Description
This classic ribs recipe features tender, flavorful baby back pork ribs coated in a smoky, sweet dry rub and finished with a sticky, caramelized barbecue sauce glaze. Slow-baked to perfection and then grilled for a charred finish, these ribs are perfect for a hearty American main course that’s sure to impress family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Ribs
- 2 racks (about 4 pounds) baby back pork ribs
Dry Rub
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Finishing Sauce
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (plus more for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Ribs: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs and pat them dry with paper towels to ensure the rub adheres well.
- Make and Apply the Dry Rub: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, chili powder, and cayenne pepper if using. Rub this spice mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs, coating thoroughly for maximum flavor.
- Wrap and Bake: Wrap each rack tightly in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the ribs are tender and the meat easily pulls away from the bone.
- Prepare for Grilling: Carefully remove the ribs from the oven and unwrap the foil. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or set your broiler to high.
- Glaze and Caramelize: Brush the ribs generously with barbecue sauce. Grill or broil the ribs for 5–7 minutes, turning once and basting with additional sauce, until the surface is slightly charred and caramelized to your liking.
- Rest and Serve: Let the ribs rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow juices to redistribute. Slice between the bones and serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, apply the dry rub to the ribs and refrigerate them overnight before baking.
- You can use your favorite homemade or store-bought barbecue sauce; adjust the amount based on your taste preference.
- These ribs reheat well and make excellent leftovers, perfect for next-day meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 rack
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
