These Copycat Texas Roadhouse Ribs are tender and juicy, covered in a sweet, sticky barbecue sauce. They’re perfect for a fun dinner or weekend gathering with friends!
Honestly, these ribs are a hit at any barbecue. I love serving them with baked beans and coleslaw. Fair warning—you might need extra napkins, because they get messy and that’s part of the fun! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Back Ribs: These are the stars of the show! If you can’t find baby back ribs, spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs are good substitutes. They’ll have a slightly different texture and flavor but will still be delicious.
Brown Sugar: This adds a nice sweetness that balances the savory spices. If you prefer a sugar substitute, you can use coconut sugar or even a sugar alternative like Stevia, though the final taste may vary.
Smoked Paprika: For that smoky flavor, smoked paprika is key. If you don’t have it, regular paprika works, but try adding a dash of liquid smoke to mimic the flavor. I always keep smoked paprika in my pantry for its extra depth in flavor.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite sauce, whether it’s tangy, sweet, or spicy. If you want a homemade touch, making your own can be fun! Use tomato paste, vinegar, honey, and spices for a quick version.
How Do I Remove the Membrane from Ribs?
Removing the membrane from the ribs is important for tenderness. The thin layer on the bone side can prevent seasoning from soaking in. Here’s how you can do it:
- Use a sharp knife to lift one edge of the membrane.
- Grab the edge with a paper towel for a better grip.
- Pull slowly and steadily. If it tears, just start from another spot.
This step can make a huge difference in the final texture of your ribs, so don’t skip it!
How to Make Copycat Texas Roadhouse Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ribs:
- 2 racks of baby back ribs
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of onion powder
- 1 tablespoon of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
For the Barbecue Sauce Mixture:
- 1 cup of barbecue sauce (your choice)
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of mustard (yellow or Dijon)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious rib recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and approximately 2.5 to 3 hours of baking time. Once baked, you’ll need about 10 more minutes for grilling or broiling. Set aside some time to enjoy this tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Ribs:
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). While that’s warming up, remove the tough membrane from the back of the ribs to help them stay tender while cooking. Pat the ribs dry with some paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Make the Rub:
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if you’re using it). Mix these dry ingredients together until well blended. This spice rub is what gives the ribs flavor!
3. Season the Ribs:
Generously rub the spice mixture all over both sides of the ribs, making sure they’re well coated. This will give the ribs their amazing taste as they cook. Once they’re seasoned, wrap each rack tightly in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet.
4. Bake the Ribs:
Place the baking sheet with the wrapped ribs into the preheated oven. Let them bake for about 2.5 to 3 hours. You want them to become tender and flavorful during this time.
5. Prepare the Barbecue Sauce Mixture:
While the ribs are baking, mix together your choice of barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and mustard in a bowl. This will be a tasty glaze to brush on the ribs before grilling!
6. Grill or Broil the Ribs:
Once the ribs are done baking, carefully remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Then, preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high heat. Brush the ribs on both sides with the barbecue sauce mixture.
7. Final Cooking:
Place the ribs on the grill or under the broiler. Grill or broil them for about 5-10 minutes, turning them frequently to ensure the sauce becomes caramelized and sticky. This will give them a delicious finish!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
After grilling, take the ribs off the heat and let them rest a bit before slicing. Cut between the bones to serve. Enjoy your tender, mouthwatering ribs with some extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping!
Can I Use Spare Ribs Instead of Baby Back Ribs?
Absolutely! Spare ribs will work just fine, but they may require a slightly longer cooking time since they are typically thicker. Expect to add an extra 30 minutes to your baking time for spare ribs to ensure they are tender.
What If I Don’t Have Smoked Paprika?
No worries! If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can substitute it with regular paprika, or use a mix of paprika and a little chili powder for depth of flavor. Just remember that you might miss the smoky undertone that smoked paprika provides.
How to Store Leftover Ribs?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep them juicy, you can add a splash of barbecue sauce before sealing. When ready to eat, reheat them gently in the oven or grill to retain their texture.
Can I Make the Spice Rub Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can mix the spice rub ingredients in advance and store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months. This way, you’ll have it ready whenever you want to whip up some ribs!
