These Fall Off The Bone Ribs are simply delicious! Slow-cooked until tender, they just melt in your mouth. You’ll love the sweet and tangy BBQ sauce that makes them extra tasty!
Get ready for some sticky fingers and happy faces at dinner! I love serving these with coleslaw—it adds a perfect crunch. Trust me, you won’t want to stop eating these ribs!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Baby Back Ribs: These are meaty and flavorful, great for slow cooking. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try turkey ribs. They won’t be quite the same, but will still be tasty!
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite bottled sauce or even try making your own! If you want a healthier option, opt for a low-sugar or homemade sauce with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
Spices: This recipe has a nice blend with salt, pepper, and paprika. You can swap out paprika for smoked paprika for a deeper flavor, or even chili powder for extra heat.
How Do I Remove the Silver Membrane from Ribs?
Removing the silver membrane is key for tender ribs. Here’s how to do it:
- Place the rack of ribs bone-side up on a cutting board.
- Insert a butter knife under the membrane at one end. Carefully lift it up and use a paper towel to grip it for better control.
- Pull it away from the meat; it should come off easily. If it tears, just start again from another spot.
Removing this membrane will make your ribs more tender and great at absorbing flavors!
Fall Off The Bone Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 racks pork baby back ribs (about 4-5 pounds total)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for prep, and then you’ll bake the ribs for 2.5 to 3 hours. After that, grilling adds another 10-15 minutes. So overall, plan for about 3 hours to enjoy these delicious ribs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 275°F (135°C). This low temperature will help cook the ribs slowly, making them super tender and juicy.
2. Prepare the Ribs:
Look for the thin silver membrane on the back of the ribs and carefully remove it. This step is important because it helps keep your ribs tender!
3. Make the Seasoning:
In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. This blend gives the ribs a flavorful kick!
4. Season the Ribs:
Rub the ribs with olive oil, coating them evenly. Then, sprinkle the seasoning mix generously over both sides of the ribs, pressing it in for extra flavor.
5. Wrap the Ribs:
Place the seasoned ribs on a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil, meat side up. Wrap them up tightly to keep the moisture in.
6. Bake the Ribs:
Put the wrapped ribs on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 2.5 to 3 hours. You’ll know they’re ready when the meat is tender and starts pulling away from the bone.
7. Unwrap and Grill Them:
Once they’re done baking, take the ribs out and carefully unwrap them. Watch out for hot steam! Preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high heat.
8. Add Barbecue Sauce:
Brush the ribs generously with barbecue sauce on both sides. Feel free to use as much or as little as you like!
9. Grill for Extra Flavor:
Now, place the ribs on the grill or under the broiler for about 5-7 minutes per side. Baste with more sauce as they cook to get a nice sticky glaze.
10. Rest and Serve:
Remove the ribs from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes. Slice between the bones and serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side. Enjoy your fall-off-the-bone ribs!
Bon appétit!
Can I Use Different Types of Ribs for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While baby back ribs are recommended for their tenderness, you can also use spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs. Just note that cooking times may vary slightly; spare ribs often require a bit longer due to their size.
Can I Make These Ribs in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can! Simply season and prepare the ribs as instructed, then place them in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours. Finish them on the grill or under the broiler with barbecue sauce for that sticky glaze.
How Do I Store Leftover Ribs?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 250°F (120°C) for about 20-30 minutes, brushing with extra sauce to keep them moist.
Can I Freeze the Cooked Ribs?
Yes, you can freeze cooked ribs! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.