Description
Enjoy tender and flavorful barbecue baby back ribs with a delicious dry rub and barbecue sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ rack baby back ribs (6 to 7 ribs)
- ¾ cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Make the Dry Rub: Mix the paprika, chili powder, salt, sugar, black pepper, and garlic powder in a small bowl or jar. Set aside.
- Heat the oven to 225°F (107°C).
- Place the ribs bone side up on a cutting board. Slide a knife under the thin membrane on the back of the ribs, then pull it away using your fingers or a kitchen towel. The membrane can turn tough as ribs bake. Removing it helps the ribs become more tender, but this step is optional.
- Turn the ribs meat side up. Trim away any excess fat if needed.
- Generously coat both sides of the ribs with the dry rub, pressing it into the meat.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Place the ribs in the center, meat side up. Bake uncovered for 3½ hours.
- Remove the ribs from the oven and brush both sides generously with barbecue sauce. If you prefer dry ribs, skip the sauce and continue with the next step.
- Place a second sheet of foil over the ribs. Fold the top and bottom foil together around the edges to seal the ribs into a packet.
- Return the sealed ribs to the oven and bake for 1 hour longer, until the internal temperature reaches 198 to 202°F when measured in the thickest part of the meat.
- Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest, still wrapped in foil, for 10 minutes.
- Uncover the ribs and cut between the bones with a sharp knife. For a less saucy finish, place the ribs under the broiler for 3 to 4 minutes, just until the sauce begins to caramelize. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
Notes
- Removing the membrane is optional but can help with tenderness.
- For less sauciness, avoid the final broil step.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rack