Get ready to impress your taste buds with these Bodacious BBQ Baby Back Ribs—a finger-licking masterpiece that’s smoky, sweet, and tender enough to fall off the bone! This recipe starts with a savory homemade dry rub made from paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, and a hint of cayenne for an irresistible blend of flavors. Slow-baked to perfection inside foil packets, the ribs are then slathered with a tangy barbecue glaze featuring apple cider vinegar and honey, and finished on the grill or under the broiler for that signature caramelized, sticky coating. With just 20 minutes of prep and a mouthwatering aroma wafting from your kitchen, these restaurant-worthy ribs will have everyone reaching for seconds. Perfect for backyard cookouts, game-day feasts, or any night you’re craving classic barbecue flavor, this recipe is designed to serve up bold satisfaction with every bite.
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
Remove the membrane from the back of the baby back ribs by sliding a knife under it and pulling it off carefully with a paper towel for grip.
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to create the dry rub.
Pat the ribs dry with a paper towel, then drizzle them with olive oil to help the rub stick.
Generously coat both sides of the ribs with the dry rub, massaging it into the meat.
Place each rack of ribs on a large sheet of aluminum foil, meat side up. Wrap the ribs tightly in the foil to create sealed packets.
Place the foil-wrapped ribs on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 2 1/2 hours, until tender.
While the ribs are baking, prepare the sauce by mixing barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and honey in a small saucepan. Simmer over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once the ribs are done baking, carefully unwrap them (be cautious of the hot steam) and transfer them to a grilling rack or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Brush the ribs generously with the prepared barbecue sauce on both sides.
Preheat a grill to medium heat or set your oven to broil. Grill or broil the ribs for 5-10 minutes, basting with sauce occasionally, until the sauce caramelizes and becomes sticky.
Remove the ribs from the grill or oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing between the bones.
Serve hot with additional barbecue sauce on the side, if desired.
Calories |
5851 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 366.6 g | 470% | |
| Saturated Fat | 126.0 g | 630% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1309 mg | 436% | |
| Sodium | 9128 mg | 397% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 251.4 g | 91% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.2 g | 22% | |
| Total Sugars | 205.8 g | ||
| Protein | 363.9 g | 728% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 930 mg | 72% | |
| Iron | 19.0 mg | 106% | |
| Potassium | 5088 mg | 108% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.