Carolina Sticky BBQ Ribs
Hey y’all, welcome to the very first recipe post on Carolina Cupboard! I’m beyond excited to kick things off with a dish that’s pure Southern comfort: Carolina Sticky Ribs. As a South Carolina gal born and bred, I’ve always believed food brings folks together, whether it’s Sunday supper after church with your folks, or a backyard BBQ with the family and friends. Let me tell you, these ribs are the kind of dish that’ll have everyone licking their fingers and begging for seconds!
Jump to RecipeP.S. Y’all, I filmed these Carolina Cupboard videos months ago when the dream of sharing Southern recipes and glam first sparked! Life got busy, but I’m finally chasing this passion. Since I’m working with those original recordings, a few shots might be a tad quirky—but they’re packed with love! Stick with me as we grow, and subscribe to join the Carolina Cupboard family! 💖
Carolina Sticky BBQ Rib Recipe
Print Recipe
Carolina Sticky BBQ Ribs
Course: RecipesCuisine: Barbecue Ribs (AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalThis recipe is my take on Southern Living’s Mustardy Glazed Barbecue Ribs, and I’m giving a big ol’ shout-out to them for the inspiration (check out their original recipe here). I’ve added a touch of my Charleston glow to make these ribs extra special, and after trying them, I can’t stop raving! They’re fall-off-the-bone tender, bursting with smoky, sweet, and tangy flavor, and so juicy you’ll need a pile of wet naps. Perfect for your next lowcountry gathering or a cozy night in, these ribs stay true to Southern cooking.
So, grab your apron, channel your inner Southern chef, and let’s get cookin’! Here’s how to make Carolina Sticky Ribs that’ll steal the show.
Ingredients
1 (3-pound) rack of St. Louis-style pork spare ribs
4 teaspoons salt
4 teaspoons smoked paprika
4 teaspoons chili powder
4 teaspoons coconut sugar
2 teaspoons black pepper
1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
¾ cup yellow mustard
6 tablespoons honey
¼ cup Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon Valentina Hot Sauce
Directions
- Preheat and Prep: Fire up your oven to 300°F. Line a baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Trust me, this makes cleanup a breeze! Use a sharp knife to peel off the thin membrane from the back of the ribs (it’s on the bony side) and toss it in the trash.
- Mix the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, stir together 4 teaspoons salt, 4 teaspoons smoked paprika, 4 teaspoons light brown sugar, 4 teaspoons of chili powder, 2 teaspoons black pepper, and 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder. This is your flavor-packed rub! Set aside 1 teaspoon of this mix to use for the sauce later. Sprinkle the rest of the spice blend all over both sides of the ribs, rubbing it in like you’re giving them a lowcountry bath after a hot humid 4th of July day.
- Wrap and Bake: Wrap the seasoned ribs tightly in aluminum foil, sealing the edges to keep all that goodness inside. Place the foil packet on your baking sheet and bake for 2 hours and 45 minutes to 3 hours, until the ribs are so tender they’re practically melting off.
- Make the Charleston Mustard BBQ Sauce: While the ribs bake, let’s whip up that Charleston Mustard BBQ Sauce that we all adore! In another small bowl, whisk together ¾ cup yellow mustard, 6 tablespoons honey, ¼ cup Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, ½ teaspoon hot sauce, and that reserved 1 teaspoon of spice mix. Stir until it’s smooth, then cover and pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to slather.
- Broil for Caramelized Glory: Carefully remove the ribs from the oven and unwrap the foil (watch for steam!). Set the oven to broil. Brush ½ cup of your mustardy sauce generously over the ribs, coating every inch. Pop them back in the oven, uncovered, and broil for 5-8 minutes, until the sauce starts to caramelize and gets that sticky, finger-lickin’ shine.
- Final Touch: Take the ribs out, brush on another ⅓ cup of the sauce for extra flavor, and let them rest for about 5 minutes. Slice, serve, and watch your guests adore!
Recipe Video
Notes
- These Carolina Sticky Ribs are a showstopper on their own, but pair them with some Southern classics for a true lowcountry feast. Try a crisp coleslaw and savory green beans to balance the richness. Serve on a checkered tablecloth with mason jars of sweet tea, and you’ve got a Carolina Cupboard BBQ!
My Review
Y’all, these ribs are everything I dreamed of and more! They’re so tender they slide right off the bone, with a flavorful kick from the smoky spices and tangy mustard glaze. The honey and BBQ sauce add just the right sweetness, making every bite a perfect mix of savory and sticky. I served these at a family gathering, and let’s just say there weren’t any leftovers! Whether you’re a BBQ newbie or a seasoned pitmaster, this recipe will have you grinning from ear to ear.
A Little Southern Love
Starting Carolina Cupboard has been a dream come true, and sharing this first recipe feels like inviting y’all to my table. Growing up in South Carolina, I learned that food is more than just a meal it’s a way to thank the good Lord for food, share stories, and memories. These Carolina Sticky BBQ Ribs take me back to sweet summer evenings on my childhood’s front porch, laughing with my daddy, my husband, Dr. Glen, Cousins Mark and Will, and friends savoring every bite. Oh what beautiful memories those truly were.
I’d love to hear how these ribs turn out for you! Drop a comment below, share your pics on Instagram with #Carolina.Cupboard, or check out my YouTube channel for a video of me making these beauties. Want more Southern recipes or makeup tips? Explore my Recipes and Makeup Tutorials pages for a dose of Charleston glow.
Until next time, keep cookin’ with love and a little lowcountry magic!
XOXO,
Your Carolina Cupboard Gal
Adapted from Southern Living’s Mustardy Glazed Barbecue Ribs.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question 1: Why do you remove the membrane on pork?
Answer: Y’all, it’s the secret to tender, flavorful Carolina Sticky Ribs! Peel it off to let that mustard glaze go to work!
Question 2: What can I substitute for Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce if I don’t have it?
Answer: No Sweet Baby Ray’s? Although it is preferred. No worries! You can swap it with any sweet, tangy BBQ sauce you love, think brands like Stubbs or a local Carolina favorite. Adjust the honey in the sauce if your substitute is sweeter.
Question 3: Can I make Carolina Sticky Ribs without an oven, like on a grill or smoker?
Answer: Absolutely, y’all! You can adapt these Carolina Sticky Ribs for a grill or smoker to get that extra smoky lowcountry flavor. For a grill, set it to indirect heat at 300°F, wrap the seasoned ribs in foil as directed, and cook for about 2.5-3 hours. For a smoker, maintain 250-275°F and smoke unwrapped for 3-4 hours, then wrap in foil for another 1-2 hours until tender. Brush on the Charleston mustard sauce and grill or smoke briefly (5-8 minutes) to caramelize.
Pair with our favorite Peach Cobbler: https://carolinacupboard.com/2025/05/28/quick-simple-easy-southern-5-ingredient-peach-cobbler/
Also check out this video for Carolina Looks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPZoaC52c0k
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