Sweet Tea Ribs So Good They Feel Illegal

Discover the ultimate Sweet Tea Ribs recipe that’s packed with bold Southern flavor. Fall-off-the-bone tender and glazed in a sticky, tea-infused BBQ sauce—this recipe will truly blow your mind.

🍖 What Makes These Sweet Tea Ribs So Special?

Erase everything you thought you knew about BBQ ribs — this changes the game. These Sweet Tea Ribs blend smoky, savory, and sweet into one unforgettable dish. Infused with bold black tea and cooked to tender perfection, each bite delivers a punch of flavor that will leave your guests speechless.

This recipe isn’t just unique — it’s a Southern classic reimagined to perfection.

Read:One-Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice

🛒 Ingredients

For the Ribs:

• 1 full rack baby back ribs (about 3 pounds)
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp kosher salt (or 1 tsp per pound)
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika

For the Sweet Tea Sauce:

• 3 cups water
• 6 black tea bags (Constant Comment® recommended)
• ½ cup white sugar
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper

Garnish:

• 1 tbsp chopped green onions

👨‍🍳 How to Make Sweet Tea Ribs

Step 1: Season & Bake the Ribs

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Place the ribs meat-side down on a foil-lined baking sheet.
3. Slash the membrane slightly with a knife.
4. Turn the ribs meat-side up, brush them evenly with mustard, then season generously with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
5. Bake for 1 hour, then cool for 1 hour at room temp.
6. Chill in the fridge for 1 hour more.

Step 2: Brew the Sweet Tea Sauce

1. Boil 3 cups of water, then turn off the heat and steep 6 tea bags for 10–15 minutes.
2. Remove the bags and squeeze the liquid back in.
3. Stir in sugar, vinegar, and spices.
4. Simmer for 3 minutes.

Step 3: Simmer the Ribs in Sauce

1. Slice ribs into individual pieces.
2. Place ribs into the sauce, on their sides if possible.
3. Simmer on low heat, covered, for 40 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. Uncover, raise heat slightly, and cook for 20–40 more minutes, basting often.
5. Remove ribs and thicken the sauce for 5 minutes.
6. Return ribs to the sauce, simmer for 10 minutes until sticky and syrupy.
7. Garnish with green onions and serve hot!

📊 Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

• Calories: 365
• Protein: 19g
• Fat: 18g
• Sugar: 29g
• Carbs: 33g
• Sodium: 1234mg

❓ FAQ: Sweet Tea Ribs

Q: Can I use a different kind of tea?
A: Black tea is ideal for its strong flavor, but you can experiment with chai or smoky lapsang souchong for unique twists.

Read:Easy Overnight Oats – A Healthy Breakfast You Can Prep in Minutes

Q: Can I grill instead of simmering?
A: Yes! Once baked and sliced, transfer the ribs to a hot grill and brush generously with the sweet tea sauce, grilling until beautifully caramelized and slightly charred.

Q: Are these ribs very sweet?
A: The sweetness is balanced by vinegar and spices, giving you a complex, tangy-sweet finish.

🔥 Final Thoughts

These Sweet Tea Ribs aren’t just delicious — they’re unforgettable. Whether for a weekend BBQ, family gathering, or holiday feast, this recipe guarantees a wow factor.

Try it once, and you’ll never go back to plain BBQ ribs.