These Fall Off The Bone Ribs are a mouthwatering treat! They’re slow-cooked until the meat is super tender and packed with smoky, sweet flavors that everyone will love.
Honestly, there’s something magical about ribs falling right off the bone. I like to serve them with some coleslaw and extra napkins—trust me, it’s a messy good time! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Baby Back Ribs: These are my favorite for their tenderness. If you can’t find baby backs, spare ribs work too, but they’ll take longer to cook. Make sure to choose pork ribs for the best flavor.
Paprika: This gives a lovely color and flavor. Use smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky taste. If you don’t have paprika, chili powder is a nice substitution, but it might add more heat.
Brown Sugar: It adds sweetness and helps caramelize the ribs. You can use white sugar or coconut sugar if you’re out of brown sugar. Just remember to adjust the amount based on sweetness preference!
BBQ Sauce: Homemade BBQ sauce can be a fun twist, but store-bought works just as well. If you’re looking for healthier options, try a low-sugar BBQ sauce or make a vinegar-based sauce for tanginess.
What’s the Best Way to Remove the Silver Skin from Ribs?
Removing the silver skin is crucial for tender ribs. Here’s how to do it:
- Find the thin membrane on the bone side of the ribs.
- Using a butter knife, carefully slide it under the membrane to lift it up.
- Once it’s a bit loose, grab it with a paper towel for better grip and pull it off. Discard the membrane!
This step helps the rub flavor soak in and keeps your ribs moist. Smooth sailing from here! Remember, it’s worth taking the time to do it right; you’ll thank yourself later with tender, flavorful ribs.
Fall Off The Bone Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 racks pork baby back ribs (about 4 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 2.5 to 3 hours of cooking time in the oven, and an additional 10-15 minutes for grilling or broiling. Overall, you’ll spend a bit of time prepping and cooking, but the result will be fantastic ribs that are worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ribs:
First things first, we need to make sure the ribs are ready! Carefully remove the silver skin (the tough membrane) from the back of the ribs. You can use a knife to gently slide under it and pull it off. This is important, as it helps the ribs become more tender during cooking.
2. Make the Dry Rub:
In a small mixing bowl, combine the paprika, brown sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if you want some heat. Mix well to create a flavorful dry rub that will give your ribs an awesome taste!
3. Apply the Rub:
Generously rub the spice mixture all over both sides of the ribs, making sure to cover them completely. Once done, wrap the seasoned ribs in plastic wrap and place them in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight. This time will help the flavors soak in nicely!
4. Slow Cook the Ribs:
Now it’s time to cook! Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Lay the ribs on a large sheet of aluminum foil, meaty side up, and tightly seal the foil around them to create a packet. Place the packet on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the meat is fork-tender and nearly falling off the bone.
5. Add BBQ Sauce and Finish:
After baking, carefully remove the ribs from the oven and open the foil packet. Brush the ribs generously with BBQ sauce on both sides. Next, preheat your grill or broiler to high heat. Grill or broil the ribs for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the sauce becomes caramelized and sticky.
6. Serve:
Once done, transfer the ribs to a cutting board and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Slice between the bones and serve them hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side. Enjoy your delicious, fall-off-the-bone ribs!
This method ensures the ribs are tender and juicy every time. You’ll love how easy and flavorful they are—perfect for gatherings or a special treat at home!
Can I Use Different Types of Ribs?
Yes! While this recipe is perfect for pork baby back ribs, you can use spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs as well. Just keep in mind that spare ribs may take a bit longer to cook due to their size and thickness.
How Can I Make the Ribs Spicier?
If you want a kick, try adding more cayenne pepper to the rub or mixing in a teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce into the BBQ sauce. You can also serve the finished ribs with a spicy dipping sauce for extra heat!
Can These Ribs Be Made in a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! You can cook the seasoned ribs in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Just skip the baking step and go straight to adding the BBQ sauce and broiling to finish for that caramelized glaze.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Ribs?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. You can add a bit of extra BBQ sauce while reheating for added moisture!
