Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 3 hours and 10 minutes
BBQ Baby Back Ribs Recipe
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 4 pounds/1.8 kilograms)
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar (60 grams)
- 1/4 cup of paprika (60 grams)
- 1 tablespoon of black pepper (15 grams)
- 1 tablespoon of salt (15 grams)
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder (15 grams)
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder (15 grams)
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder (5 grams)
- 2 cups of barbecue sauce (475 milliliters)
Calories per portion: 890 kcal
Method
- Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
- Rinse the ribs under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, salt, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. This will be your spice rub.
- Generously apply the spice rub all over the ribs, ensuring both sides are well coated.
- Place the ribs on a roasting pan, cover with aluminum foil, and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
- When the ribs are nearly done, preheat your grill to medium heat, about 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the ribs from the oven and carefully discard the foil. Brush the ribs generously with the barbecue sauce.
- Place the ribs on the grill and cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the sauce is caramelized and slightly charred. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Once done, take the ribs off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making your ribs moist and flavorful.
Enjoy your delicious BBQ Baby Back Ribs served with a side of coleslaw, fries, or a classic cornbread for a truly satisfying meal!
Making a healthier version of BBQ baby back ribs
You can easily create a healthier version of our tasty BBQ baby back ribs without losing the delightful flavors.
Substitute the usual sugar-filled BBQ sauce with a homemade version. Use tomatoes, vinegar, mustard, a sweetener like honey or maple syrup, and spices to create a sauce that’s delicious and doesn’t spike your sugar levels.
Additionally, pairing the ribs with a fresh, fiber-rich salad or grilled vegetables can balance out your meal and add a healthy twist to it.
Storing your BBQ baby back ribs
The leftovers of your BBQ baby back ribs can be securely stored and savored later. Once you’ve finished eating, let them cool down then wrap them up in aluminum foil or store in airtight containers.
They can last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. For a longer storage period, you can freeze them where they can last for up to 3 months. Remember to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Pairing suggestions for BBQ baby back ribs
The smoky flavor and rich sauce of BBQ baby back ribs go well with various accompaniments. For a meal that really hits the spot, pair your ribs with classic sides like creamy potato salad, collard greens, or sweet cornbread.
For drinks, traditional southern sweet iced tea complements the flavors wonderfully. If you fancy a glass of wine, a fruity and spicy Zinfandel or Syrah can effectively balance the hearty flavors of the ribs.
Quick preparation tips for BBQ baby back ribs
If you’re short on time, preparing your BBQ baby back ribs doesn’t have to be an all-day affair. Use your oven to bake the ribs first, slathering them in the marinade, and then covering with foil.
This will help tenderize the ribs and infuse them with flavor without taking up too much of your time. When you’re ready to serve, simply finish them off on the grill for that delicious smoky finish.
Creating meals from leftover BBQ baby back ribs
If you have any leftover BBQ baby back ribs, they can be repurposed into a variety of dishes.
They can be :
- shredded and added to a zesty salad for a punch of protein,
- chopped up and thrown into a stir-fry,
- or made into sandwiches for a quick lunch.
Alternatively, you can incorporate the leftovers into a homemade pizza or wraps for a uniquely flavorful twist.
