If you’re craving ribs that are juicy, sticky, and bursting with bold flavor, these Sticky BBQ Ribs with Sweet Rum Marinade are about to become your new favorite. This recipe combines slow-baked tenderness with a rich homemade glaze made from brown sugar, rum, garlic, and classic barbecue spices. The result? Fall-off-the-bone BBQ ribs that are smoky, caramelized, and guaranteed to impress at your next cookout.
Unlike store-bought sauces, this marinade is made from scratch. The combination of sweet rum, tangy Worcestershire, soy sauce, and a touch of spice creates a sticky glaze that clings beautifully to the ribs. Once finished on the grill, every bite has that irresistible balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavor.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- Cooking spray (for grill)
- 4 lbs pork spareribs
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup chile sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup rum
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- 1 dash ground black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Bake the Ribs
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut ribs into sections (single or double-bone pieces).
- Wrap tightly in foil and bake for 1½ hours until tender.
- Drain juices (you can freeze them for soups) and transfer ribs to a roasting pan.
2. Make the Sweet Rum Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Brown sugar
- Chile sauce
- Ketchup
- Soy sauce
- Worcestershire
- Rum
- Garlic
- Mustard
- Black pepper
Mix until smooth and glossy.
3. Marinate the Ribs
Pour the marinade over ribs, coating evenly.
- For best flavor, chill overnight.
- Short on time? Let them sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour.
4. Grill to Finish
- Preheat grill to medium heat.
- Lightly oil the grate with cooking spray.
- Grill ribs for about 30 minutes, turning often and brushing with extra marinade until sticky, golden, and slightly charred.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these sticky BBQ ribs with:
- Classic coleslaw
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Baked potatoes or potato wedges
- Fresh cornbread
They’re perfect for backyard barbecues, game day spreads, or a cozy weekend dinner.
Why You’ll Love These Sweet Rum BBQ Ribs
- Made from scratch — no bottled sauce needed
- Fall-off-the-bone tender thanks to slow baking
- Sticky, smoky, and sweet with just the right kick of rum
- Make-ahead friendly — marinate a day in advance for extra depth of flavor
- Crowd-pleasing recipe that never disappoints at summer cookouts
Recipe Tips & Variations
- No grill? Finish under the broiler for 5–8 minutes until caramelized.
- Want more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes.
- Prefer smokier ribs? Use smoked paprika in the marinade.
- Make it family-friendly: Swap rum for apple juice or root beer.
Final Thoughts
These Sticky BBQ Ribs with Sweet Rum Marinade are everything you want in a summer recipe: tender, smoky, saucy, and finger-licking good. Once you try them, you’ll never reach for bottled barbecue sauce again. Perfect for weekend feasts, holiday grilling, or whenever you want to wow your guests.