BBQ Ribs with Corn – Backyard BBQ Bliss
Smoky • Sticky • Fall-Off-The-Bone Tender
Nothing says summer, comfort, and pure backyard happiness like a plate of juicy BBQ ribs served with buttery grilled corn. This recipe brings together everything you love about outdoor cooking — smoky flavors, sweet-and-sticky barbecue glaze, and perfectly charred corn on the cob. Whether you’re hosting a cookout, planning a family dinner, or just craving a finger-licking feast, these ribs deliver serious barbecue satisfaction.
Ingredients
For the BBQ Ribs
- 2 racks pork ribs (baby back or St. Louis style)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp chili powder or cayenne (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
For the Corn
- 4–6 ears of corn, husks removed
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional:
- Garlic butter
- Chili-lime seasoning
- Parmesan cheese
Directions
1 Prepare the Ribs
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Flip the ribs over and remove the thin membrane from the back (this helps the ribs get extra tender).
- In a small bowl, mix:
- Brown sugar
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Chili powder (optional)
- Rub the seasoning all over the ribs until fully coated.
- Wrap each rack tightly in aluminum foil, sealing the edges so steam stays inside.
2 Slow Bake the Ribs
Place the wrapped ribs on a baking sheet and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until they are:
✔ Fall-off-the-bone tender
✔ Filled with juices
✔ Shrink slightly from the bone ends
Low and slow is key — this step guarantees tender ribs before they ever hit the grill.
3 Prepare the Corn
While the ribs finish baking:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high.
- Brush corn with melted butter and season with salt + pepper.
- Grill for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally until charred and golden.
- Brush with extra butter or seasonings as desired.
4 Finish the Ribs on the Grill
- Remove ribs from the oven and carefully unwrap them.
- Brush generously with BBQ sauce.
- Place the ribs on the grill over medium heat.
- Grill for 5–10 minutes, flipping once and brushing with more sauce as they caramelize.
- You’re looking for sticky, glossy, caramelized BBQ perfection.
Serve & Enjoy
Slice the ribs between the bones and serve with the hot grilled corn.
Add extra BBQ sauce, melted garlic butter for the corn, and lemon wedges for freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with:
- Coleslaw
- Potato salad
- Baked beans
- Cornbread
- Grilled veggies
- Mac and cheese
For drinks:
- Iced tea
- Lemonade
- Cold beer
- Pineapple mocktails
Tips for the Best Backyard Ribs
- Removing the membrane makes ribs much more tender.
- Add honey or brown sugar to your BBQ sauce for extra shine.
- Use smoked paprika for that outdoor-smoked flavor.
- Grill at the end only long enough to caramelize — don’t dry them out.
- For spicier ribs: Add cayenne or chipotle powder.
Flavor Variations
Sweet & Smoky
Mix honey into your BBQ sauce.
Spicy Kick
Brush with spicy BBQ sauce and sprinkle crushed red pepper.
Asian-Fusion Style
Glaze with teriyaki sauce + sesame seeds + green onions.
Garlic Butter Corn Twist
Mix melted butter with garlic powder, parsley, and parmesan.
Backyard BBQ Bliss Awaits!
Tender ribs, smoky grill marks, sweet corn… it’s the perfect meal for warm evenings, gatherings, or whenever you need comfort on a plate.