Ingredients:

  • 4 lb Pork Riblets (or Country Style Ribs)
  • 2 Tbsp Dark Brown Sugar
  • 1 Tbsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1 Tbsp Kosher Salt
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 2 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 2 cups High-Quality BBQ Sauce (divided)

Instructions:

  1. Pat the pork riblets completely dry. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to create the dry rub. Rub generously over all surfaces of the riblets.
  2. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
  3. Place the riblets on a large sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Drizzle the meat with apple cider vinegar. Tightly wrap the foil around the ribs, sealing the edges completely to create a pressurized steam packet (Phase 1: Steam-Braise).
  4. Bake the foil-wrapped riblets for 90 minutes.
  5. Carefully remove the ribs from the oven. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Unwrap the ribs, discard the accumulated liquid, and place the riblets directly on a baking sheet or foil-lined pan.
  6. Slather the ribs generously with 1 cup (half) of the BBQ sauce. Return to the 400°F oven for 15 minutes to allow the first layer of sauce to caramelize.
  7. Remove the ribs, brush with the remaining 1 cup of BBQ sauce, and bake for a final 10 minutes until the glaze is deeply sticky and savory (Phase 2: Sear-Glaze). Let rest 5 minutes before serving.