Apricot BBQ Ribs are tender, juicy, smoky, and finished with a sticky-sweet glaze that makes every bite memorable. If you are craving baby back ribs with deep barbecue flavor, a flavorful dry rub, hickory smoke, and a glossy apricot BBQ sauce, this recipe is a great choice for your next cookout or family dinner.
The flavor starts with a simple olive oil coating and a sweet garlic and onion dry rub. The ribs are then cooked over indirect heat until they become tender, smoky, and rich. A thick layer of apricot BBQ sauce goes on at the end, giving the ribs a sweet, tangy finish that pairs beautifully with smoked pork.
Ingredients for Apricot Glazed Ribs
- Baby Back Ribs – This recipe uses 2 racks. If you are already heating the grill, cooking two racks is just as easy as cooking one.
- Olive Oil – Helps the dry rub stick to the ribs and encourages a flavorful crust as they cook.
- Sweet Garlic and Onion Rub – A balanced dry rub made with brown sugar, garlic, onion powder, ground rosemary, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and dry mustard.
- Apricot BBQ Sauce – A sweet and sticky barbecue sauce that complements the smoky pork and gives the ribs a beautiful glazed finish.
How to Grill Apricot BBQ Ribs
- Prepare a grill fire to 350° and add hickory for smoky flavor.
- Make the apricot BBQ sauce and set it aside to cool slightly before brushing it onto the ribs.
- Pat the ribs dry with paper towels and place them on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle or spray both sides of the ribs with olive oil, then rub it evenly over the surface.
- Mix the dry rub in a small bowl until the spices are evenly combined.
- Sprinkle the dry rub over both sides of the ribs, using a heavier coating on the meaty side.
- Let the ribs sit at room temperature while the grill comes up to temperature.
- Cook the ribs over indirect heat with the grill lid closed for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, keeping the grill temperature between 300° and 350°.
- Check the internal temperature with a digital thermometer. Continue cooking until the ribs reach between 195° and 205°.
- Remove the ribs from the grill and transfer them to a sheet pan.
- Brush the ribs generously with apricot BBQ sauce, coating the tops and edges.
- Allow the ribs to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Resting helps the juices settle and makes the ribs easier to cut.
- Slice between the bones and serve immediately with extra apricot BBQ sauce if desired.
How to Store and Reheat
Wrap cooled ribs tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the ribs for up to 3 months. Wrap them in several layers of plastic wrap and then add a layer of foil. Label the package with the date and contents so they are easy to identify later.
To reheat, place the ribs in a single layer on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350° oven. Brush with additional apricot BBQ sauce and cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until heated through. Reheating with extra sauce helps keep the ribs moist and brings back that sticky glazed finish.
Best Side Dishes for Grilled Ribs
Apricot BBQ ribs are rich, smoky, and sweet, so they pair well with classic barbecue side dishes. Smoked mac and cheese is a natural match for sticky ribs because it adds creamy comfort to the plate. Grilled corn on the cob is another cookout favorite and works well with the smoky flavor of the ribs.
You can also serve these ribs with simple sides that balance the sweetness of the glaze. A crisp salad, baked beans, roasted potatoes, or grilled vegetables would all fit nicely with this barbecue meal. Keep the sides simple so the ribs remain the star of the table.
More Baby Back Ribs for Your Next Cookout
BBQ Mustard Ribs are a flavorful way to change up the usual dinner routine. A rosemary mustard barbecue sauce adds tangy depth to smoked ribs.
Blackberry BBQ Ribs are sweet, smoky, and tender, making them a great option for cookouts and special occasions.
Chili Rubbed Ribs are juicy and flavorful with a little heat. They are a good choice when you want ribs with a spicier dry rub.
Coca-Cola Ribs are coated in a thick glaze that is slightly sweet and full of savory spice. They are a popular option for anyone who enjoys a sticky barbecue-style finish.
Honey Garlic Ribs are another delicious choice and cook up tender with a sweet and savory flavor combination.
This Apricot BBQ Ribs recipe is a standout for backyard grilling, weekend dinners, and family gatherings. The combination of seasoned baby back ribs, hickory smoke, and sweet apricot BBQ sauce creates a tender, flavorful rib recipe that is simple enough for a casual meal and impressive enough for a cookout.
Apricot BBQ Ribs
Ingredients
- 2 racks baby back ribs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup Sweet Garlic and Onion Rub
- 1 cup Apricot BBQ Sauce
Instructions
-
Prepare a grill fire to 350° and add hickory for smoke flavor.
-
Pat the ribs dry with paper towels and place them on a baking sheet.
-
Brush or spray both sides of the ribs with olive oil.
-
Mix the dry rub in a small bowl.
-
Sprinkle the rub over both sides of the ribs, adding a generous coating to the meaty side.
-
Cook the ribs over indirect heat with the grill lid closed for about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
-
Check the internal temperature with a digital thermometer and continue cooking until the ribs reach between 195° and 205°.
-
Remove the ribs from the grill, place them on a pan, and brush generously with apricot BBQ sauce.
-
Let the ribs rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Freeze ribs in 2 layers of plastic wrap and 1 layer of foil for up to 3 months. Label the package with the contents and date.
Reheat ribs in a single layer in a baking pan in a 350° oven. Brush with extra sauce and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until heated through.
Nutrition
| Calories: 264kcal
| Carbohydrates: 10g
| Protein: 15g
| Fat: 18g
| Saturated Fat: 5g
| Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g
| Cholesterol: 53mg
| Sodium: 196mg
| Fiber: 1g
| Sugar: 6g