There's something about baby back ribs that just screams weekend comfort food. Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ or just want to treat your family to a special meal, these Best Ever Baby Back Ribs are guaranteed to impress. The fall-off-the-bone tender meat, combined with a smoky, slightly sweet glaze, makes for an unforgettable dining experience. Plus, I'll let you in on a little secret — these are easier to make than you might think!
These ribs pair perfectly with classic sides like creamy coleslaw, buttery corn on the cob, and some warm, crusty bread. If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, try serving them with a tangy potato salad or a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad. And don't forget some extra napkins; things might get a little messy, but that's all part of the fun!
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Best Ever Baby Back Ribs
Servings: 4
Ingredients
2 racks of baby back ribs
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons smoked paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite kind)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons smoked paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite kind)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Directions
Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs. It can be tough and chewy if left on.
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper.
Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs. Make sure to really massage it into the meat.
Wrap each rack of ribs in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the ribs are tender.
While the ribs are baking, prepare your BBQ glaze by mixing the BBQ sauce with the apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan. Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally.
After the ribs are done baking, remove them from the oven and carefully unwrap the foil. Watch out for the steam!
Brush the ribs generously with the BBQ glaze.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the ribs on the grill and cook for about 10 minutes, turning and basting with more glaze every few minutes, until the ribs are caramelized and slightly charred.
Remove from the grill, let them rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve!
Variations & Tips
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For a more tangy flavor, try adding a tablespoon of mustard to your BBQ glaze. If you're a spice lover, increase the cayenne pepper in the rub or add some hot sauce to your glaze. For an oven-only method, skip the grilling step and broil the ribs on high for 5 minutes to get that delicious caramelized finish. These ribs are also amazing when cooked in a smoker for an authentic BBQ experience!