Craving delicious, fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs but short on time? This quick baby back ribs recipe ensures you get tender, flavorful ribs in a fraction of the time. With a blend of spices and smoky mesquite chips, these ribs will be a hit at any meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mesquite chips, soaked
- 1 (2 pound) slab baby back pork ribs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon Hungarian paprika
- 1 teaspoon ancho chile powder
- ½ teaspoon ground thyme
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions:
Preparing the Ribs:
- Soak the Mesquite Chips:
- Place the mesquite chips in a bowl and cover with water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This will help them smolder and produce smoke, adding a rich flavor to the ribs.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low and slow cooking method will help tenderize the ribs.
- Prepare the Spice Rub:
- In a small bowl, combine the salt, freshly ground pepper, Hungarian paprika, ancho chile powder, and ground thyme. Mix well to create an even spice rub.
- Season the Ribs:
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for better flavor absorption and tenderness. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels. Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs.
Cooking the Ribs:
- Bake the Ribs:
- Place the seasoned ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Cover the ribs with another sheet of aluminum foil, sealing the edges to create a packet. This will keep the moisture in and help cook the ribs evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours. The ribs should be tender but not falling apart.
- Prepare the Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Drain the soaked mesquite chips and place them in a smoker box or wrap them in aluminum foil, poking holes to allow the smoke to escape. Place the smoker box or foil packet on the grill.
- Grill the Ribs:
- Remove the ribs from the oven and discard the top layer of foil. Transfer the ribs to the preheated grill, bone side down.
- Brush the ribs generously with barbecue sauce. Close the grill lid and cook for 10-15 minutes, basting with more barbecue sauce and turning occasionally, until the ribs are caramelized and slightly charred.
Serving the Ribs:
- Rest and Serve:
- Remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful ribs.
- Cut the ribs between the bones and serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side.
Cook’s Tips and Variations:
- Alternative Spices: Customize the spice rub to your liking. Try adding garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for added heat.
- Different Woods: Experiment with different types of wood chips, such as applewood or hickory, for varying smoke flavors.
- Oven Finish: If you don’t have a grill, you can finish the ribs in the oven. After baking, remove the top layer of foil, brush with barbecue sauce, and broil on high for 5-7 minutes until caramelized.
- Marinate Overnight: For even deeper flavor, apply the spice rub to the ribs and let them marinate in the refrigerator overnight.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Can I use a different type of ribs? A: Yes, you can use spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs. Adjust the cooking time as needed, as these cuts may take longer to become tender.
Q: Do I have to remove the membrane? A: Removing the membrane ensures better flavor penetration and a more tender texture. However, if you prefer, you can leave it on.
Q: Can I use store-bought barbecue sauce? A: Absolutely! Use your favorite store-bought barbecue sauce, or make your own if you have a preferred recipe.
Q: How do I know when the ribs are done? A: The ribs are done when the meat is tender and pulls away from the bone easily. A meat thermometer should read 190-203°F (88-95°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the meat.
Q: Can I cook the ribs entirely in the oven? A: Yes, after baking for 2 hours, remove the top foil, brush with barbecue sauce, and broil on high for 5-7 minutes until caramelized.
These Quick Baby Back Ribs are a delicious and convenient way to enjoy succulent, smoky ribs without spending all day at the grill. With a simple spice rub and your favorite barbecue sauce, you’ll have tender, flavorful ribs ready in no time. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and enjoy the mouthwatering goodness of homemade baby back ribs!
