Description
Smoky BBQ baby back ribs deliver mouthwatering Southern comfort straight from the grill’s heart. Tender meat glazed with rich, tangy sauce promises a delectable journey you won’t forget.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 racks (about 1.8 kg) baby back ribs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (to help seasoning stick)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (adds caramelized sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon paprika (smoky flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder (optional, for extra depth)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (for extra stickiness)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (adds tanginess)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (adds umami depth)
Instructions
- Membrane Removal: Carefully strip the tough membrane from the back of the ribs using a knife to loosen the edge and pulling it off with a paper towel for enhanced tenderness.
- Seasoning Preparation: Massage olive oil across the ribs’ surface, then thoroughly coat with dry rub mixture to ensure comprehensive flavor penetration.
- Slow Roasting: Hermetically seal ribs in aluminum foil and place on a baking sheet, then roast in a precision-calibrated oven at 275°F for approximately 3 hours until meat becomes exceptionally tender yet maintains structural integrity.
- Caramelization Process: Transfer ribs to a preheated grill or broiler set at 400°F, liberally brushing with BBQ sauce and rotating periodically to achieve a rich, glossy exterior with delectable charred edges.
- Plating & Presentation: Allow ribs to rest momentarily, then artfully slice between bone segments and accompany with complementary sides like tangy coleslaw, rustic cornbread, or hearty baked beans for a complete culinary experience.
Notes
- Pulling off the membrane ensures tender, easily-chewable ribs by preventing tough, chewy texture during cooking.
- Maintain consistent low oven temperature around 275°F to break down connective tissues without drying out meat, creating perfectly tender ribs.
- Watch carefully during grilling/broiling stage to achieve beautiful caramelized exterior without burning; keep sauce brushing frequent and rotate ribs evenly.
- Allow ribs to rest 5 minutes after cooking to redistribute internal juices, preventing moisture loss and ensuring succulent, flavorful meat when slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg