Description
Enjoy perfectly tender and flavorful baby back ribs baked slowly in the oven, coated with a smoky, sweet, and tangy BBQ sauce. This recipe ensures fall-off-the-bone ribs with a delicious caramelized glaze, achieved through slow baking and finishing under the broiler for a mouthwatering crust.
Ingredients
Scale
Ribs and Rub
- 1 rack baby back ribs (membrane removed)
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard (to help the rub stick)
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
BBQ Sauce Glaze
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (for caramelization)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (for tanginess)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Ribs: Carefully remove the membrane from the back of the ribs to allow better penetration of the seasoning and improve tenderness.
- Apply Mustard: Spread a thin layer of yellow mustard evenly over both sides of the ribs; this helps the dry rub adhere to the meat.
- Mix and Apply Rub: In a bowl, mix smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper if using. Generously coat both sides of the ribs with this dry rub mixture.
- Wrap Ribs: Tightly wrap the seasoned ribs in aluminum foil to lock in moisture and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Low and Slow: Bake the ribs in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the meat is tender and pulls away easily from the bones.
- Prepare BBQ Glaze: While the ribs bake, mix the BBQ sauce, honey or maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl to create a tangy-sweet glaze.
- Glaze Ribs: Carefully remove the ribs from the oven and unwrap the foil. Brush the ribs generously with the BBQ glaze on all sides.
- Broil for Caramelization: Turn your oven to broil. Place the glazed ribs under the broiler for 5-7 minutes, watching closely, until the sauce caramelizes and forms a sticky, delicious crust.
- Rest and Serve: Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the juices redistribute. Slice between the bones and serve hot.
Notes
- Removing the membrane from the ribs is key for tender ribs and better flavor absorption.
- The yellow mustard is used solely as a binder for the rub and does not add a strong mustard flavor.
- Adjust cayenne pepper based on your preferred spice level or omit for mild ribs.
- Use homemade or your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce to customize the flavor profile.
- Broiling at the end caramelizes the sauce but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Letting the ribs rest after cooking enhances juiciness and tenderness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: BBQ ribs, oven ribs, baby back ribs, tender ribs, smoked paprika rub, caramelized ribs, baking ribs, easy BBQ recipe
