Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins (plus optional marination)
Total Time: 30 mins Servings:
4 Skill Level: Easy
Why Dad Deserves These Ribs
I still remember my dad standing by the grill, spatula in hand, face glowing in the smoke and sunlight like he was running a Michelin-star backyard kitchen.
He didn’t ask for much—but if you handed him a plate of sticky, fall-off-the-bone ribs? He’d light up like Christmas came early.So this year, skip the tie. Give Dad what he really wants: juicy, spicy Cajun BBQ ribs that taste like they were slow-cooked for hours—but come together in just 30 minutes.
And no, you don’t need a smoker or pitmaster skills. Just your oven, a few pantry staples, and a lot of love.
🔥 What Makes This Recipe Special?
✔️ 30-Minute Magic – Yes, we speed things up while keeping flavor deep and bold.
✔️ Cajun Twist – A spicy, smoky rub with hints of garlic and thyme.
✔️ Sticky-Sweet BBQ Sauce – Thick, caramelized molasses meets tangy ketchup. ✔️ Perfect for Grilling or Oven – Flex it to your setup.
✔️ Dad-Tested, Blog-Approved – This recipe was a hit in our house.
- Ingredients You’ll NeedFor the Dry Rub:
- 1 tbsp paprika (smoked if you have it)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to heat level)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- For the BBQ Glaze:
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp molasses
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp hot sauce (optional)
- For the Ribs:
- 2 pounds St. Louis-style pork ribs (or baby back ribs)
- 1 tbsp olive oil Aluminum foil (if oven-baking)
👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep .Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If grilling, fire it up to medium-high heat.Pat ribs dry and remove the silver skin (that thin membrane on the bone side). Trust me, this helps them cook faster and soak up more flavor.
Step 2: Rub-a-Dub-Dub
Mix your dry rub ingredients in a bowl. Brush ribs with olive oil and massage the rub in like you’re giving them a spa treatment. Let them sit for 5–10 minutes (or overnight in the fridge for max flavor).
Step 3: Make the Glaze
While the ribs rest, mix the BBQ glaze ingredients in a saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat for 5–7 minutes until thickened and sticky. Set aside.
Step 4: Cook Those Ribs!
Oven method: Place ribs on a foil-lined baking tray. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, flip, then bake another 5 minutes.Grill method:
Grill ribs bone side down first for 7–8 mins, flip, then another 7–8 mins. Brush with glaze during last few minutes.
Step 5: Glaze & Caramelize
Brush ribs generously with the glaze and return to the oven or grill for 3–5 minutes, just enough to caramelize that sticky sauce.
🍽️ What to Serve With These Ribs
Make it a full spread! Here are some quick sides that come together just as fast:Side DishTimeFlavor ProfileColeslaw10mCreamy + tangyCornbread20mButtery + fluffyDirty Rice25mSavory + boldGrilled Corn15mSweet + smokyMac & Cheese30mClassic comfort food
đź’ˇ Tips & Tricks
🧠Fun Fact for FoodiesDid you know? St. Louis-style ribs are flatter and more uniform than baby backs, making them easier to brown and perfect for fast recipes like this. Plus, they’re cheaper—score!