Here’s a delicious recipe for oven-baked ribs that are fall-off-the-bone tender:
Ingredients:
- 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 4-5 pounds)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite kind)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Prepare the Ribs:
- Remove the thin membrane on the back of the ribs. This will make the ribs more tender.
- Rinse the ribs and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Make the Dry Rub:
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and mustard powder.
- Season the Ribs:
- Generously coat the ribs with the dry rub, ensuring you cover both sides. Press the rub into the meat to ensure it adheres well.
- Wrap the Ribs:
- Place each rack of ribs on a large piece of aluminum foil. Drizzle with apple cider vinegar (1/4 cup per rack) to help tenderize the meat.
- Wrap the ribs tightly in the foil and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake:
- Bake the ribs in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the ribs are very tender.
- Apply the Barbecue Sauce:
- Remove the ribs from the oven and carefully unwrap them (they will be very hot and steamy).
- Increase the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
- Brush the ribs with barbecue sauce on both sides and place them back on the baking sheet.
- Caramelize the Sauce:
- Return the ribs to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 30 minutes, basting with more barbecue sauce halfway through. This step will help caramelize the sauce and create a sticky glaze.
- Serve:
- Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before cutting into individual ribs.
- Serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side, if desired.
Enjoy your tender, flavorful, and delicious oven-baked ribs!