Short Description
BBQ Baby Back Ribs are tender, juicy, and packed with smoky flavor. Slow-cooked to perfection and slathered in a rich barbecue sauce, these ribs are the ultimate comfort food for any barbecue lover.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fall-off-the-bone tender ribs
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Perfect for grilling or baking
- Great for summer cookouts or any time of the year
- Customizable with different rubs and sauces
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Baby back ribs
- Brown sugar
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Mustard (for binding the rub)
- Your favorite BBQ sauce
- Apple cider vinegar
- Olive oil or butter (for basting)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C) or prepare your grill for indirect heat.
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for better tenderness.
- Mix brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a bowl.
- Rub mustard over the ribs, then apply the seasoning mixture evenly.
- Wrap the ribs in foil and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, or place on the grill over indirect heat for the same time.
- Remove from foil, brush with BBQ sauce, and broil or grill for an additional 10-15 minutes until caramelized.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add extra cayenne or use a spicy BBQ sauce.
- Smoky Flavor: Use smoked paprika or add wood chips to the grill.
- Sweet Glaze: Add honey or maple syrup to the BBQ sauce.
- Dry Rub Only: Skip the sauce and enjoy a dry-rubbed version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F oven until heated through or reheat on the grill.
FAQs
How do I make ribs more tender?
Slow cooking at a low temperature and removing the membrane ensures tender ribs.
Can I cook these ribs in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low for 6-8 hours, then broil or grill with sauce for a crispy finish.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Use your favorite store-bought sauce or a homemade blend for extra flavor.
Can I cook these ribs in an air fryer?
Yes, cook at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway and brushing with sauce.
Should I wrap ribs in foil?
Yes, wrapping in foil helps retain moisture and results in more tender meat.
Can I use a different cut of ribs?
Yes, St. Louis-style or spare ribs work well but may require longer cooking times.
How do I get a nice caramelized crust?
Broil or grill the ribs for a few minutes after applying BBQ sauce.
Do I have to remove the membrane?
It’s recommended for tenderness, but you can leave it on if preferred.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, cook the ribs in advance and reheat with sauce before serving.
What side dishes go well with BBQ ribs?
Coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans, or grilled vegetables pair well.
Conclusion
BBQ Baby Back Ribs are a crowd-pleasing dish that delivers smoky, savory, and tender bites in every bite. Whether you bake, grill, or slow cook them, these ribs are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Try them today for a finger-licking meal!
Print
BBQ Baby Back Ribs
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2.5 to 3 hours (oven) / 2 hours (grill) / 6-7 hours (slow cooker)
- Total Time: Varies by method
- Yield: 4–6 people 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Oven-Baked, Grilled, or Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These BBQ baby back ribs are slow-cooked to perfection with a flavorful dry rub, then finished with a sticky, caramelized barbecue glaze. Whether you bake them in the oven, grill them, or use a slow cooker, these ribs will be juicy, smoky, and absolutely irresistible!
Ingredients
For the Ribs:
- 2 racks baby back ribs (about 4–5 lbs)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for coating)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For the Dry Rub:
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 tsp ground mustard
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
Instructions
Prep the Ribs:
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs (slide a knife under it and peel it off with a paper towel for grip).
- Rub both sides with olive oil.
2. Apply the Dry Rub:
- In a small bowl, mix all dry rub ingredients.
- Generously coat the ribs on both sides, pressing the seasoning into the meat.
3. Choose Your Cooking Method:
Oven Method (Slow & Tender):
- Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
- Wrap the ribs tightly in foil and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, until tender.
- Remove from foil, brush with BBQ sauce, and broil for 5 minutes until caramelized.
Grill Method (Smoky & Charred):
- Preheat grill to medium heat (300°F-350°F).
- Wrap ribs in foil and grill indirect heat for 2 hours.
- Unwrap, brush with BBQ sauce, and grill direct heat for 10-15 minutes, flipping once.
Slow Cooker Method (Super Easy):
- Place ribs in a slow cooker, standing them up against the sides.
- Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- Remove, brush with BBQ sauce, and broil or grill for a crispy finish.
4. Serve & Enjoy!
- Let the ribs rest for 5-10 minutes, then slice and serve with extra BBQ sauce
Notes
Make it extra smoky: Add ½ tsp liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce.
Spicy twist: Increase cayenne or add hot sauce to the BBQ glaze.
Storage: Leftovers keep in the fridge for 4 days or freeze for 3 months.
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