Discover the secret to mouthwatering baby back ribs 🍖 with our Delicious Baby Back Ribs recipe. These ribs are not just any ribs; they're a culinary masterpiece, slow-cooked to achieve that fall-off-the-bone tenderness we all crave. With a blend of spices that tantalize the taste buds and a smoky flavor that permeates every bite, these ribs promise a dining experience like no other. Whether you're looking to impress guests at your next barbecue or simply treat yourself to a sumptuous meal, our baby back ribs are the perfect choice. Join us in savoring the flavor of perfectly cooked ribs, and let your culinary journey begin.
Instructions For Baby Back Ribs
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Make sure you have all the ingredients you need on hand. This includes 1 tablespoon each of ground cumin, chili powder, and paprika, salt and pepper to taste, 3 pounds of baby back pork ribs, and 1 cup of barbecue sauce. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.
Step 2: Preheat the Grill
If you're using a gas grill, preheat it to high heat. For a charcoal grill, arrange the charcoal briquettes on one side of the barbecue. This setup will allow you to cook the ribs using indirect heat. Lightly oil the grill grate to prevent the ribs from sticking.
Step 3: Prepare the Spice Rub
In a small jar, combine 1 tablespoon of ground cumin, 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 tablespoon of paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Close the lid tightly and shake the jar to mix the spices thoroughly. This will be your dry rub for seasoning the ribs.
Step 4: Trim the Ribs
Place the ribs on a clean cutting board. To remove the membrane from the back of each rack, slide a small, sharp knife under the membrane at one end of the ribs. Use the knife to gently lift and loosen the membrane, then grab it with a paper towel and pull it off. Removing the membrane allows the seasoning to penetrate the meat better and results in more tender ribs.
Step 5: Season the Ribs
Sprinkle the prepared spice rub evenly over both sides of the ribs. Be generous but avoid rubbing the spices in too thoroughly, as this can make the ribs overly dark and spicy. You want a nice, even coating. Any leftover spice mix can be stored in a jar for future use.
Step 6: Set Up the Grill
Place a sheet of aluminum foil on the lower rack of the grill to catch any drippings and prevent flare-ups. This will also make cleanup easier. Lay the ribs on the top rack of the grill, away from the direct heat of the coals if using a charcoal grill. This indirect heat method ensures the ribs cook slowly and evenly.
Step 7: Cook the Ribs
Reduce the heat to low if using a gas grill. Close the lid and let the ribs cook undisturbed for about 1 hour. Try not to open the lid frequently, as this lets out the heat and slows down the cooking process. The ribs are done when the meat pulls away easily from the bone and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 145 degrees F (63 degrees C).
Step 8: Apply the Barbecue Sauce
Once the ribs are cooked through, brush them generously with your favorite barbecue sauce. Close the grill lid and cook for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to caramelize and creates a delicious, sticky glaze on the ribs.
Step 9: Serve the Ribs
Remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat. Serve the ribs as a whole rack for a dramatic presentation, or cut between each rib bone and pile them individually on a platter for easy serving. Enjoy your delicious, smoky, and flavorful BBQ baby back ribs!