How to Make THE BEST Baby Back Ribs
User Reviews
4.8
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
3 hrs 20 mins
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Additional Time
4 hrs
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Total Time
7 hrs 25 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
701 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
How to Make THE BEST Baby Back Ribs
Description
The preparation involves coating the ribs evenly with a dry rub made from sweet paprika, brown sugar, ground black pepper, chili, garlic, mustard powders, celery salt, kosher salt, and cayenne for heat. After refrigerating for several hours to infuse flavor, the ribs cook low and slow at 250°F on a rack over a cider-filled pan to keep them moist. The apple cider gently steams the meat, breaking down connective tissue for tenderness.
Finishing the ribs on a medium-high grill while basting with barbecue sauce creates a caramelized glaze with smoky char marks. This two-step cooking combines moist, fall-off-the-bone meat with a glossy, spiced exterior crust. The use of apple cider (not vinegar) adds a subtle fruity balance to the savory spices in the rub.
Careful attention to the type of apple cider is important: it should be non-alcoholic and free of flavored additives like cinnamon to avoid unexpected tastes. The ribs are cooked until the meat easily pulls from the bones, making them ideal for casual barbecues or hearty meals.
Ingredients
- 4 racks baby back pork ribs , 9 to 12 pounds
- 2 cups apple cider
- ¼ cup paprika sweet
- 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons black pepper freshly ground
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons mustard powder dry
- 2 teaspoons celery salt
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- barbecue sauce your favorite
Instructions
- Combine all dry ingredients and generously rub over surface of ribs. Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 250°F. Place room temperature ribs on a high edged sheet pan lined with a wire rack. Pour 1 cup apple cider into the sheet pan, place ribs on the rack, and cook for 1 ½ hours. Add another 1 cup cider and cook for another 1 ½ hours or until meat pulls apart from bones.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill ribs for 7-10 minutes each side, basting with barbeque sauce. Remove and serve.
Notes
- Use non-alcoholic apple cider, not apple cider vinegar, and avoid cider with added flavors like cinnamon for cooking.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 701 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 701kcal | 35% |
| Carbohydrates | 15g | 5% |
| Protein | 55g | 110% |
| Fat | 47g | 72% |
| Saturated Fat | 17g | 85% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 8g | 47% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 20g | 100% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 196mg | 65% |
| Sodium | 1142mg | 48% |
| Potassium | 900mg | 19% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 11g | 22% |
| Vitamin A | 2134IU | 43% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 117mg | 12% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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