Indulging in the succulent taste of tender BBQ ribs is a delight for any barbecue enthusiast. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of creating mouthwatering baby back ribs that will leave your taste buds craving for more. From selecting the finest ingredients to mastering the art of preparation, this recipe guarantees a symphony of flavors that will elevate your barbecue game to new heights.
Ingredients: To embark on this flavorful journey, gather the following ingredients:
Ribs:
- 3 pounds baby back ribs (2 slabs)
- 2 onions, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, sliced
Rib rub (optional):
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon lemon pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
BBQ sauce:
- ½ cup BBQ Sauce
- ½ cup chili sauce (or additional BBQ sauce)
- ¼ cup ketchup
Preparations:
- Preheat the oven to 275°F. If you choose to use a rib rub, mix together paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, lemon pepper, and salt in a bowl.
- Remove the white membrane from the back side of the ribs, ensuring it comes off easily. Pat the ribs dry and check for any bone shards or unwanted pieces.
- Season the ribs with salt and pepper or, if using the rib rub, sprinkle it generously and massage it into the ribs.
- Place the ribs on a foil-lined tray, meaty side down, and cover them with sliced onions and garlic.
- Cover and seal the tray with another piece of foil to create a cooking packet.
- Bake the ribs for 2 hours. Check for tenderness by carefully opening the corner of the sealed foil and pulling a small piece of meat off. If not tender, bake for an additional 20-30 minutes and recheck.
- While the ribs are baking, combine the BBQ Rib Sauce ingredients in a bowl.
- Once the ribs are done baking, remove them from the oven and discard any accumulated juices, onions, and garlic. Brush the ribs with olive oil and generously apply the BBQ sauce.
- Grill or broil the ribs over medium-high heat for 5-10 minutes, or until a delightful char forms.
Conclusion: Congratulations! You have now mastered the art of crafting the perfect tender BBQ ribs. The combination of carefully selected ingredients, meticulous preparation, and a flavorful BBQ sauce has transformed simple ribs into a culinary masterpiece. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply treating yourself to a special meal, these finger-licking good ribs are sure to impress. Enjoy the rich, smoky flavor and the fall-off-the-bone tenderness – a true celebration of barbecue perfection!