Stick to Your Ribs with 5 Recipes for Any Summer Occasion

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Admit it: You're stuck in a food rut. After flipping burgers and grilling chicken for months, it's time to step out of your comfort zone and kick your 'cue up a notch with sticky, meaty restaurant-quality ribs. They may seem intimidating, but the grill-averse can turn to the oven — or even a slow cooker! — and the results will be well worth the time and effort.

Whether you're hosting a backyard bash or putting a homemade spin on Chinese takeout, these five rib-sticking picks are summer at its best. Pick your favorite below and get even more rib recipes here.

When You're So Fancy, You Already Know: Balsamic Baby Back Ribs

Nadia G's ribs get a classy spin with a balsamic barbecue sauce that is spiced up with a habanero chile and a shot of whiskey. Impress that special person in your life with truffled twice-baked potatoes on the side.

When You're Hosting a Classic BBQ: Barbecue Ribs

Tiffani's ribs are dry-rubbed, oven-baked and then slathered with homemade barbecue sauce before hitting the grill. It is classic Texas barbecue at its best.

When You Can't Beat the Heat: Slow-Cooker Asian BBQ Ribs

Come home to ready-made ribs with Kelsey's easy slow-cooker recipe. Sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic and ginger ensure great flavor, but if you miss the crisp, charred texture of the grilled classic, give them a zap under the broiler or a quick turn on a hot grill just before serving.

When You're Feeling Smokin' Hot: Smoked Ribs with Carolina-Style BBQ Sauce

BOBBY_FLAY_SMOKED_RIBS_CAROLINA_STYLE

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2012, Food Network, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Matt Armendariz, 2012, Food Network, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Bobby Flay's recipe takes almost 20 hours of TLC, but the smoky ribs are well worth the wait. After the St. Louis-style ribs are smothered with dry rub, they get a spicy cayenne-and-Tabasco-spiked "mop" and a dunk in North Carolina barbecue sauce. Triple threat.

When You're Craving Asian Takeout: Grilled Short Ribs

Photo by: Tara Donne

Tara Donne

Kalbi — aka grilled short ribs — is usually made at Korean barbecue restaurants, but it's easy to replicate at home. Sure, you have to marinate the meat for at least six hours, but it only takes two minutes per side to cook once it hits the hot grill. Ta-da!

For more barbecue recipes, watch Man Fire Food on Tuesdays at 8pm ET.

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