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BBQ Baby Back Ribs

Close-up of BBQ Baby Back Ribs with a glistening sauce on a white plate.
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Learn how to make tender, fall-off-the-bone BBQ baby back ribs with a flavorful dry rub and your choice of sauce or mop.

Ingredients

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  • 3 racks baby back ribs (about 2–3 lbs each)
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup paprika
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
  2. Remove the membrane from the back of each rib rack.
  3. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). This is your dry rub.
  4. Generously coat both sides of the ribs with the dry rub.
  5. Place each rack on a large piece of aluminum foil. Wrap tightly.
  6. Place the foil-wrapped ribs on a baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the ribs are tender.
  8. While the ribs are baking, prepare your mop sauce (if using). In a small saucepan, combine BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, water, Worcestershire sauce, and honey. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat and cook for 5 minutes.
  9. Once the ribs are tender, carefully remove them from the foil.
  10. If you want a crispier exterior, place the ribs directly on the oven rack for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. Brush with mop sauce or BBQ sauce during this time.
  11. Alternatively, you can grill the ribs over indirect heat for 15-20 minutes, brushing with sauce, until heated through and slightly caramelized.
  12. Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • For fall-off-the-bone ribs, ensure you cook them until very tender.
  • You can adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper.
  • If you prefer a saucier rib, brush generously with BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes of oven baking or grilling.
  • Consider this recipe as a base for your meal planning, complementing it with simple sides for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/bbq-baby-back-ribs-fall-off-the-bone/