Succulent, fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs enveloped in a tangy, sweet, and smoky Carolina mop sauce are the stars of this tantalizing dish. These tender ribs are meticulously slow-smoked over a bed of aromatic wood chips, infusing them with an irresistible smoky flavor. The Carolina mop sauce, a harmonious blend of vinegar, mustard, brown sugar, and spices, bastes the ribs throughout the cooking process, creating a glossy, caramelized crust that seals in the juices and amplifies the flavors. The result is a lip-smacking, finger-licking culinary masterpiece that will elevate any gathering.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you on a culinary journey, providing step-by-step instructions, insightful tips, and variations to create the perfect baby back ribs. From selecting the best ribs to mastering the art of slow-smoking and crafting the ultimate Carolina mop sauce, we'll equip you with the knowledge and confidence to impress your family and friends with this delectable dish. So, fire up your smoker, gather your ingredients, and let's embark on a smoky, flavorful adventure.
CAROLINA MOP SAUCE
This BBQ mop sauce will keep your pork ribs tender and flavorful, even after hours on your charcoal smoker. Made with apple cider vinegar, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes, this sauce is the key to locking in sweet and spicy flavors.
Provided by Ben
Time 35m
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Pour all the ingredients into a jar with a tight-fitting lid; shake well
- Refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
NO-FUSS BAKED BABY BACK RIBS
Provided by Kardea Brown
Categories main-dish
Time 4h25m
Yield 15 to 20 servings
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- For the ribs: Mix together the soy sauce, Worcestershire, liquid smoke, brown sugar, ginger, pinch of salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper in a large measuring cup. Arrange the ribs in a roasting pan, hotel pan or baking dish large enough to fit them all. Pour the marinade over the ribs. Toss and flip until all the ribs are coated. Marinate 1 hour at room temperature or refrigerate up to overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F. Line 3 rimmed baking sheets with aluminum foil.
- Place 2 racks of ribs on each baking sheet, meat-side up. Brush with any remaining marinade left behind in the roasting pan. Cover with more foil. Bake for 2 hours.
- For the Carolina moppin' sauce: Meanwhile, put the mustard, brown sugar, vinegar, granulated sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika and tomato sauce in a large saucepan and whisk until completely combined. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce to medium-low and simmer until thickened, about 1 hour.
- Uncover the ribs and drain off the fat, reserving for another use (see Cook's Note). Mop or brush the sauce on both sides, returning the ribs to meat-side up. Raise the oven to 300 degrees F and bake the ribs, uncovered, until the meat is tender and the sauce begins to caramelize, about 1 more hour.
- Mop the ribs again on both sides. Raise the oven to 375 degrees F and bake the ribs, uncovered and adding more sauce as it absorbs, until the meat gets brown and caramelized, about 1 hour more. Cut the ribs into individual pieces. Use the remaining sauce for serving, or keep in the refrigerator for later use.
CAROLINA STYLE RIBS
Mustard based sauces are definitively South Carolina. This one will definitely satisfy your needs. This is for the big fatty ribs, not the baby backs. Do not trim the fat from the ribs. This method renders out fat and keeps ribs moist. If you do not have a smoker available, this can also be done in the oven.
Provided by Steve Watson
Categories Meat and Poultry Recipes Pork Pork Rib Recipes Spare Ribs
Time 4h30m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, lemon juice, white vinegar, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, molasses and mustard. Season with granulated garlic, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, white pepper and cayenne pepper, and mix well. Set aside.
- Preheat an outdoor grill or smoker to 225 to 250 degrees F (110 to 120 degrees C).
- Rub ribs liberally with barbeque seasoning, then place them in the smoker or grill, and cover. Cook for 4 hours, or until very tender. The meat will easily separate from the bone. Baste ribs with mustard sauce liberally during the final 30 minutes. Heat remaining sauce to a boil, and serve on the side.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 750 calories, Carbohydrate 24 g, Cholesterol 192.4 mg, Fat 50.5 g, Fiber 2.2 g, Protein 48.8 g, SaturatedFat 17.8 g, Sodium 3406.2 mg, Sugar 16.1 g
SLOW SMOKED BABY BACK RIBS IN A CAROLINA MOP SAUCE
Like any southern BBQ, these ribs can't be rushed and take a bit of TLC, but the outcome is so worth it. Once cooked, the ribs are fall off the bone tender with a perfect smokey flavor. We loved the combination of spices in the dry rub. George's mop sauce makes this recipe special. It's tangy and cooks to sweet, sticky...
Provided by George Levinthal
Categories Ribs
Time 17h
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- 1. Combine all of the rub ingredients together in a small bowl.
- 2. Rub on both sides of the ribs massaging it into the meat. Place in a large, sealable plastic bag and refrigerate for at least 2 to 4 hours, or overnight.
- 3. Preheat you smoker to Smoke or a grill set for low, indirect heat. Add the wood chips or pellets and when they start to smoke, place the ribs directly on the grill, close the cover and cook, uncovered for 2-1/2 hours.
- 4. Spray every 30 to 45 minutes with a mixture of water and apple cider. A little Jack Daniels wouldn't hurt either. During this time, I make my mop sauce (See recipe below).
- 5. During the last 30 minutes of the uncovered cooking slather the ribs with the mop sauce. Then after the 2-1/2 hours slather the mop sauce on again, both sides.
- 6. Cover with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Turn up the heat to medium and continue to smoke, for 1-1/2 hours.
- 7. After 1-1/2 hours remove the ribs from the foil. Slather again with the mop sauce and cook for another 30 minutes to 1 hour until the meat has receded from the tip of the bone about 1/4" and are about ready to fall off the bone.
- 8. Slice into small slabs or individual ribs and serve with the remaining mop sauce.
- 9. For the Mop Sauce, heat the oil or butter in a medium saucepan. Add the shallots, salt, and pepper. Cook on medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes until the shallots are beginning to soften. Add the garlic and ginger and combine. Let cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
- 10. Gradually add the remaining ingredients and bring to a slow boil, stirring occasionally.
- 11. Turn the heat to low and continue to cook 10 to 15 minutes. Reduce the heat to simmer and keep warm. If you want to thicken it a little before you serve with the ribs, add a little cornstarch mixed with water into the sauce, bring back to a boil for a few minutes until it starts to thicken. You'll probably have some left for the next time or on other dishes.
EAST CAROLINA VINEGAR BBQ SAUCE RECIPE
Create your own amazing East Carolina vinegar BBQ sauce and mop with this simple to follow recipe. Tangy and spicy, Low Country vinegar sauce is great for finishing fatty pork and does double duty as a baste (or mop) for adding layers of flavor to the meat as it cooks. Because it is so thin, it penetrates deep.
Provided by Kris Coppieters
Categories Sauces and Condiments
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Prep. Pour all the ingredients into a jar and shake. Let it sit for at least 12 hours to allow the flavors to meld. A week is better.
- Use. You can use it as a mop when you cook, you can use it as a finishing sauce when you serve the meat, or both. In the Carolinas, it is usually used as both a mop and a finishing sauce.
- To use it as both a mop and finishing sauce, warm it, pour a few ounces (~89mL) into a cup and paint it on the meat with a basting brush once every hour or so while it is cooking. If you use it as a mop, the sauce in the cup can get contaminated with uncooked meat juices on the brush. That's why you don't want to dip the brush in the whole bottle. Discard contaminated mop and serve untouched sauce at the table.
Tips:
- Choose high-quality baby back ribs: Look for ribs that are meaty and well-marbled.
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs: This will help the ribs cook more evenly.
- Season the ribs liberally with a dry rub: This will help to enhance the flavor of the ribs.
- Smoke the ribs at a low temperature for a long period of time: This will help to make the ribs tender and fall-off-the-bone.
- Baste the ribs with a Carolina mop sauce during the last hour of cooking: This will help to keep the ribs moist and add a delicious flavor.
Conclusion:
Slow-smoked baby back ribs are a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. By following the tips in this article, you can easily make ribs that are tender, flavorful, and fall-off-the-bone. So fire up your smoker and get ready to enjoy some amazing ribs!
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