🍖 Smoky BBQ Ribs with Coleslaw, Baked Beans, and Cornbread 🥗🥫🌽
This dish is a Southern classic featuring tender, smoky BBQ ribs, tangy coleslaw, savory baked beans, and buttery cornbread.
🔥 Southern BBQ Feast
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the BBQ Ribs:
2 racks of pork spare ribs (about 3-4 lbs)
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite kind)
For the Coleslaw:
4 cups shredded cabbage (green or a mix of green and red)
1 carrot, shredded
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp sugar
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Baked Beans:
2 cans (15 oz each) navy or pinto beans, drained
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 small onion, diced
2 slices bacon, chopped
1 tbsp molasses
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Cornbread:
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cup milk
1 egg
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
🔪 Prep the Ingredients
Prep the BBQ Ribs:
Pat the ribs dry. In a bowl, mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the ribs. Wrap in foil and let marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).
Prep the Coleslaw:
In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage and carrot. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Make the Baked Beans:
In a skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Add diced onion and sauté until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the beans, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, molasses, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
Prep the Cornbread:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, and melted butter. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed. Pour into a greased 8x8-inch baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
🔥 Cook the Ribs!
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) for slow cooking (or use a smoker if you have one).
Place the foil-wrapped ribs on a baking sheet and cook for 2.5-3 hours, until tender. Remove from the oven, unwrap, and brush generously with BBQ sauce.
Increase oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and bake the ribs uncovered for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce caramelizes. Alternatively, finish on a grill over medium heat (350°F / 175°C) for 5-7 minutes, brushing with more sauce and flipping once.
🍴 Serve It Like This:
In a meal container, place a portion of the smoky BBQ ribs.
Add a scoop of coleslaw, a serving of baked beans, and a square of cornbread on the side.
Pair with a cold glass of sweet tea or lemonade 🍋🍹
🔥 Pro Tips:
For extra smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the rib rub or baked beans.
Let the ribs rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain juiciness.
If using a smoker, cook the ribs at 225°F (110°C) for 4-5 hours for an authentic smoky taste.
Enjoy guys!