Ultimate Fall-apart Tender Barbecue Baby Back Ribs
Experience the mouthwatering delight of these barbecued baby back ribs that literally fall off the bone with each succulent bite. Cooked low and slow in the oven, these ribs become incredibly tender and flavorful, infused with a sweet and savory blend of spices. After three to five hours of oven time, a generous brush of your favorite barbecue sauce gives them a sticky, caramelized finish. A quick grill over high heat adds that irresistible smoky char, making them the perfect crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Serve them up with plenty of napkins, because these finger-licking ribs are sure to impress family and friends alike!
N/A
Servings
500
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork baby back ribs
3 racks (trimmed and cleaned)
Brown sugar
1 cup (packed)
Salt
1 tablespoon (to taste)
Black pepper
1/2 tablespoon (freshly ground)
Hot water
3 cups (for steaming)
Garlic powder
1 teaspoon (to enhance flavor)
Barbecue sauce
1 cup (for glazing and serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
2
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Set aside.
3
Prepare a two-piece broiler pan by filling the lower half with very hot water. This steaming technique helps keep the ribs juicy during the cooking process.
4
Arrange the baby back ribs on the top portion of the broiler pan. If desired, you can leave the racks whole and layer them, but ensure there's enough space for steam circulation.
5
Generously rub the brown sugar spice mixture over the entire surface of each rack of ribs, ensuring they are well-coated.
6
Cover the pan tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil, trapping moisture. For added security, consider double-wrapping the ribs in foil.
7
Place the covered ribs in the preheated oven and bake for 3 to 5 hours, depending on your schedule. The longer they cook, the more tender they will become.
8
Once done, carefully remove the foil to avoid steam burns and cut the racks into manageable sections for grilling.
9
Brush the ribs liberally with your favorite barbecue sauce, such as a homemade mix or Sweet Baby Ray's.
10
Preheat your grill to high heat, whether gas or charcoal, and grill the ribs for 2 to 3 minutes per side, just enough to caramelize the sauce and develop grill marks.
11
Serve immediately, accompanied by plenty of napkins, and enjoy the delectable fall-apart ribs!
Nutrition Information
30g
Fat
25g
Carbs
37.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the secret to making these ribs fall-apart tender?
The secret is cooking them low and slow in a 275°F oven for 3 to 5 hours while tightly wrapped in foil with a steaming pan of water underneath.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 275°F (135°C).
Why do I need to put hot water in the broiler pan?
The hot water creates steam during the baking process, which helps keep the ribs incredibly juicy and moist.
What ingredients are in the dry rub?
The dry rub consists of 1 cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of salt, 1/2 tablespoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
How long should the ribs bake in the oven?
The ribs should bake for 3 to 5 hours, depending on how tender you want them to be; longer cooking times result in more tender meat.
Do I need to wrap the ribs in aluminum foil?
Yes, you must cover the pan tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil, or even double-wrap the ribs, to trap moisture.
When should I apply the barbecue sauce?
The barbecue sauce should be applied liberally after the ribs are finished baking in the oven, just before they go on the grill.
How long do I grill the ribs?
Grill the ribs for 2 to 3 minutes per side over high heat to caramelize the sauce and add grill marks.
What type of ribs does this recipe call for?
This recipe specifically uses 3 racks of pork baby back ribs.
How many calories are in a serving of these ribs?
Each serving contains approximately 500 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 37.5 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat is in this rib recipe?
There are 30 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in these ribs?
There are 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of barbecue sauce is recommended?
You can use your favorite sauce, such as a homemade recipe or a popular brand like Sweet Baby Ray's.
Should the racks be left whole or cut before baking?
You can leave the racks whole during baking, but you should cut them into manageable sections before grilling.
Is it necessary to use freshly ground black pepper?
Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor profile in the spice rub.
How much garlic powder should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of garlic powder to enhance the savory flavor of the ribs.
Can I use a charcoal grill for the final step?
Yes, you can use either a gas or charcoal grill set to high heat.
What should I do to the ribs before applying the rub?
The ribs should be trimmed and cleaned before you apply the brown sugar spice mixture.
How much hot water is needed for the steaming process?
You should use 3 cups of very hot water in the lower half of the broiler pan.
Does this recipe yield a smoky flavor?
Yes, the quick high-heat grill at the end adds an irresistible smoky char to the tender ribs.
Is the brown sugar packed or loose?
The 1 cup of brown sugar should be packed.
Can I cook the ribs for more than 5 hours?
While 3 to 5 hours is recommended, the meat becomes more tender the longer it cooks at this low temperature.
What is the purpose of the salt in the rub?
The salt is used to season the meat and should be adjusted to your personal taste.
Do I need to leave space between the racks in the pan?
Yes, ensure there is enough space for the steam to circulate around the ribs during the baking process.
What is a good side to serve with these ribs?
The recipe suggests serving them with plenty of napkins as they are finger-licking and sticky!
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe because the oven does most of the slow-cooking work.
Can I use this recipe for a large crowd?
Absolutely, it is described as a perfect crowd-pleaser for any family-friendly occasion.
What should I be careful of when removing the foil?
Be very careful when removing the foil to avoid steam burns from the trapped moisture.
How do I ensure the sauce is caramelized?
Grilling the sauced ribs over high heat for a few minutes will properly caramelize the sugars in the barbecue sauce.