprika     Ginger     Kansas City     Kansas

Yield Makes about 2 1/2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 14

2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup sweet or smoked paprika
1/4 cup seasoned salt, preferably Basic Seasoned Salt, or a good commercial brand, such as Lawry's
1/4 cup homemade smoked salt, or use a good commercial brand
1/4 cup onion salt
1/4 cup celery salt
2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons pure chile powder (not a blend)
2 teaspoons mustard powder
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

Steps:

  • Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and stir or whisk to mix. Transfer to a large jar, cover, and store away from heat and light. The rub will keep for several weeks.

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.

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.

Tips:

  • To achieve the best results, use high-quality pork ribs. Look for ribs that are meaty and have a good amount of marbling.
  • The secret to fall-off-the-bone ribs is low and slow cooking. Cook the ribs for at least 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
  • Use a good quality BBQ sauce. There are many different recipes for Kansas City BBQ sauce, so find one that you like and stick with it.
  • Baste the ribs frequently with BBQ sauce during the last hour of cooking. This will help to keep the ribs moist and flavorful.
  • Serve the ribs with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, baked beans, or potato salad.

Conclusion:

Kansas City sweet and smoky ribs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a little planning and effort, you can create a mouthwatering meal that will impress your family and friends. So, fire up the grill and get cooking!

Related Topics