BBQ Baby Back Ribs
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
2 hrs 10 mins
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Cook Time
2 hrs
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Total Time
4 hrs 10 mins
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Servings
6 people
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Calories
498 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
BBQ Baby Back Ribs
Description
This recipe starts by brining two racks of baby back ribs in mostly Dr Pepper mixed with salt for 2 to 24 hours, which tenderizes the meat and infuses it with slight sweetness and flavor. After brining, the ribs are dried, rubbed with chili powder, then baked covered with foil and a bit of water for two hours at 350°F until the meat is very tender and nearly falling off the bone.
While ribs cook, a barbecue sauce is prepared by sautéing chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil, then mixing in ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, cayenne pepper, and the reserved Dr Pepper. The sauce is simmered until thick, and optionally blended smooth. After baking, the ribs are grilled and liberally brushed with the bbq sauce to caramelize and add a sticky glaze.
The resulting ribs have a balance of soft, fall-off-the-bone texture from slow oven cooking and smoky caramelized flavor from grilling with the richly spiced homemade sauce. The brine and sauce’s Dr Pepper contribute subtle sweetness and complex flavor layers.
Consider doubling the BBQ sauce recipe as it pairs well with grilled corncobs, bread dips, or roasted vegetables during summer cookouts. This versatile sauce can enhance many grilled items beyond ribs.
Ingredients
- 2 racks baby back pork ribs
- 1 large 2 liter bottle of Dr Pepper
- ¼ cup salt
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 cup water
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion finely chopped, large
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Place the ribs in a large baking dish and cover with most of the Dr Pepper (leave about ½ cup of Dr. Pepper for later) Add the salt and soak the ribs for 2 -24 hours in the fridge.
- Heat the oven to 350°F.
- Remove the ribs from the liquid, place on a baking sheet and pat them dry. Give them a good rub with the chili powder. Pour 1 cup of water into the baking sheet, and cover tightly with foil. Bake for 2 hours, until the meat nearly falls off the bone.
- While the ribs are in the oven, make the BBQ Sauce by heating the oil in a small pot over medium heat. Saute the onion and garlic until they're soft and add the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire, apple cider vinegar, cayenne, and remaining ½ cup of Dr Pepper. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. If you want a super smooth sauce, let this cool and then use an immersion blender to puree.
- Once the ribs have cooked for 2 hours, remove from the oven and fire up the grill. Liberally brush the ribs with bbq sauce. When the grill is hot, cook them for 2-4 minutes on each side so they get the nice charred flavor. Remove from grill and add more sauce if desired.
Notes
- Doubling the BBQ sauce recipe is recommended for extra use on other grilled foods like corn, bread, or vegetables.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 498 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 498kcal | 25% |
| Carbohydrates | 15g | 5% |
| Protein | 37g | 74% |
| Fat | 32g | 49% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5g | 29% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 14g | 70% |
| Trans Fat | 0.3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 130mg | 43% |
| Sodium | 5183mg | 216% |
| Potassium | 670mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 975IU | 20% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 92mg | 9% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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