Smoky Texas BBQ Ribs Delight
Enjoy the rich, smoky flavors of these slow-cooked BBQ ribs inspired by Texas Roadhouse. This recipe is designed for those who crave fall-off-the-bone tenderness combined with a sweet, tangy glaze. With the perfect blend of spices, these ribs are not only impressive on the dinner table but also incredibly simple to make. The process includes a long bake that infuses deep flavor, followed by a quick grill for that perfect caramelization. Ideal for gatherings, family dinners, or weekend barbecues, these ribs are sure to impress both friends and family alike!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork loin ribs
1 slab (frozen, thawed)
Texas Roadhouse rib seasoning
1/4 cup (for rubbing on the ribs)
Water
2 1/2 cups (for baking ribs)
Liquid smoke
1/2 cup (for baking ribs)
Vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing onion)
Fresh onion (minced)
1/4 cup (for sauce)
Water
1 1/2 cups (for BBQ sauce)
Tomato paste
1/2 cup (for BBQ sauce)
White vinegar
1/2 cup (for BBQ sauce)
Brown sugar
1/2 cup (for BBQ sauce)
Honey
2 tablespoons (for BBQ sauce)
Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon (for BBQ sauce)
Salt
1 3/4 teaspoons (for seasoning)
Liquid smoke
1 teaspoon (for BBQ sauce)
Whiskey
1 teaspoon (for BBQ sauce)
Coarsely ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Paprika
1/8 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Score the frozen ribs several times on the back of the rack to allow the spices and flavors to penetrate the meat.
2
Thaw the ribs overnight in the refrigerator for optimal cooking results.
3
Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Prepare a large, shallow pan by placing a wire rack inside it, ensuring it’s spacious enough for the rack of ribs.
4
Generously rub 1/8 cup of the Texas Roadhouse rib seasoning all over both sides of the thawed ribs, using additional seasoning if necessary to ensure even coverage.
5
In the large pan, mix together 2 1/2 cups of water and 1/2 cup of liquid smoke until combined.
6
Place the seasoned ribs on the wire rack in the pan, ensuring they do not touch the liquid mixture below. Cover the entire pan tightly with aluminum foil to keep in moisture.
7
Bake the ribs for approximately five hours, or until they are tender and nearly falling off the bone.
8
While the ribs bake, heat the vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the minced onion until soft and translucent.
9
Add in the remaining ingredients: 1 1/2 cups of water, 1/2 cup of tomato paste, 1/2 cup of white vinegar, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of honey, Worcestershire sauce, salt, liquid smoke, whiskey, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
10
Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for approximately one hour, stirring occasionally until it thickens.
11
Once the ribs are done baking, preheat your grill (charcoal or gas) to medium-high heat.
12
Grill the ribs, covered, for about four minutes on each side. Brush liberally with the prepared BBQ sauce, flipping occasionally to allow the sauce to caramelize and create a beautiful glaze.
13
Remove the ribs from the grill, let rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Smoky Texas BBQ Ribs Delight?
These are slow-cooked, tender pork loin ribs inspired by Texas Roadhouse, featuring a sweet and tangy glaze with a rich smoky flavor.
What type of ribs are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one slab of pork loin ribs.
How should I prepare the ribs if they are frozen?
Score the frozen ribs several times on the back of the rack and then thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.
Why do I need to score the back of the ribs?
Scoring the back of the ribs allows the spices and liquid flavors to penetrate the meat more effectively.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
What kind of pan setup is needed for baking?
Use a large, shallow pan with a wire rack placed inside to keep the ribs elevated.
How much seasoning should I use on the ribs?
Generously rub about 1/8 to 1/4 cup of Texas Roadhouse rib seasoning all over both sides of the ribs.
What liquid is used in the pan during the baking process?
A mixture of 2 1/2 cups of water and 1/2 cup of liquid smoke is placed in the bottom of the pan.
Should the ribs touch the liquid in the baking pan?
No, the ribs should be placed on a wire rack so they do not touch the liquid mixture below.
Why is aluminum foil used during baking?
The pan is covered tightly with foil to trap moisture, ensuring the ribs stay tender and juicy.
How long do the ribs need to bake in the oven?
The ribs should bake for approximately five hours until they are nearly falling off the bone.
What are the main ingredients in the homemade BBQ sauce?
The sauce includes tomato paste, white vinegar, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, whiskey, and various spices.
How do I start the BBQ sauce?
Begin by sautéing 1/4 cup of minced fresh onion in vegetable oil until soft and translucent.
How long does the BBQ sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer on low heat for approximately one hour until it thickens.
Does the BBQ sauce contain alcohol?
Yes, the recipe includes one teaspoon of whiskey for added depth of flavor.
What spices are used to season the BBQ sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
What type of sweeteners are in the BBQ sauce?
The sauce uses a combination of 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of honey.
What should the grill temperature be for the final step?
Preheat your charcoal or gas grill to medium-high heat.
How long do I grill the ribs?
Grill the ribs for about four minutes on each side while covered.
When do I apply the BBQ sauce?
Brush the sauce liberally onto the ribs while they are on the grill, flipping them occasionally to caramelize the glaze.
How do I achieve a caramelized glaze on the ribs?
By brushing the sauce on during the grilling stage and flipping the meat, the heat creates a beautiful caramelization.
Should I let the ribs rest after grilling?
Yes, remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing.
How many ingredients total are required for this recipe?
There are 18 ingredients listed for the ribs and the homemade sauce combined.
What is the serving suggestion for these ribs?
Slice the ribs and serve them with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
Is liquid smoke used in more than one step?
Yes, it is used in the baking pan to steam the ribs and also inside the BBQ sauce for flavor.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
The flavor is smoky, sweet, and tangy with a hint of spice from the Texas Roadhouse rub.
Can I make the BBQ sauce while the ribs are baking?
Yes, it is recommended to prepare the sauce while the ribs undergo their five-hour bake.
What makes these ribs 'Texas style'?
The use of Texas Roadhouse seasoning and the combination of slow-roasting with a smoky finish mimics classic Texas BBQ styles.
How do I know the ribs are tender enough?
The ribs are ready when the meat is tender and has reached a 'fall-off-the-bone' consistency.
What kind of vinegar is best for the sauce?
The recipe specifies using 1/2 cup of white vinegar for the BBQ sauce.