Description
Succulent barbecue ribs bring smoky, mouthwatering Southern charm to your dinner table. Tender meat glazed with rich, tangy sauce promises a delightful culinary journey you won’t forget.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 racks baby back ribs (about 4 lbs / 1.8 kg)
Cooking Base Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Barbecue Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Prepare ribs by meticulously removing the tough membrane from the back, ensuring optimal flavor penetration. Massage olive oil across the surface, then thoroughly coat with a robust seasoning blend of salt and pepper.
- Craft a complex barbecue sauce by combining ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Gently simmer the mixture over low heat for approximately 15 minutes, stirring periodically to develop rich, layered flavors.
- Position seasoned ribs on a foil-lined baking sheet, completely encasing them in aluminum foil to lock in moisture. Slow-roast in a preheated 300F (150C) oven for 2.5 hours, allowing the meat to become extraordinarily tender and succulent.
- Carefully remove the foil and liberally brush the ribs with the homemade barbecue sauce. Return to the oven uncovered for an additional 30 minutes, enabling the sauce to caramelize and create a sticky, flavorful exterior.
- Allow the ribs to rest briefly, which helps redistribute internal juices. Slice carefully and present with extra barbecue sauce alongside, inviting guests to customize their dining experience.
Notes
- Membrane Removal Matters: Always remove the tough membrane from the back of the ribs to ensure tender, flavorful meat that easily absorbs seasonings and sauce.
- Sauce Customization: Adjust the barbecue sauce sweetness by balancing brown sugar and vinegar to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Low and Slow Technique: Cooking ribs at a low temperature for an extended period breaks down connective tissues, creating melt-in-your-mouth texture and maximum tenderness.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap Worcestershire sauce with a gluten-free version and use tamari instead of traditional soy-based condiments to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg