Ingredients:
Ribs:
- 1 rack of baby back ribs (about 2-3 pounds)
Dry Rub:
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons celery salt
- 1 teaspoononion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
BBQ Sauce: (Choose your favorite store-bought brand, or see below for a homemade option)
Instructions:
Prep the Ribs:
- Remove the thin, silvery membrane on the back (bone side) of the ribs. Pat them dry with paper towels.
- Combine all dry rub ingredients in a bowl. Apply the rub generously to both sides of the ribs, pressing it into the meat.
Choose Your Cooking Method:
Oven:
- Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 2.5 – 3 hours, or until the meat is very tender and starts pulling back from the ends of the bones.
Smoker / Grill:
- If you have a smoker or grill, follow a low and slow method. aim for 225°F (110°C) for 4-6 hours, using indirect heat.
- Add wood chips for smoke flavor.
Finish and Sauce:
- Carefully unwrap the ribs from the foil (there will be steam).
- If oven-baked: Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C)
- If using grill/smoker: Move ribs to direct heat.
- Brush generously with BBQ sauce on both sides.
- Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until sauce is caramelized and bubbly.
Rest and Serve:
- Remove ribs from heat and let them rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with additional BBQ sauce on the side
Homemade BBQ Sauce Option:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a saucepan. Add onions and cook until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in all remaining sauce ingredients and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
Important Notes:
- Time adjustments: Cooking time is an estimate; ribs are done when the meat is super tender and pulls away from the bone.
- Flavor variations: Experiment with your favorite BBQ sauce and adjust the dry rub spices to your liking.
- Fall-off-the-bone: For fall-off-the-bone tenderness, increase oven baking time slightly or finish the ribs uncovered longer during the final stages.
