Ribs in the Oven with Blueberry BBQ Sauce
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
2 hrs 30 mins
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Total Time
2 hrs 45 mins
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Servings
10
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Calories
173 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Ribs in the Oven with Blueberry BBQ Sauce
Description
Ribs in the Oven with Blueberry BBQ Sauce begins by thoroughly seasoning racks of baby back or St. Louis ribs with a dry rub of brown sugar, paprika, kosher salt, ground black pepper, cayenne, garlic powder, and onion powder. After seasoning, the ribs are tightly wrapped in foil and refrigerated overnight to intensify flavor and tenderize.
They are baked slowly at a low temperature for two and a half hours, resulting in meat that is tender but still holds shape. The accompanying blueberry BBQ sauce combines honey BBQ sauce with fresh or frozen blueberries and liquid smoke, simmered to thicken while breaking down berries to enhance texture and flavor. Once ribs are unwrapped, this sauce is brushed liberally on the meat, which is then broiled briefly to caramelize the surface, creating a sticky, flavorful crust.
This preparation suits dinner or gatherings where ribs are desired with a subtle fruitiness from blueberries, complementing the smoky and sweet elements typical of barbecue.
The dry rub can be stored for convenience, and careful watching during broiling prevents burning while developing a nicely browned finish.
Ingredients
- 2 ribs Baby Back or St. Louis both work well, uncooked, racks
Dry Rub:
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- 1 ½ tsp paprika
- 1 TB kosher salt
- 1 ½ TB black pepper freshly ground
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
Sauce:
- 1 ½ cups honey BBQ sauce your favorite bottled or homemade
- ½ cup blueberries fresh or frozen
- 2 TB liquid smoke
Instructions
- Dry: Pat dry the racks of ribs with paper towels.
- Season: In a bowl, whisk together all dry rub ingredients well. Pat and press dry rub onto both sides of rib racks. Tightly wrap each individual rack of ribs in foil. Place in a single layer on a large baking sheet and let sit in fridge overnight.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 300F. Bake foil-wrapped ribs on baking sheet for 2 1/2 hours.
- Sauce: During last half hour of cook time: combine sauce ingredients in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Use spatula to break apart some of the berries. The sauce will thicken nicely. Cover and keep warm.
- Broil: Let ribs cool enough to handle and remove foil. Discard juices. Brush ribs generously with BBQ sauce, reserving a bit of sauce for serving. Broil on high for 5 minutes or just until tops are nicely browned. Watch carefully so it doesn't burn. Slice ribs and serve warm.
Notes
- Prepare the dry rub ahead and store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Ensure ribs are thoroughly patted dry before applying the rub for better flavor adherence.
- Watch ribs closely during broiling; five minutes is sufficient to caramelize the sauce without burning.
- Serve ribs warm and slice between bones for clean portions.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 173 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 173kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 18.5g | 6% |
| Protein | 13.5g | 27% |
| Fat | 4.8g | 7% |
| Saturated Fat | 1.6g | 8% |
| Cholesterol | 37.6mg | 13% |
| Sodium | 372.6mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 0.7g | 3% |
| Sugar | 15.5g | 31% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.