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BBQ Baby Back Ribs

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These BBQ Baby Back Ribs are tender, juicy, and packed with smoky-sweet flavor! Slow-cooked until fall-off-the-bone perfect, then finished with a sticky, caramelized BBQ glaze, they’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser for BBQ nights, summer cookouts, or a cozy weekend meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Ribs:

  • 2 racks (about 4 lbs) baby back ribs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (to help seasoning stick)

For the Dry Rub:

  • 2 tbsp brown sugar (adds caramelized sweetness)
  • 1 tbsp paprika (smoky flavor)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • ½ tsp mustard powder (optional, for extra depth)

For the BBQ Sauce (or use store-bought):

  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
  • 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (for extra stickiness)
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (adds tanginess)
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (adds umami depth)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Ribs

  1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
  2. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs by loosening a corner with a knife and pulling it off with a paper towel. (This makes them more tender!)
  3. Rub olive oil over the ribs, then coat evenly with the dry rub mixture.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Ribs (Oven Method)

  1. Wrap ribs tightly in foil and place on a baking sheet.
  2. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the ribs are tender but not falling apart.

(Alternative: Use a slow cooker on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.)

Step 3: Glaze & Caramelize the Ribs

  1. Preheat grill or broiler to medium-high heat (400°F/200°C).
  2. Unwrap the ribs and brush generously with BBQ sauce mixture.
  3. Grill (or broil) for 5-10 minutes, flipping and basting with extra sauce, until glazed and caramelized.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!

  1. Let the ribs rest for 5 minutes, then slice between the bones.
  2. Serve with extra BBQ sauce, coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans!

Notes

  • No Grill? Broil ribs for 5 minutes on high instead.
  • Smoky Flavor? Add 1 tsp liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce.
  • Make Ahead: Cook ribs a day ahead, refrigerate, then reheat and glaze on the grill.

Find it online: https://ukfinda.com/bbq-baby-back-ribs/