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Tender Classic Baby Back Ribs Recipe Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce Guide

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A foolproof recipe for tender baby back ribs with a tangy homemade BBQ sauce, slow-cooked to perfection for melt-in-your-mouth flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (dry rub)
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika (dry rub)
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder (dry rub)
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder (dry rub)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (dry rub)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (dry rub)
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (dry rub)
  • 2 racks baby back pork ribs (about 2 to 2.5 pounds each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (BBQ sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (BBQ sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
  • 1/4 cup water

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
  2. Remove the silver skin membrane from the back of each rack of ribs using a paper towel for grip.
  3. In a bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to make the dry rub.
  4. Rub each rack lightly with olive oil to help the dry rub stick.
  5. Generously coat the ribs with the dry rub on both sides, pressing it into the meat.
  6. Wrap each rack tightly in aluminum foil and place on a baking sheet or roasting pan.
  7. Bake for 2 to 2.5 hours until ribs are tender and almost falling off the bone (internal temperature around 190°F if using a thermometer).
  8. While ribs bake, prepare the BBQ sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, smoked paprika, hot sauce (if using), and water. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened.
  9. Remove ribs from the oven and carefully unwrap (watch for hot steam).
  10. Brush ribs generously with the tangy BBQ sauce.
  11. Broil or grill ribs for 5-7 minutes to caramelize the sauce and add a glaze, watching closely to avoid burning.
  12. Let ribs rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  13. Slice between the bones and serve hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Notes

Remove the silver skin membrane for tender ribs. Cook low and slow at 275°F for best results. Wrap ribs tightly in foil to retain moisture. Brush BBQ sauce at the end to avoid burning. Can finish on grill for smoky flavor. Sauce can be made ahead and stored in fridge for up to 3 days. Leftovers reheat well wrapped in foil at 300°F for 15-20 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: baby back ribs, BBQ ribs, homemade BBQ sauce, tender ribs, slow cooked ribs, easy ribs recipe, backyard barbecue