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Baked Brown Sugar Pork Ribs with Cornbread

Elina James
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the Brown Sugar Pork Ribs
  • 2 racks (about 4 lbs / 1.8 kg) pork baby back ribs
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (for glazing)
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (for tang)
  • For the Homemade Cornbread
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp honey (optional, for sweetness)

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Prepare the Ribs : Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs (use a paper towel for grip). This helps the seasoning penetrate better.
  • Step 2: Make the Brown Sugar Rub : In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, chili powder, and cayenne. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels, then rub the mixture evenly all over both sides of the ribs. Drizzle lightly with olive oil to help the rub adhere.
  • Step 3: Bake the Ribs (Low and Slow) : Place the ribs on the rack, meat side up. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 2 ½ hours. After baking, remove the foil, brush the ribs generously with BBQ sauce mixed with apple cider vinegar, and return them to the oven for 20–25 minutes until caramelized and sticky. Optional: For extra caramelization, broil the ribs for 2–3 minutes at the end.
  • Step 4: Prepare the Cornbread : While the ribs finish baking, preheat another oven rack to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and honey. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix gently until just combined (do not overmix). Pour the batter into a greased 8-inch square baking dish or cast-iron skillet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Brush the top with a little melted butter before serving.