Description
Succulent BBQ baby back ribs deliver pure smoky indulgence straight from Southern kitchens. Tender meat falls from the bone, inviting you to savor each perfectly glazed, caramelized bite of barbecue bliss.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 2 racks (about 4 lbs / 1.8 kg) baby back ribs
Dry Rub Spices:
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
Sauce and Glaze:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Meticulously remove the protective membrane from the rib’s posterior surface by gently lifting a corner with a sharp knife and peeling away using a paper towel for enhanced tenderness.
- Massage olive oil across the entire rib surface, ensuring complete coverage.
- Apply dry rub thoroughly, creating an even, flavor-packed coating that will penetrate the meat during cooking.
- Create a secure aluminum foil packet around the seasoned ribs, sealing edges tightly to lock in moisture and promote even cooking.
- Position the wrapped ribs on a sturdy baking sheet and transfer to a preheated oven at 275°F, allowing slow, gentle heat to transform the meat into a melt-in-your-mouth delicacy.
- After 2.5 to 3 hours of patient roasting, verify the ribs have reached optimal tenderness without disintegrating.
- Activate the grill or broiler to medium-high temperature, preparing for the caramelization stage.
- Carefully unwrap the ribs and generously brush with a vibrant BBQ sauce, coating every crevice for maximum flavor complexity.
- Grill or broil the sauced ribs, rotating periodically and basting with additional sauce to create a glossy, caramelized exterior.
- Allow the ribs a brief resting period to redistribute internal juices, then slice precisely between the bones.
- Present the glistening ribs alongside complementary sides like tangy coleslaw, hearty cornbread, or classic baked beans for a complete culinary experience.
Notes
- Select high-quality, meaty baby back ribs with consistent thickness for even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Remove the silvery membrane completely to ensure tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and allow seasonings to penetrate deeply.
- Experiment with different dry rub combinations like smoky paprika, brown sugar, and cayenne for personalized flavor profiles that match your taste preferences.
- Adjust cooking times based on rib size and desired tenderness, using a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 190-203°F for perfect fall-off-the-bone results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg