Ingredients:

– 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 4 pounds)
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons spicy mustard
– 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
– 2 teaspoons garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the ribs
Begin by prepping your racks of baby back ribs. Remove the thin silver skin from the bone side of each rack, which will allow the flavors to permeate the meat. To do this, gently slide a butter knife under the skin to lift it, then grab the edge with a paper towel and pull the skin off.

Step 2: Season the racks
In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix the spices well and generously rub the mixture onto both sides of the prepared ribs. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to fully infuse.

Step 3: Fire up the grill
Preheat your grill to medium heat, around 250°F (120°C), creating a two-zone cooking area. If you’re using charcoal, arrange the coals on one side for direct heat and leave the other side empty for indirect heat. If you’re working with a gas grill, ignite only half of the burners to achieve the same effect.

Step 4: Sizzle and sear
Place the seasoned ribs onto the grill grate, directly over the direct heat zone. Sear the ribs for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they acquire a lovely golden brown color.

Step 5: Slather with sauce
While the ribs are grilling, let’s dive into the magic of homemade barbecue sauce. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, blend together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and spicy mustard. Stir occasionally until the mixture becomes smooth and starts to bubble slightly.

Step 6: Unleash the flavors
Now that the ribs have been seared on both sides, move them over to the indirect heat zone. Baste them generously with the homemade barbecue sauce, using a brush or even your hands. Allow the ribs to cook undisturbed for about 2 to 2 1/2 hours with the grill lid closed, occasionally adding more sauce to amplify the flavor.

Step 7: Tender perfection
To test for doneness, insert a toothpick or skewer into the meat between the bones. When it effortlessly slips in, you’re on the verge of barbecue bliss. If there’s resistance, give the ribs a bit more time to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 8: Feast and enjoy!
Once the BBQ ribs reach the realm of fall-off-the-bone tenderness, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Slice them up or leave them as full racks to devour these mouthwatering wonders. Serve with a side of creamy coleslaw, grilled corn on the cob, and your choice of refreshing beverages.

Tips and Variations:

– For a touch of smokiness, add a few wood chips, such as hickory or apple, to your grill for that authentic BBQ flavor.
– Feeling adventurous? Experiment with different varieties of mustard or even substitute it with a fruit preserve like apricot or peach to create unique flavor profiles.
– To enhance the caramelization, brush an additional layer of sauce over the ribs during the final few minutes of grilling. The sugars will deepen, creating irresistible sweet and charred notes.

Whether you’re gathering loved ones for a summer cookout or simply seeking to indulge your taste buds, these BBQ ribs will undoubtedly elevate any occasion. So roll up your sleeves, fire up that grill, and revel in the tantalizing symphony of flavors that awaits you. Happy grilling!