These tender and juicy baby back ribs are a winner in every way! Coated in a tangy sauce, they are perfect for any barbecue or family dinner. Your taste buds will cheer!
Cooking these ribs is super fun! I love to slather on the sauce and watch them bake. Just make sure to have plenty of napkins ready—things might get messy, but that’s part of the joy! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Back Ribs: These ribs are known for being tender and flavorful. If baby back ribs are hard to find, spare ribs work too but may take longer to cook.
Yellow Mustard: This isn’t just for flavor; it’s a great base for the rub to stick. If you’re not a mustard fan, you can replace it with olive oil or even apple cider vinegar for a tangy touch.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness that balances the spices. You could use white sugar or maple sugar if brown sugar isn’t on hand.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought sauce or try homemade. For a twist, you can add a splash of apple cider vinegar for tanginess or honey for extra sweetness.
How Do You Get Tender Ribs?
Achieving tender ribs is about slow cooking and wrapping. Remove the silver skin on the back first; it toughens the meat. Here’s a simple part of the process:
- Cook ribs at a low temperature (250°F) for several hours for tenderness.
- Wrap them tightly in foil after 3 hours. This traps steam, making them more tender as they cook for another 1.5 hours.
- Basting with sauce at the end helps caramelize and adds flavor, so don’t skip this step!
Patience and low heat are key; your ribs will be fall-off-the-bone delicious!
Easy Award-Winning Baby Back Ribs Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 racks baby back ribs (about 2 to 2.5 pounds each)
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard (for coating)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- Wood chips for smoking (hickory or apple wood recommended if grilling)
- Aluminum foil
Time Estimate
This recipe will take about 5 hours total, including 15 minutes for prep time and around 4 hours for cooking. You’ll have 3 hours of slow cooking and then an additional 1.5 hours wrapped in foil, plus 30 minutes for basting and caramelizing the sauce. It’s worth the wait for those delicious bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Grill/Oven
Start by preheating your grill to 250°F. If you’re using an oven, set it to 275°F. This low and slow cooking approach is essential for tender ribs!
2. Prepare the Ribs
Take the ribs and remove the silver skin membrane from the back. This will help make your ribs tender, so slide a knife under it and pull it off gently.
3. Apply the Mustard Coating
Coat both sides of the ribs lightly with yellow mustard. This acts like glue for the spice rub—don’t worry, you won’t taste the mustard once it’s cooked!
4. Mix the Spice Rub
In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). This spice mix will bring lots of flavor to your ribs!
5. Rub the Spice Mixture
Generously rub this mixture all over the ribs, ensuring they’re evenly coated for maximum flavor.
6. Prepare for Grilling
If you’re grilling, soak the wood chips in water for about 30 minutes and then add them to the smoker box or directly onto your coals for a rich smoky flavor.
7. Start Cooking
Place the ribs bone-side down on the grill grates and cover with the lid. Cook low and slow for about 3 hours, trying to maintain the temperature around 250°F. Patience is key here!
8. Wrap the Ribs
After 3 hours, carefully wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil. This step helps to tenderize the meat further. Continue cooking for another 1.5 hours until they’re super tender.
9. Add Barbecue Sauce
Carefully unwrap the ribs and brush a generous layer of your favorite barbecue sauce over both sides. This will add a delicious sticky glaze!
10. Caramelize the Sauce
Place the ribs back on the grill over indirect heat. Cook for an additional 30 minutes, basting occasionally with more sauce. This will help caramelize the sauce, making it even more delicious!
11. Let Them Rest
Once done, remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute back into the meat.
12. Serve and Enjoy
Slice between the bones for individual servings and serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side. Enjoy your tender, flavorful, award-winning baby back ribs!
These ribs are sure to impress family and friends with their irresistible flavor and tenderness. Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Award-Winning Baby Back Ribs Recipe
Can I Use a Different Type of Ribs?
Absolutely! While baby back ribs are recommended for their tenderness, spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs will work just as well. Just adjust your cooking time, as spare ribs may require a bit longer to become tender.
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 foil and warm in the oven at 275°F until heated through, or grill them for a few minutes to regain their delicious smoky flavor.
Can I Make These Ribs in the Oven Instead of the Grill?
Yes, you can definitely make these ribs in the oven! Preheat to 275°F and follow the same cooking times as specified in the recipe. For smoky flavor, consider using liquid smoke in your rub or sauce.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer less heat, simply omit the cayenne pepper from the spice mix. For an extra kick, consider adding more cayenne or even a bit of your favorite hot sauce into the barbecue sauce for serving!
