CAROLINA GOLD BBQ: How to Make BBQ Ribs Tangy, Sweet, & Spicy/Easy Recipe/No Smoker-No Problem

yellow mustard

🥗Healthier: apple cider vinegar

💰Cheaper: mustard powder

Mustard powder is less expensive and can provide similar flavor when mixed with water.

brown sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: white sugar

White sugar is a more affordable option with similar sweetness.

honey

🥗Healthier: agave syrup

💰Cheaper: corn syrup

Corn syrup is less expensive and can mimic the sweetness of honey.

apple cider vinegar

🥗Healthier: white vinegar

💰Cheaper: distilled vinegar

Distilled vinegar is a cost-effective alternative with a similar acidity.

Rinse and dry off the pork spare ribs.

Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs using paper towels for grip.

Make a dry rub with 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon paprika, 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon ground black pepper, and 2 teaspoons kosher salt.

Sprinkle the rub on one side of the ribs, pressing it down to cover well.

Lightly coat the other side of the ribs with canola oil to help the seasoning stick better.

Wrap the ribs in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Make the Carolina gold barbecue sauce by melting 2 tablespoons butter in a saucepan.

Add 0.75 cup brown sugar, 0.25 cup honey, 1 teaspoon salt, 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper, 0.5 cup apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce to the melted butter and stir.

Mix in 1 cup plain yellow mustard and stir until all clumps dissolve.

Add 1.5 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes and bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.

Preheat the gas grill to 275°F using wood chips wrapped in aluminum foil for smoke flavor.

Place the ribs on the grill away from the flame to cook slowly in indirect heat for 2 hours with the lid covered.

After 2 hours, wrap the ribs in heavy-duty aluminum foil with pats of butter on top, drizzle with honey, and spritz with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water before sealing tightly.

Cook the wrapped ribs for an additional 2 hours.

After 2 more hours, unwrap the ribs and place them back on the grill to finish cooking.

Brush the ribs with the Carolina gold barbecue sauce and cook unwrapped for 1 hour, flipping halfway and adding sauce to the other side.

For caramelization, place the ribs directly over the flame for a short time at the end of cooking.

Let the ribs rest for a little bit before slicing.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens