Best 7 Kansas City Style Baby Back Ribs Recipes

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Kansas City-style baby back ribs are a culinary delight that have captivated barbecue enthusiasts worldwide. Renowned for their succulent texture, smoky flavor, and iconic sweet and tangy sauce, these ribs embody the essence of American barbecue traditions. If you're seeking to recreate the authentic Kansas City-style baby back ribs experience at home, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the essential knowledge and techniques to achieve barbecue perfection.

Let's cook with our recipes!

KANSAS CITY STYLE PORK RIBS



Kansas City Style Pork Ribs image

Provided by Patrick and Gina Neely : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time P1DT4h15m

Yield 4 large/8 small portions

Number Of Ingredients 21

2 slabs pork spare ribs, 3 pounds each
Kansas City Barbeque Sauce, recipe follows
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup dry mustard
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon salt
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 (about 2/3 cup)small onion, finely diced
3 cups water
1 cup (2 (6-ounce) cans) tomato paste
1/2 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup molasses
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Remove the thin white membrane off of the bone-side of the ribs. Mix together the brown sugar, dry mustard, cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Massage the rub into the ribs and let sit for 1 hour or up to overnight.
  • If cooking on the grill, place the ribs meat-side down next to medium-hot coals that are about 225 degrees F. The indirect heat will cook them slower, making them tender. Allow to cook for 1 hour. Turn ribs every half hour and baste with the Kansas City Barbeque Sauce. Cook until the ribs are tender, about 3 to 4 hours.
  • If cooking indoors, place in a roasting pan with a rack. Slather the ribs with the Kansas City Barbeque Sauce and tent a piece of aluminum foil over them. In a preheated 350 degrees F. oven, place the ribs, basting with the sauce every 30 minutes and removing the foil for the last 30 minutes and cooking until fork tender, about 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
  • In a small sauce pot on medium-high heat, heat the oil and add the onion, cooking until translucent.
  • Add the remaining ingredients in a large bowl and mix together. Add to sauce pan and let simmer for 30 to 45 minutes. Use to baste the pork spare ribs.
  • 3 cups

RIBS WITH KANSAS CITY BARBECUE SAUCE



Ribs With Kansas City Barbecue Sauce image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 7h

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

4 large cloves garlic, smashed
2 tablespoons chili powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups ketchup
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup yellow mustard
1/4 cup molasses
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 4-to-5-pound racks pork spareribs
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Make the sauce: Combine the garlic, chili powder, cayenne, allspice, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper in a bowl. Whisk the ketchup, 1 cup water, the vinegar, mustard, molasses, brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce in a separate bowl. Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic mixture and cook, stirring, until the oil turns brick red, about 1 minute. Add the ketchup mixture and bring to a gentle simmer; cook, whisking occasionally, 30 minutes.
  • Make the ribs: Soak 1 heaping cup hickory, mesquite or apple-wood chips in water, at least 30 minutes. Prepare a grill for indirect cooking over medium-low heat (about 250 degrees F): On a charcoal grill, bank the coals to one side; on a gas grill, turn on only one side of the burners. Cover the grate on the cooler side of the grill with aluminum foil. Close the grill lid. Position the ribs on a cutting board, meat-side down. Slip a small knife between the bone and membrane, then gently pull off the membrane. Sprinkle the racks with 1 teaspoon each salt and black pepper on both sides. Drain the wood chips. For a charcoal grill, scatter the chips directly over the hot coals; for a gas grill, put the chips in a smoker box and position over direct heat. Put the ribs meat-side up on the foil on the cooler side of the grill. Close the grill lid; bring the temperature back up and cook the ribs, undisturbed, 3 hours. (For a charcoal grill, adjust the vents, or add more hot, ashed-over coals as needed to maintain consistent heat.) Remove the ribs and close the lid. Wrap each rack tightly in foil, then return to the cooler side of the grill, meat-side down; close the lid and grill 2 more hours. Remove the ribs and carefully unwrap. Return to the cooler side of the grill, meat-side up; cook, basting generously with the sauce halfway through, until the meat is tender, about 1 more hour. Remove the racks and let rest a few minutes before slicing. Serve with the remaining sauce. Photograph by Con Poulos

KANSAS CITY-STYLE BABY BACK RIBS



Kansas City-Style Baby Back Ribs image

Slow-cooked and broiled in the oven, these sweet ribs can be made year-round.

Provided by Kemp Minifie

Categories     Broil     Picnic     Super Bowl     Dinner     Pork Rib     Fall     Spring     Summer     Winter     Tailgating     Family Reunion

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 2-pound racks baby back pork ribs
1/4 cup plus 1/3 cup (packed) light or dark brown sugar, divided
1/4 cup chili powder
3 tablespoons sweet paprika
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 1/2 cups chopped onion
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 1/2 cups ketchup
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1/3 cup yellow (ballpark) mustard
1/4 cup molasses (not blackstrap)
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon hot sauce, or to taste
1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)

Steps:

  • Line a large heavy rimmed baking sheet with foil and put rib racks side by side in pan.
  • In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne and rub onto both sides of racks. Let ribs stand, meaty sides up, at room temperature, 1 hour.
  • Preheat oven to 325°. Cover pan tightly with foil and bake ribs 1 1/2 hours.
  • Make sauce while ribs bake: Cook onion in oil in a 3-4-quart heavy pot over medium-low heat, covered, stirring occasionally, until tender, 10-15 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add remaining ingredients, including remaining 1/3 cup brown sugar, and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, 15 minutes. Cool sauce slightly and purée in a food processor. Set aside 1 cup sauce for serving.
  • Remove foil cover and turn racks over so bone ends curve up, then baste ribs with pan juices and spread generously with some sauce. Continue to bake, uncovered, 30 minutes. Turn racks over, then baste again with pan juices and top generously with more sauce. Continue to bake until tender when pierced with a small knife, 30-45 minutes.
  • Broil ribs, meaty sides up, 4"-6" inches from heat, until browned, 2-3 minutes. Serve with reserved sauce.

KANSAS CITY-STYLE RIBS



Kansas City-Style Ribs image

Our family recipe for ribs has evolved to near perfection. These country-style beauties are a legend in our close circle. -Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h35m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

1-1/3 cups packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons each garlic powder, onion powder and smoked paprika
1-1/4 teaspoons each ground cumin, coarsely ground pepper and cayenne pepper
12 bone-in country-style pork ribs (about 7 pounds)
SAUCE:
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 cup tomato sauce
1/3 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup molasses
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and seasonings; sprinkle over ribs. Refrigerate, covered, at least 1 hour., For sauce, in a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender, 5-6 minutes. Stir in remaining ingredients; bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat., Wrap ribs in a large piece of heavy-duty foil; seal edges of foil. Grill, covered, over indirect medium heat until ribs are tender, 1-1/4 to 1-3/4 hours., Carefully remove ribs from foil. Place ribs over direct medium heat; baste with some of the sauce. Grill, covered, until browned, 8-10 minutes, turning and basting occasionally with remaining sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 453 calories, Fat 18g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 101mg cholesterol, Sodium 452mg sodium, Carbohydrate 40g carbohydrate (36g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 31g protein.

THE NEELEY'S KANSAS CITY BABY BACK RIBS DRY RUB AND COOK METHOD



The Neeley's Kansas City Baby Back Ribs Dry Rub and Cook Method image

My husband and I saw this on Food Networks Down Home With the Neeley's and had to try it. I am so glad we did! It is awesome!!! The ONLY way we will make ribs anymore!!! These ribs are time consuming; it is an all day job, so make these on a day that you have 5 or 6 hours to spare! You won't be dissapointed!!!

Provided by robingracejohnson

Categories     Pork

Time P1DT5h

Yield 1 rack of ribs, 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup dried mustard
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon cayenne
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon pepper
1 rack baby back ribs

Steps:

  • Mix all the dry rub ingredients together.
  • Rub desired amount onto a rack of baby back ribs.
  • Cover with plastic wrap and let sit in refrigerator for 24 hours before grilling.
  • Heat your charcoal grill and prepare it to use your smoker attachment. If you do not have a smoker (we don't) just situate the charcoals to one side of the grill.
  • When grill is heated and the flames go away place rack of ribs, skin side up, on the grill on the opposite side that the charcoals are on. This makes for cooking with indirect heat.
  • Cook ribs on grill for 5 or 6 hours, turning and basting with your favorite BBQ sauce (ours is Sweet Baby Rays hickory and brown sugar) every 30 minutes. Temperature of grill should be around 225 degrees.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1138.3, Fat 52.4, SaturatedFat 17.5, Cholesterol 184.4, Sodium 1987.5, Carbohydrate 117.4, Fiber 3.4, Sugar 108.1, Protein 55.1

SWEET 'N' SMOKY KANSAS CITY RIBS



Sweet 'n' Smoky Kansas City Ribs image

Tender and juicy, these ribs are packed with a big smoky punch. You won't believe how quick they are from grill to plate! -Gloria Warczak, Cedarburg, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h45m

Yield 5 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 22

1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon each minced fresh basil, rosemary and sage
1/2 teaspoon ground celery seed
1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
1/8 teaspoon fennel seed, crushed
2 pork baby back ribs (about 5 pounds)
2 cups soaked wood chips (mequite, hickory or alder), optional
SAUCE:
1 large onion, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon each minced fresh basil, marjoram and rosemary, crushed
1 teaspoon each minced fresh dill, sage and cilantro
1 teaspoon minced chives
1 bottle (18 ounces) barbecue sauce

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, bouillon, seasonings and herbs; rub over ribs. Let stand for 15 minutes. , Prepare grill for indirect heat, using a drip pan. Add 1 cup of soaked wood chips if desired. Place ribs in a disposable foil pan. Grill, covered, over indirect medium heat for 30 minutes. Remove ribs from pan and place on grill rack over drip pan. Add remaining wood chips. Grill 30 minutes longer, turning occasionally., Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, saute onion in oil and butter until tender. Stir in the brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce and herbs; cook and stir for 1 minute. Add barbecue sauce. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Baste ribs with sauce; grill for 10-15 minutes or until meat is tender, turning and basting occasionally.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1068 calories, Fat 72g fat (25g saturated fat), Cholesterol 251mg cholesterol, Sodium 1540mg sodium, Carbohydrate 50g carbohydrate (35g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 54g protein.

KANSAS CITY-STYLE BABY BACK RIBS



Kansas City-Style Baby Back Ribs image

Number Of Ingredients 17

FOR THE SAUCE:
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic
3/4 cup ketchup
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons yellow mustard
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Tabasco hot pepper sauce
FOR THE RIBS:
4 pounds pork baby back ribs, about 2 to 3 slabs
kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
Hickory chunks or chips soaked in water for at least 30 minutes

Steps:

  • TO MAKE THE SAUCE: In a medium saucepan over medium high heat, warm the vegetable oil. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Add the remaining sauce ingredients, including Tabasco sauce to taste, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes. Set aside. Pour some of the sauce in a small bowl to use for basting ribs.Allow the ribs to stand at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before grilling. Season with salt and pepper. Follow the grill's instructions for using wood chunks. Grill the ribs, rib side down, over Indirect Medium heat until the meat is very tender and has pulled back from the ends of the bones, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. During the last 20 minutes of grilling time, baste generously with the small bowl of sauce. Serve warm with the remaining sauce on the side.From Weber's Big Book of Grilling. Copyright © 2001 Weber-Stephen Products Co. All rights reserved. First published by Chronicle Books LLC, San Francisco, California.

Nutrition Facts : Nutritional Facts Serves

Tips:

  • Choose high-quality baby back ribs: Look for ribs that are meaty and have a good amount of marbling. Avoid ribs that are thin or have a lot of bone.
  • Prepare the ribs properly: Before cooking, remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This will help the ribs cook more evenly and will make them more tender.
  • Use a good quality rub: The rub is what will give the ribs their flavor, so it's important to use a good quality rub. There are many different rubs to choose from, so experiment until you find one that you like.
  • Cook the ribs slowly and low: The best way to cook baby back ribs is to cook them slowly and low. This will help the ribs to become tender and fall off the bone.
  • Baste the ribs regularly: While the ribs are cooking, baste them regularly with a mixture of apple cider vinegar, water, and brown sugar. This will help to keep the ribs moist and will add flavor.
  • Let the ribs rest before serving: Once the ribs are cooked, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the ribs to retain their juices and will make them easier to eat.

Conclusion:

Kansas City-style baby back ribs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish. By following these tips, you can make sure that your ribs turn out perfect every time. So fire up your grill or smoker and get started today!

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