Delicious Ribs – Easy Yum Recipes

Creating delicious, fall-off-the-bone ribs involves a combination of the right ingredients, seasoning, and cooking techniques.

Whether you prefer them barbecued, baked, or smoked, the key to yummy ribs lies in the preparation and patience.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making mouthwatering ribs at home:

Ingredients

Ribs: 2 racks (baby back or spare ribs)

Dry Rub:

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon paprika

2 teaspoons garlic powder

2 teaspoons onion powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Barbecue Sauce: 1 cup (store-bought or homemade)

Apple Cider Vinegar: 1/4 cup mixed with 1 cup of water (for moisture during cooking)

Baking sheet

Aluminum foil

Pastry brush

Grill or oven

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ribs

Remove the Membrane: Start by removing the thin membrane from the back of the ribs. Slide a knife under the membrane at one end of the ribs, lift, and pull it off. This step is crucial for tender ribs.

Apply the Dry Rub: Mix all the dry rub ingredients in a bowl. Coat the ribs evenly on both sides with the rub. For best results, let the ribs marinate with the rub for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Cooking Method

Choose your preferred cooking method:

Oven-Baked Ribs

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).

Wrap the Ribs: Place each rack of ribs on a large piece of aluminum foil. Fold up the edges and pour the apple cider vinegar mixture over the ribs. Wrap the ribs tightly in the foil.

Bake: Place the foil-wrapped ribs on a baking sheet and bake for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and pulls away from the bone.

Add Sauce: Open the foil and brush the ribs with your favorite barbecue sauce. Increase the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes to caramelize the sauce.

Grilled Ribs

Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to a low heat, around 225°F (107°C), and set it up for indirect cooking.

Cook the Ribs: Place the ribs (with no foil) on the cooler part of the grill. Close the lid and cook for about 2.5 to 3 hours, occasionally spraying with the apple cider vinegar mixture to keep them moist.

Add Sauce: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush the ribs with barbecue sauce every 10 minutes until finished.

Smoked Ribs

Prepare the Smoker: Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C) and add your choice of wood chips for flavor.

Smoke the Ribs: Place the ribs in the smoker and cook for about 3 to 4 hours, maintaining a consistent temperature. Spray with the apple cider vinegar mixture occasionally to keep them moist.

Wrap the Ribs: Optional step for extra tenderness – wrap the ribs in foil with a little apple cider vinegar and return them to the smoker for another 2 hours.

Add Sauce: Unwrap the ribs, apply a layer of barbecue sauce, and smoke for an additional hour to set the sauce.

Step 3: Serve

Rest the Ribs: Let the ribs rest for about 10 minutes after removing them from the heat. This allows the juices to redistribute.

Cut and Serve: Cut between the bones to serve individual ribs. Serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side and your favorite sides, like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans.