Ribs are a staple of any good barbecue, and this list has something for every kind of rib lover. Whether you like them smoky, spicy, sweet, or sticky, you’ll find a recipe that fits your craving. From slow-smoked classics to quick air-fried options, there’s a method for every skill level and schedule.
Want fall-off-the-bone tenderness? Try the 3-2-1 method or a slow cooker recipe. Looking for bold, unique flavors? Korean gochujang, Vietnamese glazes, and Cherry Coke marinades offer something unexpected. If you prefer traditional barbecue, you’ll find Memphis-style, St. Louis, and country-style options that highlight the best smoky flavors.
No matter how you like your ribs, these recipes will help you bring big flavor to your next meal. Scroll through and find the one that speaks to you—you might just discover a new favorite way to cook ribs!
Smoked Party Ribs
These baby back ribs are cut individually for easy serving, coated in a bold spice rub, and smoked until tender. A spritz of pineapple juice adds a touch of sweetness before they’re finished with BBQ sauce for a flavorful, crowd-friendly dish.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Party Ribs
Smoked Spare Ribs
These classic smoked spare ribs are slow-cooked with a homemade rub and basted with hard apple cider for extra moisture. Finished with BBQ sauce, they develop a sticky-sweet crust and deep smoky flavor.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Spare Ribs
12345 Chinese Spare Ribs
This simple recipe gets its name from the easy “12345” sauce—Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and water—creating ribs that are rich, savory, and just a little tangy. A great takeout-style dish to make at home.
Get the Recipe: 12345 Chinese Spare Ribs (For Easy Home Cooking)
The Easiest Peking Spare Ribs
These Peking-style spare ribs have a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors with a crispy, caramelized texture. A great option for anyone who loves Chinese-style ribs with a little crunch.
Get the Recipe: The Easiest Peking Spare Ribs (京都排骨): Peking-Style
St. Louis Ribs made in the Crock Pot
No need to fire up the grill—these St. Louis-style ribs cook low and slow in a Crock Pot for tender, fall-apart meat. A simple prep makes this an easy choice for a backyard barbecue or a casual dinner.
Get the Recipe: St. Louis Ribs made in the Crock Pot
Sweet & Sticky Korean Pork Ribs With Gochujang Glaze
These baby back ribs are seasoned with a simple rub, baked until tender, and coated in a sticky-sweet gochujang glaze. The mix of heat, sweetness, and umami makes them an irresistible dish for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Sticky Korean Pork Ribs With Gochujang Glaze
Dr Pepper Ribs
These tender ribs are coated in a sticky Dr Pepper-infused BBQ sauce, adding a caramelized sweetness that pairs perfectly with smoky, slow-cooked meat. A fun and flavorful twist on classic ribs.
Get the Recipe: Dr Pepper Ribs
Traeger 3-2-1 Ribs
This Traeger-smoked recipe follows the foolproof 3-2-1 method, ensuring ribs that are tender, juicy, and packed with deep smoky flavor. A great go-to for consistent results every time.
Get the Recipe: Traeger 3-2-1 Ribs
Traeger Smoked No-Wrap Pork Ribs
Skip the foil and let the smoke do the work. These no-wrap pork ribs develop a flavorful bark and a deep, smoky taste, perfect for BBQ lovers who prefer a firmer texture.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked No-Wrap Pork Ribs
Oven-Baked Barbecue Ribs
These oven-baked ribs come out juicy, flavorful, and coated in a rich barbecue glaze. No matter the weather, you can enjoy fall-apart tender ribs straight from your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Barbecue Ribs
Smoked Country-Style Pork Ribs
These meaty, country-style pork ribs are smoked for deep, rich flavor. A satisfying option for a backyard BBQ or a hearty family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Country-Style Pork Ribs
Spicy Smoked Pork Ribs
Smoked low and slow with a bold, spicy rub, these ribs balance heat and smokiness for a flavorful kick. Perfect for those who love a little extra spice in their BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Smoked Pork Ribs
Smoked St. Louis Ribs
St. Louis-style ribs, smoked to perfection for a balance of tenderness and chew. Ideal for BBQ fans who love ribs with a deep, smoky crust and rich barbecue flavor.
Get the Recipe: Smoked St. Louis Ribs
Sticky Vietnamese Air Fryer Pork Ribs
These air-fried pork ribs come out crispy on the outside and juicy inside, coated in a sweet-savory Vietnamese-inspired glaze. A quick and easy way to enjoy flavorful ribs any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Vietnamese Air Fryer Pork Ribs
Cherry Coke Ribs
These ribs soak up a Cherry Coke marinade for a fun mix of sweet and tangy flavors. A unique twist for anyone who likes experimenting with BBQ flavors.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Coke Ribs
Smoked Spicy Asian Pork Ribs
Smoky meets spicy in this fusion recipe, combining classic BBQ smoking techniques with bold Asian spices for a unique, flavor-packed rib dish.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Spicy Asian Pork Ribs
Faster Smoked Pork Ribs
Short on time? This method speeds up the smoking process while still delivering tender, flavorful ribs—great for BBQ lovers who don’t want to spend all day cooking.
Get the Recipe: Faster Smoked Pork Ribs
Traeger Smoked Pork Ribs
These Traeger-smoked ribs follow the 5-4-1 method for a perfect balance of smoke, tenderness, and BBQ glaze. A reliable recipe for smoky, fall-off-the-bone results.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Pork Ribs
Memphis Style Smoked Spare Ribs
These ribs deliver a classic Memphis-style bite—tender but not too soft, with a perfectly formed pink smoke ring. A must-try for anyone who appreciates competition-level BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Memphis Style Smoked Spare Ribs
Hickory Smoked Pork Ribs with Paleo BBQ Sauce
A rich hickory smoke flavor shines in these ribs, paired with a paleo-friendly BBQ sauce that’s so good, you won’t miss the sugar. A great option for those looking for a cleaner take on BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Hickory Smoked Pork Ribs with Paleo BBQ Sauce
Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs
These sticky, sweet, and slightly crispy boneless spare ribs are just like the ones from your favorite takeout spot. Learn how easy it is to make them at home!
Get the Recipe: Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs
Unbelievably Good Smoked Baby Back Ribs
Smoked baby back ribs are a BBQ classic, and this Traeger-grilled version makes it easy to get juicy, flavorful meat every time. A must-try for any backyard cookout.
Get the Recipe: Unbelievably Good Smoked Baby Back Ribs – Summer BBQ Favourite
Air Fryer BBQ Ribs – Best Dry Rib Rub
These air-fried BBQ ribs come out crispy and flavorful in a fraction of the time of traditional smoking. A great option for a quick and tasty rib dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Ribs – Best Dry Rib Rub