KFC’s BBQ Spare Ribs from the mid-1970s were a nostalgic menu item that many remember fondly, even though they were discontinued. The dish was a hit for its smoky and sweet BBQ sauce paired with tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and it was often served with KFC’s signature sides. While the exact recipe used by KFC back then is not publicly available, you can recreate a similar version of those BBQ spare ribs by focusing on the key flavors: a smoky BBQ sauce, tender ribs, and a crispy finish.
Here’s a recipe to try to recreate KFC-style BBQ Spare Ribs:
KFC-Style BBQ Spare Ribs (1970s Inspired)
Ingredients:
For the Ribs:
- 2 racks of baby back ribs (or spare ribs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional, for a subtle depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
For the BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ribs:
- Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
- Remove the silver skin (the thin membrane on the back of the ribs) from the ribs if not already done. This will help make the ribs tender and allow the seasoning to penetrate.
- Rub the ribs with olive oil to help the seasoning stick. Then, season both sides of the ribs with a mixture of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, ground cumin, and brown sugar (if using).
- Cook the Ribs:
- Place the seasoned ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or in a large roasting pan. Cover the ribs with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours or until the ribs are tender. Slow cooking at a low temperature will help the ribs become tender and juicy.
- Prepare the BBQ Sauce:
- While the ribs are cooking, prepare the BBQ sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, honey, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Finish the Ribs:
- Once the ribs are tender, remove them from the oven and discard the foil covering.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat (alternatively, you can use a broiler).
- Brush the ribs with a generous amount of BBQ sauce on both sides and grill for about 5-10 minutes, basting and flipping the ribs until they develop a caramelized, slightly charred exterior.
- If using a broiler, place the ribs on a broiler pan, brush with BBQ sauce, and broil for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the sauce begins to bubble and form a glaze.
- Serve:
- Remove the ribs from the grill or broiler, slice into individual ribs, and serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
Tips for a Perfect BBQ Rib Experience:
- Slow-cooking method: The key to tender ribs is cooking them slowly at a low temperature, which is why baking them covered in foil for a few hours is crucial to achieving that fall-off-the-bone texture.
- Grilling for flavor: While baking ensures tenderness, grilling or broiling at the end creates that crispy, caramelized outer layer that mimics the charred finish KFC’s BBQ ribs were known for.
- Adjust the sauce: Feel free to adjust the sweetness, tanginess, or spiciness of the BBQ sauce based on your preferences. For a more authentic 70s-style BBQ flavor, you can also add a touch of liquid smoke to the sauce.
This BBQ Spare Ribs recipe aims to replicate the flavors and textures of the KFC-style dish many remember from the 1970s. With the tender, smoky meat and rich, tangy-sweet sauce, it’s sure to bring back some delicious memories!
