These Fall Off The Bone Ribs are a real treat! They’re juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. With just the right amount of sauce, they’re perfect for any BBQ lover!
Making these ribs is a fun way to impress family and friends. Just cook them low and slow, and they’ll practically fall off the bone. Trust me, everyone will want seconds! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Baby Back Ribs: These ribs are known for their tenderness. If you can’t find baby back ribs, you can use spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs, but they may need slightly longer cooking time.
Brown Sugar: It gives the ribs a nice caramelization. If you want a healthier option, consider using coconut sugar or honey, but be aware that honey should be added later in the cooking process to prevent burning.
Smoked Paprika: This adds a lovely smokiness to the dish. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or chipotle powder can work too, but with less smokey flavor.
Barbecue Sauce: I love using homemade sauce since you can control the sweetness and spice levels. If short on time, opt for a quality store-bought sauce. Look for one without too many additives!
How Do I Remove the Silver Skin from Ribs?
Removing the silver skin is essential for tenderness! That tough, thin membrane can keep the ribs from cooking evenly. Here’s how to do it:
- Start at one end of the ribs. Use a sharp knife to slide under the skin.
- Once you’ve lifted a bit, use a paper towel to grip and pull the skin off. It should come off fairly easily.
- Make sure to remove any leftover bits for the best texture.
Taking this step will really enhance the final dish, making your ribs fall apart delicious! Enjoy cooking!
Fall Off The Bone Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 racks pork baby back ribs (about 4-5 pounds total)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious rib recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then you’ll need 2.5 to 3 hours to let them bake low and slow in the oven. After that, give them an extra 15-20 minutes at a higher temperature to caramelize with barbecue sauce. A small wait, but totally worth the melt-in-your-mouth result!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First things first, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). While that’s heating up, line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil. This will make for easy cleanup later and help keep the ribs tender.
2. Remove the Silver Skin:
Carefully remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs. This is a tough, thin membrane that can inhibit tenderness. Slide a knife under the edge of the membrane and pull it off—using a paper towel can help grip it better!
3. Make the Spice Rub:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy!). This is the magic dust that will give your ribs a flavorful kick!
4. Rub and Season:
Next, rub the ribs all over with olive oil to help the spices adhere. Generously apply the spice mixture on both sides of the ribs, pressing it in well for maximum flavor.
5. Bake those Ribs:
Place the seasoned ribs on the lined baking sheet, meat side up. Cover the ribs tightly with aluminum foil. This will trap moisture and make them tender as they bake. Pop them in the oven and let them bake for 2.5 to 3 hours—it’s a slow process that ensures they’ll be easy to eat!
6. Brush with Barbecue Sauce:
After the ribs are beautifully tender, carefully take them out of the oven and increase the temperature to 425°F (220°C). Brush the ribs lightly with your favorite barbecue sauce on both sides. Then put them back in the oven, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes. This step caramelizes the sauce, creating that perfect sticky glaze!
7. Rest and Serve:
Once done, remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This will allow juices to redistribute, making them even more irresistible. Slice between the bones to separate them, and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired. Serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.
Enjoy incredibly tender, flavorful ribs that truly fall right off the bone! Your friends and family will be begging for your secret recipe!
Can I Use Different Types of Ribs?
Yes, you can! While baby back ribs are ideal for tenderness, spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs can also be used. Just keep in mind they may take a little longer to cook since they are thicker and meatier.
Can I Cook These Ribs on the Grill Instead?
Absolutely! You can start by baking them as instructed to get them tender and finish them on the grill for 20-30 minutes. Just make sure to keep an eye on the sauce to prevent burning!
What If I Don’t Have Smoked Paprika?
If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can substitute it with regular paprika, though it won’t provide the same smokey flavor. You can also add a dash of liquid smoke to the barbecue sauce for some added smokiness.
How Should I Store Leftover Ribs?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) wrapped in foil until warmed through, or you can grill them for a few minutes to refresh the sauce.
