When it comes to barbecue ribs, the timing of adding barbecue sauce can vary depending on personal preference and the desired outcome. Here are three common approaches:
Before cooking (marinade or dry rub): Some people prefer to marinate their ribs in a barbecue sauce or apply a dry rub that includes barbecue spices and flavors. This is typically done several hours or even overnight before cooking. The sauce or dry rub helps infuse the flavors into the meat as it cooks, resulting in a more intense barbecue taste.
During cooking (mop sauce or basting): Another method is to apply barbecue sauce during the cooking process. This is often done by basting the ribs with sauce at regular intervals. Basting helps to create a glaze and adds moisture and flavor to the ribs. However, if you're using a sauce high in sugar content, it's important to be mindful of potential burning or charring due to the sugars caramelizing over prolonged cooking times.
After cooking (finishing sauce): Alternatively, you can wait until the ribs are fully cooked and apply barbecue sauce as a finishing touch. This approach is common when using a thick and flavorful barbecue sauce that doesn't require prolonged cooking. Applying sauce at the end allows it to maintain its texture and appearance while providing a burst of flavor.
Ultimately, the choice of when to add barbecue sauce to your ribs depends on the specific recipe, personal preference, and the desired outcome. Some people may even combine multiple approaches, using a pre-cooking marinade or rub, followed by basting during cooking, and finishing with a final glaze of sauce. Experimentation will help you find the method that best suits your taste preferences.