Baked BBQ Baby Back Ribs

For the BBQ Sauce:

• 1 1/2 cups of your favorite BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for a tangy kick)
• 1 tablespoon honey (for a touch of sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional for a savory depth)

How to Make Baked BBQ Baby Back Ribs

Making perfectly baked BBQ baby back ribs at home is simple and straightforward. With just a few key ingredients, you can transform a rack of ribs into a juicy, flavorful feast. Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prep the Ribs:

• Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low temperature ensures that the ribs cook slowly, becoming tender and juicy.
• Place the ribs on a large baking sheet lined with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
• Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This is an important step, as it helps the ribs cook more evenly and allows the flavors to penetrate the meat better. Use a butter knife to gently pry up one corner of the membrane, and then pull it off using a paper towel (it can be slippery).

2. Apply the Dry Rub:

• In a small bowl, mix together the dry rub ingredients: brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
• Rub the dry mixture generously over both sides of the ribs. Be sure to coat every part of the ribs with the rub, pressing it into the meat so it sticks.

3. Bake the Ribs:

• Once the ribs are coated in the dry rub, brush a thin layer of olive oil or vegetable oil over the top to help with browning.
• Place the ribs on the baking sheet and cover them tightly with aluminum foil to trap in moisture. This will create a steamy environment that helps the ribs stay tender while they cook.
• Bake the ribs in the preheated oven for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until they are fork-tender. You can check doneness by gently inserting a fork between the bones; if the meat is pulling away easily, they’re ready.

4. Prepare the BBQ Sauce:

• While the ribs are baking, make the BBQ sauce (if you’re not using store-bought). In a saucepan over medium heat, combine your favorite BBQ sauce with apple cider vinegar, honey, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-10 minutes to combine the flavors and thicken the sauce slightly.

5. Finish the Ribs with BBQ Sauce:

• Once the ribs are cooked through and tender, remove them from the oven and discard the aluminum foil.
• Brush a generous amount of the prepared BBQ sauce over the ribs, making sure to coat both sides evenly.
• Return the ribs to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes to allow the BBQ sauce to caramelize and become sticky. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

• Once the ribs have a beautifully caramelized layer of BBQ sauce, remove them from the oven.
• Let the ribs rest for about 5 minutes before slicing between the bones to serve.
• Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side, and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Baked BBQ Baby Back Ribs

• Low and slow: The key to tender, juicy ribs is cooking them at a low temperature for a long period of time. This allows the meat to break down and become tender without drying out.
• Wrapping the ribs in foil: Wrapping the ribs in foil during baking creates a moist environment that ensures the ribs don’t dry out. This also helps lock in flavor and juiciness.
• Saucing the ribs: Apply the BBQ sauce toward the end of the baking process to avoid burning the sugar in the sauce. This also helps the sauce to become sticky and caramelized.
• Rest before cutting: Let the ribs rest for a few minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures the meat stays moist when cut.
• Adjust the seasoning: Feel free to adjust the amount of seasoning in the rub or sauce to suit your personal taste. Add more heat with chili powder or cayenne, or increase sweetness with extra brown sugar or honey.

Why You’ll Love These Baked BBQ Baby Back Ribs

1. Fall-off-the-bone tender: Baking ribs at a low temperature allows them to become incredibly tender, with the meat practically falling off the bone with every bite.
2. Full of flavor: The combination of the dry rub and BBQ sauce creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile—sweet, smoky, spicy, and savory.
3. Convenient and easy: Unlike grilling, which requires constant attention and temperature control, baking ribs in the oven is a set-it-and-forget-it method that allows you to focus on other dishes.
4. Versatile: You can easily customize the BBQ sauce and dry rub to suit your personal taste, from tangy and sweet to smoky and spicy.
5. Impressive: These ribs are perfect for serving at gatherings, family dinners, or special occasions. They’re guaranteed to be a hit!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for an easy and foolproof way to make tender, flavorful ribs, look no further than this Baked BBQ Baby Back Ribs recipe. With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you’ll be able to enjoy juicy, fall-apart ribs that are loaded with flavor and perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re making them for a casual dinner or a weekend cookout, these baked BBQ baby back ribs are sure to become a crowd favorite. So fire up your oven (or rather, don’t!), and let these succulent ribs do the talking.