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BBQ Baby Back Ribs

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  • Author: samahkitchen
  • 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

Scale

For the Ribs:

  • 2 racks baby back ribs (about 45 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):
  1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
  2. Wrap the ribs tightly in foil and place on a baking sheet.
  3. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, until tender.
  4. Remove from foil, brush with BBQ sauce, and broil for 5 minutes until caramelized.
Grill Method (Smoky & Charred):
  1. Preheat grill to medium heat (300°F-350°F).
  2. Wrap ribs in foil and grill indirect heat for 2 hours.
  3. Unwrap, brush with BBQ sauce, and grill direct heat for 10-15 minutes, flipping once.
Slow Cooker Method (Super Easy):
  1. Place ribs in a slow cooker, standing them up against the sides.
  2. Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
  3. 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.