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Baby Back Ribs

Delicious and tender Baby Back Ribs with a sweet and smoky spice rub are perfect for summer cookouts and family gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, BBQ
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Spice Rub
  • 3 tablespoons sugar Adds a sweet balance to the spice mix.
  • 2 teaspoons salt Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
  • 1.5 tablespoons smoked paprika Introduces a rich, smokey aroma to the dish.
  • 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder Imparts aromatic depth to the rub.
  • 1.5 teaspoons onion powder Complements the garlic for savory goodness.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin Brings a warm, earthiness to the ribs.
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano Offers a hint of herbal freshness.
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground mustard Adds a piquant note.
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper Provides a gentle kick of heat.
Main Ingredients
  • 2 racks baby back ribs The star of the recipe, meaty and tender.
  • 6 tablespoons BBQ sauce Homemade or store-bought, for finishing.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, oregano, ground mustard, and cayenne pepper to make the spice rub.
  2. Preheat the smoker to 225°F (110°C) or the oven to 300°F (150°C). Set one rack in the middle position and one on the top.
  3. Remove the membrane from the underside of each rack of ribs. Use a butter knife to loosen it, then peel it off with a paper towel.
  4. Coat the ribs evenly on both sides with half of the spice rub. Let them sit for 15 minutes, then coat with the remaining rub.
Cooking
  1. For the smoker method, place the spice-coated ribs inside and cook for 2 hours. Double wrap each rack in foil and return to the smoker for another 1½ hours.
  2. Unwrap the ribs, brush with BBQ sauce, and return to the smoker for another 45 minutes to 1 hour until done.
  3. For the oven method, line a baking sheet with foil, place the ribs on it, cover with foil, and bake for 2 hours until tender.
  4. Remove the foil, brush with BBQ sauce, and broil until bubbling and caramelized for 2 to 4 minutes, watching closely.
  5. Alternatively, finish on a preheated medium grill for 10 to 15 minutes, basting with BBQ sauce.
Serving
  1. Let the ribs cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For the most flavorful Baby Back Ribs, marinate them in the spice rub overnight. Add wood chips to the smoker for enhanced smokiness.