The Best Bake BBQ Ribs
Get ready to sink your teeth into tender, fall-off-the-bone BBQ ribs with a mouthwatering dry rub and a sticky, caramelized glaze. This recipe combines the best of both worlds, starting with a flavorful dry rub that infuses the meat with a harmonious blend of spices. Then, we take it up a notch by slathering on a tangy BBQ sauce that adds a tantalizing sweetness to each bite. Whether you fire up the grill or let your oven work its magic, these BBQ ribs are bound to become the star of your next cookout or family dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 racks of ribs about 4 pounds total
Dry Rub
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup paprika
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust according to heat preference
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- For the BBQ sauce:
BBQ Sauce
- 2 cups ketchup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust according to your spice preference
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs by loosening it with a butter knife and pulling it off with a paper towel for better tenderness and flavor absorption.
- In a small bowl, mix all the dry rub ingredients together to create a spice mixture.
- Generously apply the dry rub to both sides of the racks, pressing it into the meat to adhere.
- Cover the ribs and place in the refrigerator for at least one hour to marinate the rub into the meat.
- Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C) or preheat your grill to medium heat, around 275°F to 300°F (135°C to 150°C), and set it up for indirect grilling.
- For Oven: Place the ribs on a baking sheet or a wire rack set over a baking sheet. For Grill: Place the ribs on the cooler side of the grill, away from direct heat.
- For Oven: Cover the ribs with aluminum foil and place them in the preheated oven. For Grill: Close the grill lid.
- Cook the ribs for approximately 2 to 2 1/2 hours until tender. For Oven: The ribs should be baked at 275°F (135°C). For Grill: Maintain a consistent temperature of around 275°F to 300°F (135°C to 150°C). You can add wood chips or chunks for additional smoky flavor if desired.
- While the ribs are cooking, prepare the BBQ sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine all the BBQ sauce ingredients. Stir well to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat.
- Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
- After the initial cooking time, remove the ribs from the oven or grill. Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) or heat the grill to medium-high direct heat.
- For Oven: Brush the ribs with the prepared BBQ sauce, coating both sides. Place the ribs back in the oven, uncovered, for about 10-15 minutes until the sauce becomes sticky and caramelized. For Grill: Brush the ribs with the BBQ sauce and place them on the direct heat side of the grill. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes per side, basting with more BBQ sauce and flipping occasionally, until the sauce becomes sticky and caramelized.
- Once the ribs are cooked to your desired level of caramelization, remove them from the oven or grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Then, cut them into individual servings and serve with additional BBQ sauce on the side.
- Enjoy your delicious BBQ ribs cooked either in the oven or on the grill, with a flavorful dry rub and a sticky BBQ sauce glaze!
Notes
Reference Recipes
Dry Rub https://thebestbake.com/dryrub/ BBQ Sauce https://thebestbake.com/bbq-sauce/Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the BBQ ribs recipe successfully:- Choose High-Quality Ribs: Look for high-quality baby back ribs or St. Louis-style ribs that are fresh and well-marbled. Quality ribs will result in a more flavorful and tender end result.
- Remove the Membrane: Removing the membrane from the back of the ribs is crucial for better tenderness and flavor absorption. Use a butter knife to loosen one corner, then grab it with a paper towel and peel it off.
- Dry Rub Application: Ensure even coverage of the dry rub by pressing it into the meat. This will create a delicious crust and enhance the flavor. Allow the ribs to sit with the dry rub for at least 30 minutes before cooking to let the flavors penetrate the meat.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Whether you're using the oven or the grill, the key to tender ribs is low and slow cooking. This allows the collagen in the meat to break down slowly, resulting in tender and juicy ribs. Maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process.
- Use Indirect Heat: When using the grill, set it up for indirect grilling by placing the ribs on the cooler side of the grill. This prevents direct heat from drying out the meat and helps achieve even cooking.
- Basting with BBQ Sauce: Apply the BBQ sauce towards the end of the cooking time to prevent burning. If using the oven, increase the temperature and cook uncovered for a short period to caramelize the sauce. When grilling, move the ribs to direct heat to create a sticky and caramelized glaze.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the ribs to rest for a few minutes before cutting into them. This helps retain the juices and ensures a more flavorful eating experience.
- Serve with Additional Sauce: Offer extra BBQ sauce on the side for those who prefer more saucy ribs. This allows everyone to customize the amount of sauce to their liking.
- Pair with Sides: BBQ ribs pair well with a variety of sides such as coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans, grilled vegetables, or potato salad. Consider incorporating fresh and light sides to balance out the richness of the ribs.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to customize the dry rub and BBQ sauce to suit your taste preferences. Add different herbs, spices, or a touch of sweetness or heat to create your signature flavor profile.
Storing Recommendations
Here are some storing tips for the BBQ ribs recipe:- Refrigerating Leftover Ribs: If you have leftover cooked ribs, allow them to cool down to room temperature before storing. Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Properly stored, the ribs can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: If you want to store the ribs for a longer period, you can freeze them. After the ribs have cooled down, wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Frozen ribs can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat refrigerated or frozen ribs, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ribs on a baking sheet and cover them with aluminum foil. Reheat in the oven for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, covered with a damp paper towel, for a shorter time.
- BBQ Sauce Storage: If you have leftover BBQ sauce, transfer it to a jar or airtight container. Refrigerate the sauce and use it within 1-2 weeks. Alternatively, you can freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before using.
- Portion Control: If you want to portion out the ribs before storing, you can separate them into individual servings. This way, you can easily reheat only the amount you need without having to thaw and reheat the entire batch.
- Labeling: Always label your stored ribs and sauces with the date before placing them in the refrigerator or freezer. This will help you keep track of their freshness and avoid any wastage.
Creation Time
The estimated time breakdown for this recipe is as follows: Prep Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes- Removing the membrane, preparing the dry rub, and applying it to the ribs.
- This includes the initial cooking time for the ribs and the final grilling or oven baking time with the BBQ sauce.