Ingredients:
- 2 racks of baby back ribs
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your grill or oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Prepare the ribs by removing the membrane from the back of each rack. This can be done by loosening one corner with a knife or your fingers, then using a paper towel to grip and peel off the membrane.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. This will be the dry rub for the ribs.
- Rub the dry spice mixture all over the ribs, coating them evenly on both sides.
- If using a grill: Wrap each rack of ribs tightly in aluminum foil, creating a sealed packet. Place the foil-wrapped ribs on the grill over indirect heat. Close the grill and cook for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and pulls away from the bones.
If using an oven: Place the seasoned ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Cover the ribs with another sheet of foil, sealing the edges to create a packet. Bake in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and pulls away from the bones.
- While the ribs are cooking, prepare the barbecue sauce. If using store-bought sauce, simply transfer it to a saucepan and warm it over low heat. If making homemade sauce, follow your preferred recipe.
- After the ribs have cooked for the recommended time, carefully remove them from the grill or oven. Open the foil packets and brush the ribs generously with the barbecue sauce on both sides.
- If using a grill: Return the sauced ribs to the grill over direct heat. Grill for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the sauce caramelizes and creates a sticky glaze.
If using an oven: Preheat the broiler. Place the sauced ribs back in the oven under the broiler for 2-3 minutes on each side, watching closely to prevent burning. This will help the sauce caramelize and create a flavorful glaze.
- Remove the ribs from the grill or oven and let them rest for a few minutes before cutting into individual servings.
- Serve the BBQ ribs with additional barbecue sauce on the side, along with your favorite sides like coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans, or potato salad.
These finger-licking BBQ ribs are tender, juicy, and packed with smoky flavors. The dry rub adds a delicious blend of spices, while the barbecue sauce adds a tangy and sweet glaze. Whether you cook them on the grill or in the oven, these ribs will be a crowd-pleasing centerpiece for any barbecue or gathering. Enjoy the succulent meat falling off the bone and savor the irresistible combination of flavors in every bite.
