Best 7 Baby Back Barbecue Ribs Recipes

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If you're a barbecue enthusiast, you know baby back ribs are a classic dish that's both flavorful and satisfying. Whether you prefer a sweet, tangy sauce or a dry rub, there's a baby back barbecue rib recipe out there to suit your taste. In this article, we'll explore some of the best recipes for cooking baby back barbecue ribs, providing you with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure your ribs turn out perfectly tender and delicious.

Let's cook with our recipes!

SPICE-RUBBED BABY BACK RIBS WITH CHIPOTLE-BOURBON BARBECUE SAUCE



Spice-Rubbed Baby Back Ribs With Chipotle-Bourbon Barbecue Sauce image

The baby back (sometimes called top loin) is the perfect rib for neophytes. Cut from high on the hog - literally, it abuts the backbone - it's intrinsically tender and generously marbled, which keeps it moist during smoking. Thanks to these attributes, you can cook it at a higher temperature than the low-and-slow heat favored in the American barbecue belt. This shortens the cooking time and lets you cook the ribs on a common charcoal kettle grill. (However, you can certainly smoke these ribs low and slow at 250 degrees, in which case, you'll need 3 1/2 to 4 hours of cooking time - and a smoker.) The higher heat and shorter cooking time produce ribs with a firmer, meatier consistency. Add a chile-stung spice rub and a sweet, spicy chipotle-bourbon barbecue sauce, and you wind up with textbook barbecued ribs with a distinctive sweet, hot, smoky finish.

Provided by Steven Raichlen

Categories     dinner, barbecues, finger foods, meat, main course

Time 2h30m

Yield 2 racks (2 to 4 servings)

Number Of Ingredients 20

2 racks baby back ribs (2 to 2 1/2 pounds each)
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon chile powder
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons black pepper
1/4 teaspoon celery seeds
2 large or 4 small hardwood chunks or 3 cups hardwood chips (if using the latter, soak in water to cover for 30 minutes, then drain)
1/2 cup apple cider in a spray bottle (optional)
1 1/4 cups ketchup
1/3 cup Thai sweet chile sauce
1/4 cup bourbon
3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
3 tablespoons molasses
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 to 2 canned chipotle chiles en adobo, minced, plus 1 to 2 teaspoons sauce
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest, plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Place the ribs on a rimmed baking sheet. If the concave side of your ribs still has its papery membrane intact, remove it: Pry it up at the end of the bones using the tip of a meat thermometer or butter knife, then pull it off with a paper towel. Lightly brush the ribs on both sides with the mustard.
  • Prepare the rub: In a small bowl, combine the chile powder, brown sugar, salt, pepper and celery seeds. Reserve 1 1/2 teaspoons rub for serving, then sprinkle the remaining rub on the ribs, coating both sides.
  • Set up your charcoal grill for indirect grilling and heat to 300 degrees.
  • Once the grill comes to temperature, add half the wood chunks or chips to the coals. Arrange the ribs meat (rounded) side up on the grate away from the heat, then cover the grill. Grill the ribs over indirect heat for 1 hour.
  • After the ribs have grilled for 1 hour, spray on both sides with apple cider (if using), turning the ribs with tongs. Add the remaining wood chunks or chips to the fire and close the grill again.
  • While the ribs grill, prepare the barbecue sauce: Place all the sauce ingredients, along with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, in a heavy saucepan and whisk to mix. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking often. Reduce the heat and gently simmer the sauce, uncovered, until thick and richly flavored, 6 to 8 minutes. Correct the seasoning, adding more salt and pepper to taste; set aside. (Makes about 2 cups.)
  • Continue grilling the ribs over indirect heat, rounded side up, until sizzling, browned, tender, and the meat has shrunk back from the ends of the bones by 1/4 to 1/2 inch. This normally takes 2 to 2 1/2 hours in all, but sometimes you'll need a full 3 hours. The last 20 minutes, brush the ribs on both sides with some of the barbecue sauce. When ready, the meat should be tender enough so you can pull the individual ribs apart with your fingers.
  • Brush each rack on both sides with more barbecue sauce. Move each rack directly over the fire and direct grill to sizzle the sauce into the meat, 2 to 4 minutes per side.
  • Transfer the ribs to a platter for serving. Brush once more with barbecue sauce and sprinkle the ribs with the remaining rub. Serve the remaining sauce in a bowl on the side.

CHILI-RUBBED BABY BACK RIBS WITH ESPRESSO BARBECUE SAUCE



Chili-Rubbed Baby Back Ribs with Espresso Barbecue Sauce image

Categories     Beer     Coffee     Bake     Backyard BBQ     Pork Rib     Spice     Summer     Grill     Grill/Barbecue     Bon Appétit

Yield Makes 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 tablespoons hot Mexican-style chili powder
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 pounds baby back pork ribs
1 12-ounce bottle dark beer
1 18-ounce bottle good-quality barbecue sauce
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons (packed) golden brown sugar
1 tablespoon instant espresso powder

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Whisk chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper in small bowl to blend. Rub spice mixture all over ribs. Place ribs in heavy large roasting pan.
  • Boil beer in medium saucepan until reduced to 1 cup, about 5 minutes. Pour beer around ribs. Cover pan tightly with foil. Bake ribs until fork-tender, about 1 hour 30 minutes.
  • Combine barbecue sauce, 1/2 cup water, brown sugar, and espresso powder in heavy medium saucepan. Simmer until flavors blend and sauce thickens slightly, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. (Ribs and barbecue sauce can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cool slightly, then cover separately and refrigerate.)
  • Prepare barbecue (medium heat). Brush ribs with some barbecue sauce. Grill ribs just until heated through, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer ribs to platter. Bring remaining sauce to simmer. Brush ribs with more barbecue sauce. Serve ribs, passing remaining barbecue sauce separately.

DELICIOUS OVEN BAKED BARBECUE BABY BACK RIBS



Delicious Oven Baked Barbecue Baby Back Ribs image

For the best taste prepare the sauce a day ahead to blend flavors --- although I have 6 servings listed for these ribs, my DS and DS could eat the whole thing just between themselves they are that delicious! I have made this recipe using side ribs also but I suggest to boil them first for about 20 minutes before cooking them in the oven for side ribs, I have to say that back ribs are better --- I always most always serve these ribs with my recipe#102617 --- you will *love* these ribs!

Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz

Categories     Pork

Time P1DT1h40m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

3 racks of baby-back pork ribs
salt and pepper (can use seasoning salt)
2 cups of prepared barbecue sauce (recipe below)
2 cups ketchup
1 small onion, minced
1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
4 cups water
1 cup cider vinegar
2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 cup chili powder
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 -2 teaspoon liquid smoke (to taste) (optional)
black pepper

Steps:

  • Prepare this sauce a day ahead and chill overnight.
  • In a saucepan combine all ingredients and bring to a slow boil, stirring occasionally to prevent from scorching (about 30-35 minutes).
  • You can strain the sauce if desired to remove the onion and garlic, that is optional.
  • Cool to about room temperature; cover and chill overnight or up to 2 days.
  • Sprinkle ribs with salt and pepper, then let the ribs sit out for 30 minutes at room temperature before baking.
  • Set oven to 350 degrees.
  • Grease a large baking sheet/s.
  • Place the ribs (meat side up) on baking sheet.
  • Bake the ribs for 30 minutes.
  • Remove the ribs and brush on about 1/4 cup prepared sauce over each rack of ribs; return to oven and continue to bake for 20 minutes longer.
  • After 20 minutes, remove and brush another 1/4 cup over each rack, place back in the oven for another 20 minuters.
  • Repeat again using 1/4 cup sauce this time for about 25-30 minutes (100 minutes baking time in total).
  • Cut the ribs into thirds and arrange on a serving platter; rub a bit more sauce over the top of the ribs and serve!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1493.3, Fat 89, SaturatedFat 31.2, Cholesterol 369.5, Sodium 2246.6, Carbohydrate 70.4, Fiber 3.7, Sugar 54.1, Protein 104.8

GRILLED BABY BACK RIBS WITH SPICY BARBECUE SAUCE



Grilled Baby Back Ribs with Spicy Barbecue Sauce image

Enjoy these grilled pork loin back ribs brushed with spicy barbecue sauce - a wonderful dinner!

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 2h50m

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 10

4 1/2 lb pork loin back ribs
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup white vinegar
1 tablespoon celery seed
1/2 teaspoon red pepper sauce
1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke, if desired

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 325°F. Cut ribs into serving pieces; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place ribs in 15x10x1-inch pan. Cover with foil; bake about 2 hours 30 minutes or until tender.
  • Meanwhile, in 2-quart saucepan, mix sauce ingredients. Heat to boiling over medium heat, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to low; simmer uncovered 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Heat gas or charcoal grill for indirect cooking as directed by manufacturer.
  • Place pork on unheated side of two-burner gas grill or over drip pan on charcoal grill. (If using one-burner gas grill, cook over low heat.) Cover grill; cook 15 to 20 minutes, brushing with sauce every 5 minutes, until pork is no longer pink and meat begins to pull away from bones. Discard any remaining sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 550, Carbohydrate 17 g, Cholesterol 150 mg, Fiber 0 g, Protein 36 g, SaturatedFat 14 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 750 mg, Sugar 16 g, TransFat 0 g

SWEET-AND-SMOKY BABY BACK RIBS WITH BOURBON BARBECUE SAUCE



Sweet-and-Smoky Baby Back Ribs with Bourbon Barbecue Sauce image

Provided by Steve Raichlen

Categories     Beer     Bourbon     Pork     Marinate     Backyard BBQ     Pork Rib     Summer     Grill     Grill/Barbecue     Bon Appétit

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

6 baby back pork rib racks
1 cup bourbon
3 tablespoons coarse salt
3 tablespoons (packed) dark brown sugar
3 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons ground black pepper
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 cups hickory wood chips
2 cups beer
Bourbon Barbecue Sauce

Steps:

  • Arrange ribs in large roasting pan. Pour bourbon over. Chill 30 minutes, turning ribs often. Pour off and discard bourbon.
  • Whisk salt and next 5 ingredients in medium bowl. Sprinkle spice mixture on both sides of ribs. Let stand 1 hour.
  • Place wood chips in medium bowl. Pour beer over; let stand 1 hour. Place handful of torn newspaper in bottom of charcoal chimney. Top newspaper with 25 charcoal briquettes. Remove upper rack from barbecue. Place chimney on lower grill rack. Light newspaper and let charcoal burn until ash is gray, about 30 minutes.
  • Open 1 bottom grill vent. Turn out hot charcoal onto 1 side of lower rack. Using metal spatula, spread charcoal to cover approximately 1/3 of rack. Remove 1 cup wood chips from beer and drain (keep remaining chips in beer). Scatter drained chips over coals (avoid using too many wet chips, which may douse the fire). Fill foil loaf pan halfway with water and place opposite the coals on lower grill rack.
  • Place upper grill rack on barbecue. Arrange ribs on upper grill rack above loaf pan. Cover barbecue with lid, positioning top vent directly over ribs. Place stem of candy thermometer through top vent, with gauge on outside and tip near ribs (thermometer should not touch meat or grill rack); leave in place during cooking. Check temperature after 5 minutes. Use top and bottom vents to maintain temperature between 275°F and 325°F, opening vents wider to increase heat and closing to decrease heat. Leave any other vents closed.
  • After 45 minutes, use technique described earlier to light an additional 15 charcoal briquettes in same charcoal chimney set atop nonflammable surface.
  • When temperature of barbecue falls below 275°F, use oven mitts to lift off upper rack with ribs; place rack with ribs on heatproof surface. Using tongs, add hot gray charcoal from chimney to bottom rack. Drain remaining 1 cup wood chips; sprinkle over charcoal. Reposition upper rack on barbecue, placing ribs above loaf pan. Cover with lid. Grill until ribs are very tender and meat pulls away from bones, about 45 minutes longer, brushing with 3/4 cup Bourbon Barbecue Sauce the last 15 minutes of cooking.
  • Transfer ribs to platter. Brush with 3/4 cup more barbecue sauce. Serve, passing remaining sauce separately, if desired.

CHILI-RUBBED BABY BACK RIBS WITH ESPRESSO BARBECUE SAUCE



Chili-Rubbed Baby Back Ribs With Espresso Barbecue Sauce image

I got this recipe from Bon Appetit some years ago. It does make up alot of sauce....but any leftovers can be used for another use. As for the taste, well they makes for succulent, fall off the bone ribs.

Provided by Abby Girl

Categories     Pork

Time 2h30m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 tablespoons Mexican chili powder
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 lbs pork baby back ribs
1 (12 ounce) bottle dark beer
1 (18 ounce) bottle barbecue sauce
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons golden brown sugar (packed)
1 tablespoon instant espresso powder

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400°F Whisk chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper in small bowl to blend. Rub spice mixture all over ribs. Place ribs in heavy large roasting pan.
  • Boil beer in medium saucepan until reduced to 1 cup, about 5 minutes. Pour beer around ribs. Cover pan tightly with foil. Bake ribs until fork-tender, about 1 hour 30 minutes.
  • Combine barbecue sauce, 1/2 cup water, brown sugar, and espresso powder in heavy medium saucepan. Simmer until flavors blend and sauce thickens slightly, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. (Ribs and barbecue sauce can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cool slightly, then cover separately and refrigerate.).
  • Prepare barbecue (medium heat). Brush ribs with some barbecue sauce. Grill ribs just until heated through, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer ribs to platter. Bring remaining sauce to simmer. Brush ribs with more barbecue sauce. Serve ribs, passing remaining barbecue sauce separately.

CHILI RUBBED BABY BACK RIBS W/ DARK ROAST COFFEE BARBECUE SAUCE



Chili Rubbed Baby Back Ribs W/ Dark Roast Coffee Barbecue Sauce image

Make and share this Chili Rubbed Baby Back Ribs W/ Dark Roast Coffee Barbecue Sauce recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Wildcatter

Categories     Low Protein

Time 2h

Yield 3-4 ribs (lbs)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 tablespoon ground cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried chipotle powder
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
12 ounces dark beer
14 -18 ounces prepared hickory barbecue sauce
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons golden brown sugar
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon finely ground dark roast coffee (or espresso)

Steps:

  • For the rub:.
  • Whisk rub ingredients together in small bowl.
  • Rub spice mixture all over ribs.
  • Gently boil beer in medium saucepan until reduced to about 1 cup.
  • Place ribs in roasting pan or thick foil for grill. Pour beer around ribs. Cover ribs with foil and set aside.
  • Preheat oven to 400F or preheat gas grill to approximately 350-400°F
  • Once heated, roast ribs for about 1.5 hours. If using outdoor gas grill try adding some alder or cherry wood chips (if not for anything other than a neighbor jealousy-inducing aroma).
  • For the BBQ sauce:.
  • Combine ingredients in medium saucepan and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Brush ribs with sauce. Grill ribs over medium heat, about 5 minutes per side. Save some sauce for slathering and dipping.
  • Serve with polenta.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 248.4, Fat 4.1, SaturatedFat 0.6, Sodium 2446.4, Carbohydrate 43.7, Fiber 4.4, Sugar 22.1, Protein 4.5

Tips:

  • Choose high-quality baby back ribs. Look for ribs that are meaty and have good marbling.
  • Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This will help the ribs cook more evenly and will make them more tender.
  • Season the ribs liberally with a rub of your choice. A good rub will help to enhance the flavor of the ribs.
  • Cook the ribs low and slow. This will help to keep them moist and tender. If cooking in an oven, maintain a temperature of around 225-250°F for 2-3 hours, basting with barbecue sauce every 30 minutes or so.
  • If cooking on a grill, cook the ribs over indirect heat for 2-3 hours, basting with barbecue sauce every 30 minutes or so.
  • Once the ribs are cooked, let them rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will help to keep them juicy.

Conclusion:

Making baby back barbecue ribs at home is a fun and rewarding experience. By following the tips and recipes in this article, you can create mouthwatering ribs that will impress your family and friends. So fire up your grill or oven and get started today!

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