House of Cards Underwood BBQ Ribs: A Smoky, Saucy, and Irresistible Delight! 🍖🎬🔥
1. Introduction
Dive into the world of political intrigue and culinary excellence with our House of Cards Underwood BBQ Ribs recipe. Inspired by the infamous Frank Underwood’s love for a good rack of ribs, this recipe brings the smoky, saucy goodness right to your kitchen. Whether you’re grilling or slow-cooking, these ribs are designed to impress. Perfect for a weekend barbecue or a cozy night in, this bbq ribs recipe will have everyone asking for more. If you’re planning a lovely lunch, these ribs are a great option! Get ready to indulge in a truly unforgettable dining experience!

Craving more inspiration? Check out our collection of delicious recipes! This bbq ribs recipe is more than just food; it’s an experience. Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, juicy grilled ribs, coated in a luscious, homemade BBQ sauce that balances sweetness, spice, and smokiness perfectly. We’ll guide you through each step, ensuring that even if you’re a novice, you can achieve restaurant-quality results. Looking for other dinner recipes? Click here! So, fire up the grill or preheat your oven, and let’s get started on making the best Underwood ribs you’ve ever tasted. This bbq ribs recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
2. Ingredients Needed
To create these mouthwatering ribs, gather the following ingredients. The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the final flavor, so choose wisely!
- 2-3 pounds pork ribs (spare ribs or baby back)
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
3. Equipment Required
Having the right tools makes all the difference in the kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare your Underwood BBQ Ribs:
- Large mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
- Baking sheet or grill
- Aluminum foil (for oven method)
- Basting brush
4. Preparation Time
Time is of the essence, especially when you’re hungry! Here’s a breakdown of the time commitment for this recipe:
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 2-3 hours (oven), 1.5-2 hours (grill)
- Total time: Approximately 2.5-3.5 hours
5. Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect House of Cards Underwood BBQ Ribs.
Step 1: Prepare the Ribs
First, rinse the pork ribs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the dry rub adhere better. In a large mixing bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), black pepper, and salt. Generously rub this spice mixture all over the ribs, ensuring every part is coated evenly. Don’t be shy – really massage the spices into the meat! This dry rub is the foundation of our bbq ribs recipe, adding both flavor and a beautiful crust during cooking. Consider letting the ribs sit with the rub for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight in the refrigerator, to allow the flavors to fully penetrate. For a lovely breakfast, check here.

Step 2: Make the BBQ Sauce
The sauce is where the magic really happens. This next step will give your ribs that classic, irresistible BBQ flavor. In a small saucepan, whisk together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and liquid smoke (if using). Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stirring prevents the sauce from sticking and burning. This homemade BBQ sauce is what elevates this bbq ribs recipe to Underwood-level status, providing the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Love tacos? Check this Tanner Family Taco Platter!

Step 3: Cook the Ribs
Time to get those ribs cooking! Choose your preferred method: oven or grill.
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the seasoned ribs on a large baking sheet and cover them tightly with aluminum foil. This creates a steamy environment that helps tenderize the meat. Bake for 2-2.5 hours, or until the ribs are tender. To test for tenderness, insert a fork into the meat; it should slide in easily. Remove the foil and brush the ribs generously with the prepared BBQ sauce. Increase the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 15-20 minutes, basting with more sauce every 5 minutes, until the sauce is caramelized and sticky. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning! This slow-cooking method ensures that the ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender, just like slow-cooked ribs should be.

Grill Method: Preheat your grill to medium-low heat. Place the seasoned ribs on the grill, away from direct heat (use indirect heat). This prevents the outside from burning before the inside is cooked. Grill for 1.5-2 hours, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. During the last 20-30 minutes, brush the ribs generously with the prepared BBQ sauce, turning and basting frequently to prevent burning. The grill method offers a smoky flavor that complements the sweetness of the sauce, making these grilled ribs truly exceptional. For more depth on Frank Underwood’s favorite BBQ spot, check out Freddy’s BBQ Joint.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once the ribs are cooked to perfection – tender, juicy, and coated in a luscious BBQ glaze – remove them from the oven or grill. Let them rest for about 10 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender and flavorful ribs. Serve these House of Cards Underwood ribs with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, cornbread, or potato salad, for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy the fruits of your labor and savor every bite of this political-drama-inspired delight! Looking for vegan options? Check out this Lion King African Stew!

6. Tips and Variations
Want to customize your ribs? Here are a few tips and variations to try:
- For extra tenderness, you can marinate the ribs in the dry rub overnight in the refrigerator.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference. For a milder flavor, omit it entirely.
- If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, white vinegar can be used as a substitute, but apple cider vinegar adds a slightly sweeter flavor.
- Experiment with different types of wood chips (like hickory or mesquite) when grilling for a unique smoky flavor. Soak the wood chips in water for about 30 minutes before adding them to the grill to prevent them from burning too quickly.
7. Serving Suggestions
Complete your meal with these delicious side dishes. Nothing complements bbq ribs quite like these classic sides:
- Creamy Coleslaw
- Buttery Cornbread
- Potato Salad
- Baked Beans
- Mac and Cheese
Consider adding a green salad for a bit of freshness, or grilled vegetables for a healthy twist! If you’re looking for a light and refreshing side, try this Lion King Savanah Salad.
8. Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Please note that the nutritional information is approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Remember to adjust the values based on your specific ingredients.
- Calories: 600-800 per serving
- Protein: 40-50g
- Fat: 30-40g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
Enjoying mashed potatoes? Check out this X-Men Mutant Mashed Potatoes recipe!
9. Conclusion
There you have it – a step-by-step guide to creating the iconic House of Cards Underwood ribs right in your own kitchen. This bbq ribs recipe is a testament to the fact that simple ingredients and a little patience can yield extraordinary results. Whether you choose to grill or slow-cook, these ribs are guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the grill or oven, and prepare to be transported to the world of Frank Underwood with every delicious bite. Don’t forget to try these Wisteria Lane Lemon Squares for dessert! Enjoy your grilled ribs! Don’t forget to check this Central City Superhero Smoothie Bowl!
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House of Cards Underwood BBQ Ribs
Dive into the world of culinary excellence with our House of Cards Underwood BBQ Ribs recipe. Inspired by Frank Underwood’s love for a good rack of ribs, this smoky, saucy delight is perfect for any gathering or cozy night in.
- Total Time: Approximately 2.5-3.5 hours
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2–3 pounds pork ribs (spare ribs or baby back)
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the ribs by rinsing them under cold water and patting dry. Rub the spice mixture all over the ribs.
- Make the BBQ sauce by whisking together ketchup, apple cider vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and liquid smoke. Simmer until thickened.
- For the oven method, preheat the oven to 300°F, bake covered in foil for 2-2.5 hours, then brush with sauce and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- For the grill method, preheat the grill to medium-low and cook ribs away from direct heat for 1.5-2 hours, basting with sauce during the last 20-30 minutes.
- Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before serving with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For extra tenderness, marinate the ribs in the dry rub overnight.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to spice preference.
- White vinegar can be used in place of apple cider vinegar.
- Experiment with wood chips like hickory or mesquite for grilling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-3 hours (oven), 1.5-2 hours (grill)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Carnivore
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 rack of ribs
- Calories: 600-800 Kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 1500mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40-50g
- Cholesterol: 110mg