There’s something incredibly satisfying about sinking your teeth into a plate of juicy, tender ribs, especially when they’re slathered in a rich barbecue sauce. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Costelinha ao Molho Barbecue, a dish that not only brings the family together but also fits perfectly into our busy lives. In just 40 minutes, you can whip up this delightful meal that rivals any restaurant’s offering. And if you’re looking for easy pasta recipes to pair with it, I’ve got you covered too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for 30-minute meals.
- Rich, flavorful barbecue sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Perfect for quick family dinners or casual gatherings.
- Versatile enough to pair with various sides, including my favorite creamy garlic pasta.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers, ensuring you have delicious meals ready to go!
Ingredients
To make these mouthwatering ribs, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 pounds of pork ribs
- 1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh herbs for garnish
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Now, let’s dive into the cooking process! Follow these simple steps to create your own Costelinha ao Molho Barbecue:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Rub this mixture all over the pork ribs, ensuring they are well coated.
- Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Bake the ribs in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, remove the ribs and generously brush them with barbecue sauce.
- Return the ribs to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce is caramelized and sticky.
- Once done, let the ribs rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your ribs turn out perfectly every time:
- For extra tenderness, consider marinating the ribs in the spice mixture overnight.
- If you prefer a smoky flavor, try adding a few drops of liquid smoke to the barbecue sauce.
- Don’t skip the resting time after baking; it helps the juices redistribute for more flavorful ribs.
- Feel free to experiment with different barbecue sauces to find your favorite flavor profile.
How to Serve
These ribs are fantastic on their own, but I love to serve them with a side of creamy garlic pasta for a complete meal. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Pair with a fresh garden salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Serve with coleslaw for a classic barbecue experience.
- Offer cornbread on the side for a comforting touch.
- Don’t forget to have extra barbecue sauce on hand for dipping!
Make Ahead and Storage
If you’re planning a busy week, these ribs are perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store them:
- Cooked ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
- You can also freeze the cooked ribs for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in foil or freezer bags.
With this Costelinha ao Molho Barbecue recipe, you’ll have a delicious meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinner ideas or special occasions. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this dish as much as I do. Happy cooking!

Costelinha ao Molho Barbecue
Ingredients
Main
- 1.5 kg costelinha de porco
- 1 unit limão (suco de 1 limão)
- 2 dentes alho amassados
- to taste sal e pimenta-do-reino (a gosto)
- 1 pedaço papel-alumínio
- 2 colheres (sopa) óleo
- 1 unidade cebola média picada
- 0.5 xícara (chá) açúcar mascavo
- 0.5 xícara (chá) vinagre de maçã ou branco
- 2 colheres (sopa) molho inglês
- 2 xícaras (chá) ketchup
- 1 colher (sopa) molho de pimenta (opcional)
- 0.5 xícara (chá) água
- 1 folha louro
Estimated Cost
Instructions
- Tempere a carne com suco de limão, alho, sal e pimenta, e deixe marinar por 30 minutos.
- Envolva a costelinha em papel-alumínio e asse em forno a 200°C por 40 minutos.
- Prepare o molho barbecue refogando cebola, açúcar mascavo, vinagre, molho inglês, ketchup, molho de pimenta, água, louro e sal por 40 minutos.
- Retire a costelinha do forno, cubra com o molho de barbecue e volte ao forno por mais 20 minutos, regando a carne com o molho a cada 5 minutos.
- Sirva quente, acompanhada de batatas assadas ou salada coleslaw.