Melt in your mouth, grilled tender back ribs slathered with a unique, sweet and tart jalapeno and roasted strawberry BBQ sauce. These ribs are magically delicious and need to be part of your summer grilling line up!
Hey, friends! How was your weekend?
Mine was fine, other than it being 7,354.27 million degrees outside. I am seriously considering purchasing a walk-in cooler, just so I have a place to hang out for the next month or so. I’m thinking a walk-in is more feasible than shrinking my entire self so I can fit inside the freezer. Thoughts?
Other than it being blazin’ hot out, I have no complaints. It was a pretty normal weekend – a bit of work mixed with a little R& R.
Oh, and LOTS of good eats, including glorious grilled ribs, which we will get to in a second. <–I’ve heard patience is a virtue. I wouldn’t know anything about that. But, you should practice this now… or scroll down a few paragraphs I won’t judge.
Anyways, the mister and I started watching the TV show, Preacher. Have you seen it?! If you have, what do you make of it?
It’s very weird, if you ask me. But, my other half is loving it. Which totally makes me question all of his life’s decisions, aside from his decision to marry me of course. While he and I might not always agree on what constitutes good TV, there is one thing we will always agree on: When it comes to pork, baby back ribs are where it’s at. And when it comes to baby back ribs, strawberry BBQ sauce is BOSS.
About this strawberry bbq ribs recipe
These ribs are all that and then some, my friends. Terrifically tender and magnificently meaty with the perfect kiss of smoky char from the grill, these strawberry ribs are *chef’s kiss*, 8th wonder of the world type delicious!
While it’s hard to go wrong with baby back ribs, its the strawberry BBQ sauce that takes these meaty bad boys right over the edge. The barbecue sauce is a combination of spicy jalapeno and roasted strawberries, and it is beyond delicious!!
If you have ever roasted strawberries before, you already know how AMAZING they taste. But, combine those beautiful berries with some classic BBQ ingredients, and throw in some ginger, balsamic and soy sauce for good measure – you end up with a sauce SO good that it almost hurts. It’s most definitely worth turning the oven on for! (100 degree weather and all.)
Sticky, tangy, savory and strawberry sweet with a hint of jalapeno spice, the sauce is completely unique and finger lickin’ good. Slather that slightly spicy, roasted strawberry jazz on some charcoal grilled ribs – BOOM. Magical deliciousness you never knew you absolutely needed in your life. Until now obviously. You can thank me later. 😉
Tips for the best ribs with strawberry bbq sauce
- Prepping ribs for grilling. I highly recommend you remove the layer of membrane covering the bones of the ribs. A lot of people will say removing this membrane is optional, but it really shouldn’t be. It takes about 2 minutes to remove the membrane and it will prevent the ribs from becoming chewy when cooked.
- To remove the rib membrane, simply take a knife and insert it between the bones and membrane to create a pocket or “tab” to pull on. Then, use your fingers to pull the membrane from the bone. Most of the time it will come off in one clean pull.
- Rub generously: The spice rub mixture in the recipe card yields enough for exactly 2 racks of ribs. Be generous and massage the rub into the ribs.
- Heat level: If you prefer a very mild sauce, remove all the seeds and ribs in the jalapenos before proceeding with the recipe. Alternatively, keep the ribs and seeds if you prefer a spicy barbecue sauce.
- The secret to juicy, grilled ribs in record time is aluminum foil. Yes, it’s that simple. Rub the ribs with the spice seasoning, wrap them in a few sheets of aluminum foil and then place them over indirect heat on the grill. This essentially steams the ribs, which allows them to become tender and retain their moisture. It also cuts hours from the grilling process, which is a win-win. When wrapping the ribs with aluminum, use a few sheets to make sure there are no rips, holes or tears in the foil.
What sides go with bbq ribs?
Below are just a few of our favorite summer side dishes. Be sure to check out our Side Dish Menu for more delicious ideas!
- Italian Chop Salad just like your favorite restaurant!
- Grilled Corn on the Cob with a creamy avocado sriracha butter. Trust, you’ll never serve corn another way.
- No-Mayo Potato Salad with plenty of fresh herbs. This recipe is a fan favorite!
- Broccoli Salad with Grapes and chicken or bacon and the most amazing dressing.
- White Bean Salad with crunchy croutons. Easy 10 minute recipe.
- Bacon Pasta Salad with peas and a creamy dressing.
Sweltering summer days call for stuffing your face with ribs… it’s just the right thing to do when it’s 100 degrees outside. So fire up the grill and let’s get messy! I recommend you don’t wear a new white shirt.
Until next Thursday friends, cheers! To the dynamic duo of ribs and barbecue sauce!
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More delicious ribs recipes!
How to make ribs with strawberry bbq sauce👇
Jalapeno & Roasted Strawberry BBQ Baby Back Ribs
Ingredients
- 2 Slabs Baby Back Ribs
- 1 pound Strawberries – hulled
- 2 TBS Light Brown Sugar
- BBQ Sauce: (yield – roughly 1 ¾ cup)
- 1 TBS Canola Oil
- ½ Small Sweet Onion – diced (about ½ cup)
- 4 Jalapenos – diced*
- 2 cloves Garlic – minced
- 1 ½ tsp Fresh Ginger – grated
- 2 ½ TBS Balsamic Vinegar
- ¼ Cup Dark Brown Sugar , packed
- 2 TBS Soy Sauce
- 3 TBS Ketchup
- 2 TBS Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 ½ tsp Tomato Paste
- ½ tsp Coriander
- ¼ tsp Kosher Salt
- Dry Rub:
- ¾ Cup Dark Brown Sugar , packed
- 2 TBS Kosher Salt
- 2 TBS Smoked Paprika
- 1 TBS Garlic Powder
- 2 tsp Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Cayenne
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
Instructions
- Roast the strawberries: Cut any large strawberries in half. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum sprayed lightly with non-stick cooking spray for easy clean up. Fold or roll up the sides of the foil on the edges to catch the juices released by strawberries when roasting. In a medium bowl toss strawberries with sugar until thoroughly coated. Transfer the strawberries to the sheet pan and spread them out in an even layer. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes, or until they start to caramelize. Remove from oven and set aside.
- Make the BBQ Sauce: Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes. Add in the jalapenos and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent, about 3-5 additional minutes. Add in the garlic and ginger. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the strawberries and remaining BBQ sauce ingredients. Bring to a boil over high heat and immediately reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes, or until sauce is dark and ingredients are incorporated. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Use an immersion blender, or transfer to a blender in batches, and puree. Taste and adjust for seasoning with salt and pepper. Let cool and set aside. Or, store in refrigerator, covered, until ready to use.
- Meanwhile, prepare the ribs: Rinse the ribs in cool water to remove any film from packaging. Remove the membrane from the underside of ribs – insert a butter knife under the membrane, and using your fingers, tear/peel membrane from ribs and discard. Trim any excess fat from both sides of ribs.
- Apply the ribs: In a small bowl mix together all the ingredients for dry rub. Generously apply the rub to both sides of ribs. Triple wrap the ribs in aluminum foil tightly to prevent leakage, being careful not to puncture foil.
- Prepare the grill: Put about half a chimney of unlit coals and top with another half a chimney of fully lit coals in your grill. Heat grill to 300 degrees F.
- Grill: Put the aluminum wrapped ribs on the grill, over indirect heat, with meaty side facing up. Grill for 1 ½ hours. Remove foil and discard. Test ribs for doneness, using the “bend test” – pick up a slab with tongs and bounce it gently, if the surface cracks, the ribs are done.
- Apply BBQ sauce: Return ribs to grill, meaty side down, and use a brush to generously apply BBQ sauce to top of ribs. Grill for 5 minutes. Flip ribs over (so meaty side is facing up) and continue to grill for 5-10 minutes, generously brushing with BBQ sauce.
- Remove ribs from grill and serve with additional BBQ sauce on side.
Notes
*BBQ sauce will keep, covered and stored in the refrigerator for 5 days.
I can’t help but laugh at all the comments about the heat. You are all getting what we usually have here near Waco Tx, without the humidity. Usually. This month has been a shocker with temps staying below 80 and lots of rain IN AUGUST! Unheard of in nearly 50 years I’ve been in Texas! Looked like the sky was clearing late yesterday so I’m sure the heat will be back with a vengeance before this week is out. Ugh!
I’ve never thought to use strawberries in bbq sauce, nor have I heard of roasting them either. Peaches, yeah, but strawberries? Oh man have I got to try this! And on ribs no less! Or pork chops. Or pork roast. Or chicken. Oh my gosh. Endless possibilities! I’m saving this recipe. Two pigs will be ready for butcher this winter so I’ve got to get busy planting more strawberries. I’m drooling all over my keyboard!
Oh my – these ribs look ridiculously amazing!!! Having a mouthwatering moment over here! I love this sweet and spicy flavor combo – yum, yum, yum! We’re big fans of using tin foil to cook our ribs as well. It just helps to lock in all those amazing flavors. I’m a big fan of Smithfield pork – love that there’s no added hormones or steroids and they taste freaking awesome!
You have seriously achieved texture perfection with these, Cheyenne!! I’m drooling!! And that roasted strawberry BBQ sauce, oh baby!! I’d be eating it with a spoon…or a fork. haha 😉
These ribs are gorgeoussss, and totally worth turning on the oven for in this heat! I’m drooling over these. I love the sweet and spicy marinade you got goin’ on…so clever using strawberries like this. In my opinion, Boy is VERY smart because he obviously married an awesome girl! 😉 <3
What a cool recipe!!!! I would have never thought to use strawberries in a BBQ sauce, but it makes perfect sense! I haven’t made ribs in so long… you definitely have inspired me 🙂
Hello Cheyanne! I love the idea of a walk-in cooler sounds awesome! Strawberry bbq sauce with jalapenos? Jalapeño and strawberries are the best combinations ever. but haven’t watched it yet. Sounds like it might be worth checking out sometime! These ribs, are just WOW. They look the best thing ever! Hope you have a lovely rest of the week.
You had me at jalapeño and strawberry! YUM. We love ribs in this house and I’ve got a garden full of jalapeños I need to use, so I need this in my life right now! It’s so insanely hot out that I’m struggling to even want to go outside.. I need relief! Totally love your idea of a walk-in cooler 😉
You come up with the BEST combinations, girl…how do you think of this brilliant stuff?? Now I want to roast ALL THE STRAWBERRIES. If it ever comes down below 90 degrees and 100% humidity (it will, right? please say it will?) I need to crank up the grill and get these ribs into my life!
I might be the only one left in the universe that have not tried strawberries in my bbq. I NEED to. I love the kick of spice here too. They are making me drool. Great recipe girl.
These are so picture perfect!! Geez I just love ribs. Roasted strawberries definitely take them to the next level!
Yes to summer and hot weather still hanging around so we can continue to BBQ and eat delicious ribs!! I love me some pork girl so I’ll make this recipe every weekend and eat all the ribs before anyone else can or I’ll just put extra jalapenos in the sauce 🙂 heeheehee #ilovespicy #canhandletheheat
That marinade looks to die for girlfriend!! YTour food lately has been amazing!!
It’s embarrassing how badly I want to leave work right now, lie about some serious emergency I have at home, and go to the store to make these IMMEDIATELY. That’s pretty close to happening right now…because these ribs look ridiculous. YUM.
You aren’t lying…it has indeed been 5,792.34 bajillion degrees outside lately. Combine that with 110& humidity (is that even possible!?!), and I’ll be right there with you looking for a walk-in cooler. But I think a good rack (or six) of these ribs will help me forget the heat outside. The strawberry + jalapeno combination sounds absolutely incredible! Thanks for sharing! #client
Cheyanne – THAT sauce! Girrrrl – that there is sheer brilliance – a touch of genius – maybe the 7,354.27 million degrees outside was your muse?! I dunno – but I’m loving it (like the MickyD’s commercial)
I am a huge fan of Smithfield pork too but have never made baby back ribs (shocker eh?!) so, I think I might pack myself into my automobile and drive on up to your neck of the woods to help you and boy devour this deliciousness this weekend (make sure y’all save some for me and my daughter) because weekends with good food and good people and mmm mmm good!
Here’s hoping it cools down some for ya – me personally am loving this heat, but when it gets to -7,354.27 million degrees outside, I ‘d be looking online for an astronaut suit with a built in heater!
Here in Michigan it was hot and rainy this past weekend. Usually when it rains the humidity breaks but not this year, it just gets worse, so a walk in cooler would be great! Cheyanne no one does ribs like you do! I’m a huge rib fan and could eat them all the time. This recipe is amazing, I love heat and the jalepeno peppers strawberry combo hits the spot! Take care.
Oh my! I am almost at a loss for words as to how good these ribs look. Almost! I am seeing so many rib recipes around at the moment, but this is one of my favourite flavour combinations. Jalapenos and strawberries sound epic together.
I LOVE me some ribs! These look downright delicious, tender and that jalapeño strawberry BBQ sauce makes me sit up. I am on a little trip for a wedding and was checking emails. Just had to drop by and read this. Roasted strawberries sound like a great way to intensify their flavor and spiced up here, into a heavenly sauce. Glad you are a fellow seed fan, more heat! Haven’t seen that Preacher, will check it out.
Whew! That’s HOT! 🙂 I’ve always heard that if you eat something spicy on a hot day, it helps you feel cool! Is it true??? 🙂 I’m loving these ribs and I’ll be checking out that contest….my husband is the griller/smoker in our family. I don’t think anyone else should enter, cause he just might win! 🙂
These ribs look perfect! Love the sauce, girl! You’ve been sharing amazing combinations! Need to give these a try!
I’ll meet you in the cooler and chow down on these a-mazing ribs!! I’m a HUGE rib fan so you know I’m all over this exquisite recipe!! Your creativity just astounds, lovely!! Have a great day…ooops – evening – our day is just about over, isn’t it?! Cheers, my dear! xoxo
The BBQ sauce sounds so so flavorful Cheyanne! You are really great at mixing flavors!!
It’s been so hot here too so I totally vote for a walk-in cooler! And a big plate of these ribs! They look ah-maaazing! Love the roasted strawberry sauce – SO. much. yum!!!
haha ugh my husband is into that show too! And I just cannot understand it – I’ve tried but it is soooo not my bag! And holy cow this heat. It is like brutally hot lately …. I would be super happy if it even cooled down a tad!! These ribs looks faaaantastic! That roasted strawberry sauce??? Gimme gimme!
Another winner!! Your ribs always look the best Cheyanne!! I wish I could grab that slab right off my screen! The flavors sounds sweet, savory and lip-smackin’ delish! It’s roasting here too, so it’s a good thing I’m near the water! Have a great week. XO
This heat is murder, my friend! I’ll join you in your walk in cooler especially if you bring these ribs! What a flavor bomb combo! They look absolutely perfect and delicious! P.S. What is the Preacher tv show? I know I live under a rock, but I’ve never heard of that one. XO
I kind of want to watch that because I like Stranger Things on Netflix. I like the weird!
This flavor combination sounds so unique and delicious! I need a whole plateful of these ribs right now!
If I made these, my oldest son would probably throw down the whole platter — he loves ribs! I’ve meant to get around to making them this summer and haven’t yet…that’s so awful. 🙁 These look like the bomb for sure and I’m loving that roasted strawberry jalapeno sauce — it sounds AMAZING!
I could eat ribs every night of the week (if only I could afford it 😉 These are off the charts awesome. Love the flavours and they look so juicy and saucy. Just the way I like then!
The heat has been off the chain. I can’t take much more of it. It’s honestly so gross. We’re at the beach now and it’s not quite bearable.
Man, those strawberries look good! In both forms.
And I have to see what that show is like.
These ribs look incredible. I want a bunch!
Hi Chey – these ribs are just gorgeous!!! I love the flavors you’ve got going here. Now all I will be thinking about all day are these succulent ribs. Mmmm… I always love learning new things — and so glad to know about removing the membrane. I did NOT know that and it’s so easy!!! Thank you. The walk-in cooler sounds like a magnificent idea – it has been super hot and humid up here – I know it can’t be as bad as down there, but it’s been in the upper 90’s with heavy, soupy humidity. My LEAST favorite kind of weather. We have a few window AC units that pull the humidity out of the air in the house and that is the only way we have survived. Grilling is def. the way to go with this kind of heat, no one wants to heat up the kitchen with a hot oven. Cheers to a wonderful week ahead my dear, and stay cool if you can. XOXO
Those flavors are so awesome!
i don’t watch preacher cheyanne, but my husband does and digs it. perhaps is a male thing? but we would both be in full agreement with you on these ribs. i want to pluck one right off my screen and gobble. looks so good and that roasted strawberry bbq sauce is to die for!!
I’d say the walk-in cooler makes MUCH more sense. YEP. Either that, or you place your sassy self on our conveyor belt, transport over here and hang out in pretty mild Maine. 😉 Either way…
Strange Boy: I ALWAYS knew I liked something about him! 😉 Well, his strangeness is cool, but obvs his whole marrying my bestie gives him ALL the points. Like, ever. Meanwhile, you know I’m all about these roasted strawberries! I’ve never roasted strawberries before, but they look and sound amazing. Plus, if YOU made them, I’m game! 🙂 That hint of jalapeno is all that I’m gonna be dreaming about too. Sweet and spicy has always been a fave combo for me. <–this explains a lot. Like, a lot. 😉 I'm thanking you now and sending you some big ol' high fives for another awesome recipe, my dear. Happy Monday and big smoochies! xoxo
Awesome recipe Cheyanne! I’ve never combined jalapeño with strawberries before – it sounds like such an amazing combination. Beautiful photos too!! You make the best recipes! <3
Never before have I so badly wanted a rack of ribs for breakfast. Girl, I’m loving that sweet and spicy combo! (Because, let’s be honest — it’s the only way I can do spicy!) The hubs birthday is coming up and I think I need to make him some of these!
So dang hot in NC right now, isn’t it? Ah Cheyanne! You, my friend, seriously know how to ribs RIGHT. I’m obsessed with that sauce — I not only want it on ribs, but everything else too! Such an awesome combination of flavors – I need a spoon for it. Definitely need to try this one ASAP!
Roasted strawberry bbq sauce!! Are you kidding me? That sounds way too delicious. I’m certain the sauce wouldn’t make it on the ribs because I’d end up eating with a spoon….
Agreed. It’s SO HOT outside . . can’t wait for September weather! Sadly, I don’t watch TV really anymore. . except maybe trashy reality TV when I’m running on the treadmill 😛 I LOVE these jalapeno roasted strawberry BBQ baby back ribs!!!!! HELLO!!!!! I bet the flavor is amazing!!!!!
A walk-in cooler sounds amazing – although I don’t think we need it here in London 😉 That said, we had a lovely sunny weekend. I have not watched Preacher yet but I am intrigued. For the ribs – yesss please! Tender, meaty and smokey they sound delicious!
Hubby and I have watched the Preacher show. I must say that it takes a few episodes to get into it, but we did enjoy it! We just started Stranger Things on Netflix and we are loving that one! So many shows, so little time, right 😉 ?
We absolutely LOVE ribs and this recipe looks completely delish, Cheyanne! Roasted strawberries plus jalapenos? YES! So different and so need to have this ASAP! Pinned, of course.
Good luck with that walk in cooler 😉
Have a great week, sweets! xo
I love the idea of a walk-in cooler! I think I need one of those, too! I’ve heard of the show Preacher, but haven’t watched it yet. Sounds like it might be worth checking out sometime! And these ribs…WOW! My husband loves grilling ribs in the summer, so we’ve got to try these version. Strawberry bbq sauce? With jalapenos?! Such a genius idea, Cheyanne! Pinned, of course! Hope your Monday is off to a great start!
Chey, my weekend was quite good, although it was like 7,154.27 outside (Yes, we’re still the cooler neighborhood). I won’t be lying: these ribs look fantastic, and I also like these roasted strawberries. There’s a thing: I’ve never made ribs. Well, neither we have a grill. I’ve been waiting all these years you would send me something delicious (Or at least a grill), but it seems not to be working:) I guess I have no any other options but handle these juicy ribs by myself (At least I haven’t got any new white shirt so I hope it’s a part of my success). Excellent work, Chey!
It has been seriously hot in NC, hasn’t it?! And it’s only mid August – ahhh! Let me know if you get that walk-in cooler because I might be showing up at your doorstep 😉
This sauce has me drooling – love what a unique twist it is on BBQ sauce and love that jalapeno-roasted strawberry combo!! I may have to make a double batch so I can just put it on all my food for the next week. And my hubby is gonna love these ribs – especially the foil trick so they don’t take so long. Deliciousness all around, girl!!
YUM! I love that roasted strawberry bbq sauce. And those ribs look really tender and flavoursome.