There’s nothing quite like biting into a juicy, tender rack of baby back ribs slathered in tangy BBQ sauce. But making ribs at home can be intimidating for some, especially if you don’t have access to a grill. That’s where this recipe for Baked BBQ Baby Back Ribs comes in – it’s a delicious and easy way to make mouthwatering ribs in your oven.
Ingredients:
- 2 racks of baby back ribs
- 2 cups of your favorite BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons of garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons of onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to create a dry rub.
- Place the baby back ribs on a baking sheet lined with foil. Use a paper towel to remove the thin, transparent membrane from the back of the ribs.
- Rub the dry rub all over the ribs, making sure to coat both sides evenly.
- Cover the baking sheet tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
- Remove the foil from the baking sheet and brush the BBQ sauce all over the ribs.
- Turn up the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the BBQ sauce is sticky and caramelized.
- Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
This recipe yields succulent and flavorful ribs that are sure to impress your friends and family. The dry rub adds a smoky depth of flavor to the meat, while the BBQ sauce brings a tangy sweetness to the dish. You can use your favorite BBQ sauce or make your own by combining ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
One of the great things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can adjust the seasoning to suit your tastes – add more or less smoked paprika or garlic powder, or experiment with other spices like cumin or chili powder. Additionally, you can double or triple the recipe to feed a crowd, or scale it down to make just enough for a small family dinner.
While this recipe does take some time to prepare, it’s mostly hands-off, making it a great option for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Plus, it’s much easier and less messy than grilling, and you don’t have to worry about the weather ruining your plans.
So if you’re craving some delicious, fall-off-the-bone ribs but don’t have a grill, give this Baked BBQ Baby Back Ribs recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Here are a few more tips to help you make the most of this Baked BBQ Baby Back Ribs recipe:
- Choose the right ribs: Look for baby back ribs that are well-marbled with fat, as this will help keep the meat moist and tender as it cooks. You can also use spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs if you prefer.
- Let the ribs rest: After you take the ribs out of the oven, it’s important to let them rest for a few minutes before slicing them. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product.
- Customize the sauce: While this recipe calls for your favorite BBQ sauce, you can also experiment with different sauces or make your own. For example, you could try a spicy BBQ sauce, a mustard-based sauce, or even a fruit-based sauce like mango or peach.
- Double-wrap the foil: To ensure that the ribs cook evenly and stay moist, be sure to double-wrap the foil when covering the baking sheet. This will help create a steamy environment that will help tenderize the meat.
- Finish on the grill: If you want to add some extra smoky flavor to your ribs, you can finish them on the grill after baking. Simply brush them with BBQ sauce and grill them over medium-high heat for a few minutes on each side, until caramelized and slightly charred.
