Here’s a classic, foolproof recipe for Baby Back Ribs — tender, juicy, and fall-off-the-bone delicious. Whether you’re cooking them in the oven, on the grill, or finishing with a broil, this method gives you smoky BBQ flavor without a smoker.
🐷 BBQ Baby Back Ribs (Oven & Grill-Friendly)
🕒 Total Time: 2.5–3 hours
Serves: 4
🧾 Ingredients:
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2 racks baby back pork ribs (about 2–2½ lbs each)
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2–3 tbsp yellow mustard or olive oil (for rub adhesion)
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Your favorite BBQ dry rub (store-bought or homemade – see below)
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1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
🔧 Homemade Dry Rub (optional):
Mix together:
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¼ cup brown sugar
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1 tbsp smoked paprika
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1 tbsp chili powder
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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1 tsp ground black pepper
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp cayenne (optional)
🔪 Instructions:
🔹 1. Prep the ribs:
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Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
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Remove the silverskin membrane from the back of each rack (use a paper towel to grip and peel it off).
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Rub both sides with mustard or oil.
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Generously apply dry rub to both sides. Let sit for 15–30 minutes, or wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours for more flavor.
🔹 2. Bake low and slow (oven method):
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Wrap each rack in foil (or double layer for no leaks).
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Place on a baking sheet and bake for 2½ hours, or until tender.
(You can also cook them in a smoker or on a grill over indirect heat for 2.5–3 hours.)
🔹 3. Finish with BBQ sauce:
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Remove from oven and carefully unwrap.
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Brush both sides with BBQ sauce.
To caramelize (choose one):
🔸 Broil: Place under broiler for 4–6 minutes until sauce bubbles and edges brown.
🔸 Grill: Grill over medium heat for 5–10 minutes, flipping once, until nicely charred.
🍽️ Serve With:
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Classic coleslaw
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Cornbread or grilled corn
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Baked beans or potato salad
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Extra napkins!
💡 Tips:
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Fall-off-the-bone ribs: Bake at a lower temp (275°F) for 3 hours.
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Sticky ribs: Apply a second coat of BBQ sauce just before serving.
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Smoky twist: Add a splash of liquid smoke to the rub or cook over soaked wood chips on the grill.