© Original Recipe By Hollywood Recipes ©
The Flintstones Brontosaurus Ribs (BBQ Spare Ribs) 🦕🔥🍖
Kitchen tools and utensils used in this recipe
Enhance your cooking experience with these top-rated tools: Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer — perfect for crispy, smoky BBQ ribs without the mess, T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set — ensures even cooking and easy cleanup, and Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer — for grilling those ribs to perfection indoors.
1. Introduction
If you love hearty, smoky, and tender BBQ spare ribs, then this recipe for Barbecue Spare Ribs is a must-try! Inspired by the legendary dinner scene from The Flintstones, these grilled pork ribs are a fun and flavor-packed way to enjoy classic BBQ. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or craving a savory comfort meal, these smoked spare ribs will satisfy every meat lover’s desire. We’ll walk you through every step to make your barbecue spare ribs fall-off-the-bone tender and irresistibly delicious.
2. Ingredients for the Perfect BBQ Ribs
- 3 lbs pork spare ribs
- 1/4 cup paprika
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup smoked barbecue sauce
- Optional: apple cider vinegar or apple juice for moistening
3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Smoked Spare Ribs
Preparing the Ribs
Start by removing the thin membrane on the back of the pork spare ribs. Using a paper towel, grip the membrane and peel it off to ensure the ribs are tender and flavorful.
Seasoning the Ribs
In a bowl, combine paprika, brown sugar, black pepper, salt, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub this spice mixture generously over all sides of the ribs, pressing it into the meat for maximum flavor.
Prepping the Smoker or Grill
If you’re using a smoker, preheat it to 225°F (107°C). For indoor grilling, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL is an excellent choice as it provides smoky flavor and precise temperature control through its indoor grill & air fryer features. Lightly oil the grill grates or smoker grates to prevent sticking. For more tools to elevate your BBQ game, check out the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer.
Cooking the Ribs
Place the ribs on the grill or in the smoker, bone side down. Smoke or grill for approximately 3 to 4 hours, maintaining a steady temperature of 225°F. During this time, occasionally spritz the ribs with apple cider vinegar or apple juice to keep them moist and infuse additional flavor.
Wrapping the Ribs for Tenderness
Once the ribs reach an internal temperature of about 160°F (71°C), remove them carefully and wrap them in aluminum foil. Return to the smoker or grill and cook for another 2 hours. This step helps tenderize the meat and lock in juices.
Glazing and Final Touch
Unwrap the ribs and brush generously with your favorite smoky barbecue sauce. Return to the smoker or grill for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize and set.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover BBQ Ribs
Store leftover barbecue spare ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use a microwave for quick reheats.
5. Serving Suggestions for BBQ Ribs
This grilled pork ribs go perfectly with classic sides such as coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, or roasted vegetables. For an extra layer of flavor, serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side. For a complete meal, check out our creamy parmesan spinach mushroom pasta skillet, a perfect pairing for smoky ribs.
6. Frequently Asked Questions About Barbecue Spare Ribs
Can I use oven instead of smoker?
Absolutely! You can cook BBQ ribs in the oven at 275°F (135°C), wrapped in foil, for about 2.5 to 3 hours. Finish with a glaze of barbecue sauce under the broiler for a crispy exterior.
What are some good substitutions for smoked barbecue sauce?
If you’d prefer a different flavor, try honey mustard, spicy chipotle, or a classic ketchup-based sauce. You can also make your own at home for a personalized touch.
How long does it take to prepare BBQ spare ribs?
From prep to finish, expect about 4 to 5 hours, including smoking, tenderizing, and glazing. The slow cooking process ensures tender, flavorful ribs every time.
7. Internal links to similar recipes
If you enjoyed making these barbecue spare ribs, you might also like our roasted root vegetable stew or the Michael Scott’s worlds-best chili. For a sweet treat, try our strawberry cream puffs.
8. Final Tips for Perfect BBQ Spare Ribs
- Always remove the membrane for tender ribs.
- Maintain steady smoke or grill temperature for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
- Let the ribs rest after cooking to enhance flavor and juiciness.
9. Conclusion
Crafting authentic barbecue spare ribs at home is easier than you think with the right tools and techniques. By slow smoking or grilling, seasoning generously, and glazing with smoky BBQ sauce, you can recreate the legendary Flintstones-style ribs right in your own kitchen or backyard. These BBQ ribs will be the highlight of any gathering, impressing friends and family with their juicy, tender texture and irresistible smoky flavor. Enjoy your homemade grilled pork ribs with a cold drink and good company — comfort food at its best!
Print
The Flintstones Brontosaurus Ribs (BBQ Spare Ribs)
Juicy, flavorful barbecue spare ribs inspired by the Flintstones cartoon, generously coated with smoky sauce and slow-cooked to perfection.
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pounds pork spare ribs
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Rub the ribs with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Wrap ribs in aluminum foil and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours until tender.
- Unwrap and brush with barbecue sauce.
- Finish under a broiler or on grill for 5-7 minutes until caramelized.
Notes
- For extra smoky flavor, use mesquite or hickory wood chips during grilling.
- Allow ribs to rest for 10 minutes before serving for maximum juiciness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Method: Baking, Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Pork
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rib rack (about 4 ribs)
- Calories: 650 Kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 55g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
