Description
Succulent barbecue ribs bring mouth-watering Southern comfort right to your kitchen. Tender meat falls off the bone with perfectly caramelized sauce, satisfying hungry diners seeking authentic flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 racks baby back ribs or St. Louis-style ribs (4 lbs / 1.8 kg)
- 2 tbsps brown sugar
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (favorite brand)
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar or apple juice
- 2 tbsps honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Membrane Preparation: Delicately strip away the tough back membrane using a paper towel, creating a pristine surface for seasoning and flavor absorption.
- Spice Fusion: Blend smoky paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne, and brown sugar into a harmonious seasoning mix that promises depth and complexity.
- Seasoning Technique: Thoroughly massage olive oil across the ribs, ensuring the spice blend adheres completely and penetrates the meat’s core for maximum flavor infusion.
- Initial Roasting Setup: Position ribs meat-side up on a foil-lined baking sheet, surrounding them with apple cider vinegar to enhance moisture and tenderness during the slow-cooking process.
- Flavor Sealing: Completely encase the baking sheet with aluminum foil, trapping aromatics and preventing moisture loss while transforming the tough meat into a melt-in-your-mouth delicacy.
- Slow Roasting: Cook in a low-temperature oven, allowing connective tissues to dissolve gradually and creating remarkably tender meat that effortlessly separates from the bone.
- Glaze Creation: Whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard to craft a glossy, multi-dimensional coating that will elevate the ribs’ final presentation.
- Caramelization Finish: Uncover the ribs, generously brush with the prepared glaze, and activate the broiler to create a sticky, slightly charred exterior that intensifies the overall flavor profile.
- Serving Preparation: Let the ribs rest briefly to redistribute juices, then slice into individual portions and serve with additional barbecue sauce for those craving extra indulgence.
Notes
- Select High-Quality Ribs: Choose fresh, well-marbled baby back or spare ribs for maximum flavor and tenderness, ensuring a more delectable dining experience.
- Master Membrane Removal: Carefully strip the tough back membrane using a paper towel for improved seasoning absorption and more tender meat texture.
- Control Moisture Levels: Apple cider vinegar helps break down proteins and adds subtle tanginess, preventing the ribs from drying out during slow roasting.
- Balance Spice Intensity: Adjust cayenne and chili powder quantities to match personal heat tolerance while maintaining the complex flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg