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Delicious BBQ Baby Back Ribs Recipe Easy Homemade Sauce for Perfect Tender Ribs

BBQ baby back ribs recipe - featured image

Tender baby back ribs slow-cooked to perfection with a homemade BBQ sauce that balances sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors. This easy recipe is perfect for gatherings and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 racks baby back ribs (about 4 to 5 lbs total)
  • Dry Rub:
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Homemade BBQ Sauce:
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Splash of water or apple juice (to thin sauce if needed)
  • Optional Garnishes:
  • Chopped fresh parsley or green onions

Instructions

  1. Remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs by sliding a knife under the membrane and pulling it off. Trim excess fat if needed.
  2. Mix all dry rub ingredients in a bowl. Pat ribs dry and coat both sides generously with the rub. Let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes or refrigerate for a few hours or overnight.
  3. Preheat oven to 275°F or prepare grill for indirect heat at the same temperature.
  4. Place ribs bone-side down on a foil-lined baking sheet or grill grate. Cover tightly with foil to lock in moisture.
  5. Cook ribs low and slow for 2.5 to 3 hours, checking tenderness after 2 hours. Meat should be tender but not falling apart.
  6. While ribs cook, combine all BBQ sauce ingredients in a saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. Remove foil from ribs and brush generously with BBQ sauce. Return ribs uncovered to oven or grill at 350°F for 15-20 minutes to caramelize sauce, watching closely to avoid burning.
  8. Let ribs rest for 10 minutes before slicing between bones. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired. Serve with extra sauce.

Notes

Remove silver skin for tenderness. Cook low and slow to break down collagen. Wrap ribs in foil during cooking to retain moisture. Apply BBQ sauce in thin layers near the end to avoid burning. Let ribs rest before slicing. Sauce can be made ahead and tastes better after resting. Adjust spice levels to taste. Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce for gluten-free option. Vegan sauce adaptations possible by substituting honey with maple syrup and using plant-based ketchup.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ ribs, baby back ribs, homemade BBQ sauce, slow cooked ribs, tender ribs, easy BBQ recipe, backyard BBQ