Baby back ribs are the crown jewel of any barbecue. These succulent ribs are tender, flavorful, and coated with a rich glaze that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether cooked in the oven, on the grill, or in a smoker, this recipe guarantees juicy ribs with a mouthwatering caramelized crust.
Equipment:
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Small bowl
- Pastry brush
- Oven or grill
- Tongs
Ingredients:
- 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 4–5 pounds total)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Dry Rub:
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ribs:
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs by sliding a knife under it and pulling it off with a paper towel for grip.
- Pat the ribs dry with paper towels and lightly coat them with olive oil.
- Season with Dry Rub:
- In a small bowl, mix all the dry rub ingredients. Generously rub the spice mixture onto both sides of the ribs, ensuring even coverage.
- Wrap and Cook:
- Place each rack of ribs on a large piece of aluminum foil, meat-side up. Wrap them tightly in foil to create a sealed packet.
- Place the packets on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 2.5–3 hours, or until the ribs are tender and the meat begins to pull away from the bones.
- Add the Glaze:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat or set the oven to broil.
- Carefully remove the ribs from the foil and place them on the grill or a baking sheet if broiling.
- Brush the ribs generously with barbecue sauce on both sides.
- Finish the Ribs:
- Grill or broil the ribs for 5–7 minutes per side, brushing with more sauce as needed, until the sauce is caramelized and sticky.
- Serve:
- Let the ribs rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side.
Tips:
- For smoky flavor, add soaked wood chips to the grill or use smoked paprika in the dry rub.
- For a sweeter glaze, mix a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup into the barbecue sauce.
- Leftover ribs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a low oven.
These baby back ribs are a guaranteed hit for any gathering. With their tender meat, bold spices, and sweet, tangy glaze, they’re the perfect combination of comfort and indulgence. Fire up the grill or oven and treat yourself to this barbecue classic!
Baby Back Ribs Recipe
Get fall-off-the-bone tender baby back ribs with this easy recipe! Perfectly seasoned, slow-cooked, and finished with a sticky, smoky glaze for the ultimate barbecue experience.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Small bowl
- Pastry brush
- Oven or grill
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 2 racks of baby back ribs about 4–5 pounds total
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups barbecue sauce store-bought or homemade
- Dry Rub:
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
Instructions
- Prepare the Ribs:
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs by sliding a knife under it and pulling it off with a paper towel for grip.
- Pat the ribs dry with paper towels and lightly coat them with olive oil.
- Season with Dry Rub:
- In a small bowl, mix all the dry rub ingredients. Generously rub the spice mixture onto both sides of the ribs, ensuring even coverage.
- Wrap and Cook:
- Place each rack of ribs on a large piece of aluminum foil, meat-side up. Wrap them tightly in foil to create a sealed packet.
- Place the packets on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 2.5–3 hours, or until the ribs are tender and the meat begins to pull away from the bones.
- Add the Glaze:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat or set the oven to broil.
- Carefully remove the ribs from the foil and place them on the grill or a baking sheet if broiling.
- Brush the ribs generously with barbecue sauce on both sides.
- Finish the Ribs:
- Grill or broil the ribs for 5–7 minutes per side, brushing with more sauce as needed, until the sauce is caramelized and sticky.
- Serve:
- Let the ribs rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side.
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