These Copycat Texas Roadhouse Ribs are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor! Wrapped in a sticky, sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, they’re perfect for any backyard cookout!
Trust me, making these ribs at home will impress your friends. 😄 I love serving them with coleslaw and cornbread for a tasty meal everyone enjoys. Fire up that grill!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Back Ribs: These ribs are tender and flavorful, perfect for this recipe. If you can’t find baby back ribs, spare ribs are a great substitute, but they might take a bit longer to cook.
Spices: The mix of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and brown sugar gives a nice flavor balance. You can swap brown sugar with honey or maple syrup if you’re looking for a different sweetness.
Cayenne Pepper: This is optional based on your heat preference. If you’re not a fan of spice, you can skip it. Alternatively, smoked paprika can add a gentle smoky flavor without too much heat.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought sauce, but if you want to try something homemade, use ketchup, vinegar, and spices to make a quick version. A tangy sauce pairs well with the ribs, so feel free to experiment!
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds acidity to balance the sweetness. If you don’t have it, white vinegar or lemon juice can work, too. Just use a bit less, since they can be stronger in flavor.
How Do You Remove the Membrane from Ribs?
Removing the membrane from the back of the ribs can make a big difference, allowing the rub to penetrate better. It’s easy once you get the hang of it!
- Start at one end of the ribs and slide a butter knife under the membrane to loosen it.
- Use a paper towel for grip and gently pull the membrane off. It should come off in one piece, but if it tears, just work on the remaining bits.
- This step is essential for tenderness, so don’t skip it!
How to Ensure Your Ribs Are Tender?
Baking the ribs at a low temperature is key to achieving tender meat that falls off the bone. Here are a few tips:
- Keep the oven temperature at 275°F for even cooking. Patience pays off!
- Wrap the ribs tightly in foil to lock in moisture. This steaming effect really helps soften the meat.
- Check for doneness around the 3-hour mark. Ribs are done when meat shrinks away from the bone.
How to Make Copycat Texas Roadhouse Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ribs:
- 2 racks of baby back ribs
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your choice)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- Aluminum foil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 3 to 4 hours for baking the ribs. Add another 10 minutes for broiling. So, you’ll need around 4 hours total, most of which is hands-off while the ribs tenderize in the oven. It’s perfect for a leisurely weekend dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 275°F (135°C). This low temperature is key to making tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
2. Prepare the Ribs:
Before anything else, take the time to remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs. This helps the flavors of the rub sink in better. Then, pat the ribs dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
3. Make the Rub:
In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper (if you like a little heat). Mix it well so all the spices are evenly blended.
4. Rub the Ribs:
Now, take that delicious spice mixture and generously apply it all over the ribs. Make sure to coat every side evenly for maximum flavor.
5. Wrap in Foil:
Lay each rack of ribs on a long piece of aluminum foil and wrap them tightly. This keeps the moisture locked in while they’re baking, making them super tender!
6. Bake the Ribs:
Put the wrapped ribs on a baking sheet and slide them into the preheated oven. Bake for about 3 to 4 hours, or until the meat is tender and pulls away from the bone easily. You’re almost there!
7. Prepare the Barbecue Sauce:
While the ribs are baking, mix your chosen barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and water in a small saucepan. Heat it over medium-low until it’s warmed through, giving you a tasty sauce to brush on later.
8. Broil for Finish:
Once the ribs are done baking, take them out and be careful as you unwrap them. The steam will be hot! Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush a good amount of your barbecue sauce mixture over the ribs.
9. Broil the Ribs:
Set your oven to broil and place the ribs under the broiler for about 5-10 minutes. This will give them a delicious caramelized glaze. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning, but let them get nice and sticky!
10. Serve:
Once they’re done broiling, take the ribs out and let them rest for a few minutes. Then, cut between the bones to serve. Enjoy your homemade Texas Roadhouse-style ribs with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping. Yum!
Can I Use Different Types of Ribs?
Absolutely! While baby back ribs are great for this recipe, you can also use spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness and type of ribs; spare ribs might take a bit longer to become tender.
What If I Don’t Have Apple Cider Vinegar?
No problem! You can substitute apple cider vinegar with white vinegar or even lemon juice for a similar tangy flavor. Just use the same amount as called for in the recipe, ensuring it still complements your barbecue sauce.
How to Store Leftover Ribs?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Make These Ribs on the Grill?
Yes! If you’d like to grill the ribs instead of baking, first follow steps 1-5, then preheat your grill to low heat (around 225°F/107°C). Place the wrapped ribs on the grill and cook for about 4 hours, turning occasionally. Finish by brushing with your barbecue sauce and searing them on the grill for a few minutes to get that caramelized finish.
