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Flavorful Fourth of July BBQ Rib Rack Glaze Recipe

BBQ rib rack glaze - featured image

An easy homemade BBQ glaze that creates perfectly sticky, smoky, and sweet ribs with a caramelized crust, ideal for Fourth of July or summer BBQs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) tomato ketchup
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons molasses
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne (optional), Worcestershire sauce, molasses, honey, and water. Whisk gently and simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
  2. Preheat the grill for indirect grilling at medium heat (around 275–300°F / 135–150°C). For charcoal, bank the coals to one side; for gas, turn on half the burners.
  3. Prepare the ribs: Remove the membrane from the back of the rib rack. Pat ribs dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. Place ribs bone side down on the cooler side of the grill. Close the lid and cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, maintaining steady temperature.
  5. About 30 minutes before ribs are done, brush a generous layer of glaze over the ribs every 10-15 minutes to build a sticky, flavorful crust. Avoid burning by moving ribs away from direct flame if flare-ups occur.
  6. Check for doneness: ribs are ready when meat is tender and pulls back from bones slightly, internal temperature around 190°F (88°C).
  7. Remove ribs from grill and wrap loosely in aluminum foil. Let rest for 10-15 minutes to redistribute juices.
  8. Slice between the bones and serve warm with extra glaze on the side if desired.

Notes

Use indirect heat and low temperature for tender ribs. Apply glaze in thin layers near the end to avoid burning. Keep a spray bottle with water or apple juice handy to control flare-ups. Removing the membrane from ribs improves tenderness and glaze adherence. Can substitute honey with maple syrup and Worcestershire sauce with coconut aminos for gluten-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ glaze, rib rack glaze, Fourth of July ribs, homemade BBQ sauce, smoky ribs, summer BBQ, easy glaze recipe