Meaty St. Louis-style ribs with a caramelized BBQ glaze deliver a high protein, carnivore feast with bold, smoky flavors. These family-style ribs are a barbecue competition staple.
Preheat your oven or smoker to 275°F for low, steady heat—this ensures the ribs cook gently and retain moisture.
Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for improved texture and even seasoning absorption.
Rub both sides of the ribs thinly with yellow mustard, then generously coat with the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar mixture, pressing the rub into the meat.
Place the ribs bone-side down on a foil-lined tray, cover tightly with foil, and bake or smoke for 2.5 hours before checking tenderness.
Brush a thick layer of BBQ sauce on the ribs, uncover, and return to the oven or smoker; increase heat to 325°F and cook another 45 minutes to caramelize the glaze until sticky and deep brown.
Let ribs rest 10 minutes before slicing between bones to maintain juiciness.