These super tender dry rub baked ribs are a true treat! The flavorful spice mix gives them a tasty kick, while baking ensures they’re juicy and fall-off-the-bone perfection.
You’ll love that this recipe is easy enough for a weeknight meal but fancy enough to impress guests! Just rub, bake, and watch smiles all around the table! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Ribs: For this recipe, baby back ribs are a great choice. They’re tender and flavorful. You can also use spare ribs if you prefer more meat, but they might take a bit longer to cook.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps in caramelization. If you want a healthier option, you can use coconut sugar or maple syrup as substitutes, but adjust the quantity.
Smoked Paprika: This gives a smoky flavor without the need for a grill. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works too, but you can add a bit of liquid smoke for extra flavor!
Cayenne Pepper: This is optional and adds heat. You can skip it for milder ribs or replace it with a pinch of black pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes.
How Do I Remove the Membrane from Ribs?
The membrane on the back of the ribs can toughen during cooking, so it’s best to remove it. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a sharp knife to gently lift one corner of the membrane.
- Grab it with a paper towel for a better grip and pull it off slowly. It should come off in one piece.
- If it tears, just continue pulling off the remaining bits.
Taking this step will help your ribs absorb the flavors better and make them more tender. Happy cooking! 🍖
Super Tender Dry Rub Baked Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 racks of pork ribs (about 3-4 pounds total)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (for glazing)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 3 hours of total cooking time. You’ll bake the ribs for 2.5 to 3 hours at a low temperature, then a quick 15-20 minutes at a higher temperature to caramelize the barbecue sauce. In total, you’ll invest a few hours, but the delicious end result is worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 275°F (135°C). To make your cleanup easy, line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil.
2. Prepare the Ribs:
Before seasoning, take a moment to check the back of the ribs. There’s often a thin membrane that can toughen the meat. Use a sharp knife to lift one corner of the membrane and peel it off. You can use a paper towel to get a better grip and pull it off in one piece.
3. Make the Dry Rub:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if you’re using it). This mixture is your flavorful dry rub!
4. Apply the Rub:
Generously coat both sides of the ribs with the spice mix. Make sure to massage the rub into the meat so it’s packed with flavor.
5. Bake the Ribs:
Place the prepared ribs on the lined baking sheet, bone side down. Cover the entire tray tightly with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in. This will help keep the ribs tender during cooking!
6. Cook Low and Slow:
Bake the ribs in your preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours. They should be very tender, and you might notice the meat starting to pull away from the bones.
7. Increase the Temperature:
Once the ribs are tender, remove them from the oven. Now, turn the oven temperature up to 400°F (200°C).
8. Glaze with Barbecue Sauce:
Brush the ribs generously with barbecue sauce on both sides, coating them thoroughly.
9. Caramelize the Sauce:
Return the ribs to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. This will allow the barbecue sauce to caramelize beautifully.
10. Rest and Serve:
When done, take the ribs out of the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute. Slice between the bones to serve.
11. Garnish:
If you like a little extra heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the ribs before serving. Enjoy!
Enjoy your super tender, fall-off-the-bone dry rub baked ribs full of bold smoky and spicy flavors! Perfect for a family feast or a gathering with friends!
FAQ for Super Tender Dry Rub Baked Ribs
Can I Use Other Types of Ribs?
Absolutely! You can use spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs in place of baby back ribs. Just note that cooking times may vary slightly; spare ribs may take a bit longer to become tender.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have All the Spices?
No worries! If you’re missing a spice, feel free to substitute with something similar. For example, if you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works but might lack the smokiness. You can also use your favorite barbecue seasoning mix as a quick alternative!
How Can I Store Leftover Ribs?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover them with foil and warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. You can also microwave them, but be careful not to dry them out!
Can I Make These Ribs Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare and rub the ribs a day in advance, then store them covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps ensure even cooking!
