These tender baby back ribs are coated in a tasty sauce that makes every bite a crowd-pleaser! Easy to cook and perfect for gatherings, they’re sure to make you the grill master.
Honestly, the smell of these ribs cooking is enough to make anyone hungry! I love serving them with some coleslaw for a perfect summer meal. You can’t go wrong with sticky, sweet goodness! 🍖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Back Ribs: Choose fresh ribs for the best flavor. If baby back ribs are unavailable, spare ribs are a great alternative, though they will take a little longer to cook.
Yellow Mustard: This acts as a binder for the spice rub. If you’re not a fan of mustard, try using olive oil or Dijon mustard for a different taste without losing function.
Brown Sugar: This gives the ribs a nice caramelization. Light or dark brown sugar works well. For a healthier option, you could use coconut sugar or even skip it altogether if preferred.
Barbecue Sauce: Pick your favorite for that personal touch! For a healthier twist, opt for a low-sugar version or make your own to control the sweetness and ingredients.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare Ribs for Tenderness?
Getting tender ribs is all about preparation and patience. Begin by removing the silver skin membrane; this tough layer on the back of the ribs can prevent seasoning from penetrating. Then, applying a dry rub helps build flavor.
- Use a sharp knife to slide under the silver skin and pull it away towards the end of the ribs.
- Mix spices well and rub generously over all surfaces. This infuses flavor and creates a tasty crust as they cook.
- Be sure to keep your grill temperature steady during cooking; low and slow is key to tenderness!
How to Make Easy Award-Winning Baby Back Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 racks baby back pork ribs (about 2 to 2.5 pounds each)
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious baby back ribs recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus around 2 hours for grilling. Don’t forget to let the ribs rest for about 10 minutes after cooking. Overall, it’s a simple dish that gives fantastic results without a lot of fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to indirect medium heat, which should be around 275°F to 300°F. This temperature is essential for slow cooking to ensure tender ribs.
2. Prep the Ribs:
Remove the silver skin membrane from the back of the ribs. This tough layer can get in the way of tenderness and flavor. Use a sharp knife to loosen it at one end and then pull it off.
3. Make the Spice Rub:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. This spice blend is what gives your ribs that mouthwatering flavor!
4. Apply the Mustard Mixture:
Lightly brush the ribs with a mixture of yellow mustard and apple cider vinegar. This will help your spice rub stick to the meat and adds a lovely tangy flavor.
5. Rub the Spices:
Generously rub the spice mixture all over both sides of the ribs, getting into all the nooks and crannies. It’s okay to use your hands for this—it’s more fun that way!
6. Add Olive Oil:
Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the ribs to keep them moist while they cook and to help the spices adhere better.
7. Grill the Ribs:
Place the ribs bone side down on the grill and close the lid. Allow them to smoke for about 2 hours. Remember to maintain the grill temperature during this time.
8. Check for Tenderness:
After 2 hours, check the ribs for tenderness. You can gently bend them or use a toothpick; they should be tender but not so tender that the meat is falling off the bone.
9. Sauce It Up:
Brush your favorite barbecue sauce over the ribs and continue grilling for another 20-30 minutes. This step allows the sauce to caramelize and develop a delicious glaze!
10. Rest and Serve:
Once done, remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps them moist. Slice between the bones to serve and enjoy with extra barbecue sauce on the side!
These baby back ribs are sure to impress with their tender meat and sticky, flavorful glaze. Perfect for BBQs, family gatherings, or whenever you’re in the mood for some mouthwatering ribs!
FAQ for Easy Award-Winning Baby Back Ribs
Can I Use a Different Type of Ribs?
Absolutely! While baby back ribs are ideal for this recipe, you can also use spare ribs. Just keep in mind that spare ribs may take a little longer to cook due to their size and tougher meat.
How Do I Store Leftover Ribs?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap them in aluminum foil and warm them in a 350°F oven until heated through, which keeps the meat tender.
Can I Make This Recipe in the Oven?
Yes! If you prefer to cook them in the oven, you can bake the ribs at 300°F for about 2.5 to 3 hours, wrapping them in foil for tenderness. Finish them under the broiler for a few minutes after applying barbecue sauce for a nice caramelized top!
What If I Don’t Have Apple Cider Vinegar?
No worries! You can substitute it with white vinegar, red wine vinegar, or even lemon juice. Each alternative will add a different flavor profile but will still help tenderize and flavor the ribs.
