Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs, lovingly prepared with a perfect blend of sweetness and smokiness. These succulent ribs, marinated in a symphony of spices and herbs, are slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in tender meat that effortlessly separates from the bone. Whether you prefer the classic grilled version, the convenience of an oven-baked method, or the irresistible indulgence of ribs cooked in a smoker, this article has a recipe for every taste and cooking style. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving more.
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SWEET-AND-SMOKY BABY BACK RIBS WITH BOURBON BARBECUE SAUCE
Provided by Steve Raichlen
Categories Beer Bourbon Pork Marinate Backyard BBQ Pork Rib Summer Grill Grill/Barbecue Bon Appétit
Yield Makes 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Arrange ribs in large roasting pan. Pour bourbon over. Chill 30 minutes, turning ribs often. Pour off and discard bourbon.
- Whisk salt and next 5 ingredients in medium bowl. Sprinkle spice mixture on both sides of ribs. Let stand 1 hour.
- Place wood chips in medium bowl. Pour beer over; let stand 1 hour. Place handful of torn newspaper in bottom of charcoal chimney. Top newspaper with 25 charcoal briquettes. Remove upper rack from barbecue. Place chimney on lower grill rack. Light newspaper and let charcoal burn until ash is gray, about 30 minutes.
- Open 1 bottom grill vent. Turn out hot charcoal onto 1 side of lower rack. Using metal spatula, spread charcoal to cover approximately 1/3 of rack. Remove 1 cup wood chips from beer and drain (keep remaining chips in beer). Scatter drained chips over coals (avoid using too many wet chips, which may douse the fire). Fill foil loaf pan halfway with water and place opposite the coals on lower grill rack.
- Place upper grill rack on barbecue. Arrange ribs on upper grill rack above loaf pan. Cover barbecue with lid, positioning top vent directly over ribs. Place stem of candy thermometer through top vent, with gauge on outside and tip near ribs (thermometer should not touch meat or grill rack); leave in place during cooking. Check temperature after 5 minutes. Use top and bottom vents to maintain temperature between 275°F and 325°F, opening vents wider to increase heat and closing to decrease heat. Leave any other vents closed.
- After 45 minutes, use technique described earlier to light an additional 15 charcoal briquettes in same charcoal chimney set atop nonflammable surface.
- When temperature of barbecue falls below 275°F, use oven mitts to lift off upper rack with ribs; place rack with ribs on heatproof surface. Using tongs, add hot gray charcoal from chimney to bottom rack. Drain remaining 1 cup wood chips; sprinkle over charcoal. Reposition upper rack on barbecue, placing ribs above loaf pan. Cover with lid. Grill until ribs are very tender and meat pulls away from bones, about 45 minutes longer, brushing with 3/4 cup Bourbon Barbecue Sauce the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Transfer ribs to platter. Brush with 3/4 cup more barbecue sauce. Serve, passing remaining sauce separately, if desired.
SWEET AND SMOKY BABY BACK RIBS
Steps:
- Remove the thin papery skin on the back of each rack of the ribs or ask your butcher to do it. (Pull it off in a sheet with your fingers, using a corner of a dish towel to gain a secure grip.) Place the ribs in a roasting pan and pour the bourbon over them. Let marinate in the refrigerator for 1/2 hour, turning the ribs several times.
- Meanwhile, combine the ingredients for the rub in a bowl and stir to mix. Pour off and discard the bourbon. Sprinkle the ribs on both sides with 2/3 of the rub, patting it in with your fingers. Let the ribs marinate for 30 minutes, while you light your grill.
- Set up your grill for indirect grilling and smoking, using wood chips and adjust the heat to 350 degrees. Arrange the ribs on a rack in the center of the grill away from the heat and cook until very tender and the meat has pulled away from the ends of the bones, 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours. The last 15 minutes, brush the ribs with 1/3 cup sauce. Sprinkle with the remaining rub. Serve the remaining barbecue sauce on the side.
Tips for Making Sweet and Smoky Baby Back Ribs:
- Choose the right ribs: Look for baby back ribs that are meaty and have a good amount of marbling. Avoid ribs that are too thin or have too much fat.
- Prepare the ribs: Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This will help the ribs cook more evenly and will make them more tender.
- Make the rub: Combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, and salt in a small bowl. Rub the mixture all over the ribs.
- Smoke the ribs: Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the ribs on the smoker and cook for 2-3 hours, or until the ribs are tender and cooked through.
- Baste the ribs: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, baste the ribs with your favorite BBQ sauce. This will help to add flavor and moisture to the ribs.
- Let the ribs rest: Once the ribs are cooked, remove them from the smoker and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will help the ribs to retain their juices.
Conclusion:
Sweet and smoky baby back ribs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. By following these tips, you can make the best baby back ribs that are fall-off-the-bone tender and packed with flavor. So fire up your smoker and get ready to enjoy some amazing ribs!
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