Making delicious bone-in ribs requires a combination of the right ingredients, spices and cooking techniques. Whether you prefer them roasted, baked, or smoked, the key to delicious ribs is preparation and patience. Here is a step-by-step guide to making delicious ribs at home:
Ingredients
- Ribs: 2 ribs (loin or rack of ribs)
- Dry rub:
or 2 tablespoons brown sugar
or 1 tablespoon paprika
or 2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
or 2 teaspoons Onion Powder
or 1 teaspoon Salt
or 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
or 1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (adjust based on spiciness preference)
or 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
- Barbecue Sauce: 1 cup (store-bought or homemade) . )
- Apple cider vinegar: 1/4 cup mixed with 1 cup water (for moistening while cooking)
- Baking pan
- Aluminum foil
- Brush baking
- Grill or oven
Instructions
STEP 1: PREPARE RIBS
- Remove the membrane: First remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs. Slide a knife under the membrane at one end of the ribs, lift and remove.This step is crucial for tender ribs.
- Apply dry rub: Mix all dry rub ingredients in a bowl. Cover the ribs evenly with the batter on both sides. For best results, marinate the ribs in the batter for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator.STEP 2: COOKING METHOD
Select your preferred cooking method:
Baked Ribs
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
- Wrap ribs: Place each rib on a large piece of aluminum foil. Fold over the edges and pour the apple cider vinegar mixture over the ribs.Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum 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 falling off the bone.
4.Add Sauce: Open the foil and brush the ribs with your favorite barbecue sauce. Increase the oven temperature to 175°C (350°F) and bake, uncovered, for another 15 to 20 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
Grilled Ribs
- Prepare the grill: Preheat the grill to low heat (approx. 107°C) and set it to indirect cooking.
2.Cook the ribs: Place the ribs (without foil) on the coolest part of the grill. Close the lid and let it cook for about 2.5 to 3 hours, basting occasionally with the apple cider vinegar mixture to keep it moist.
- Add Sauce: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush ribs with barbecue sauce every 10 minutes until cooked through.Smoked ribs
- Prepare the smoker: Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C) and add wood chips of your choice for flavor.
- Smoking the ribs: Place the ribs on the smoker and cook at a constant temperature for about 3 to 4 hours. Drizzle occasionally with apple cider vinegar mixture to keep moist.
3.Wrap the ribs: Optional step for more tenderness: Wrap the ribs in aluminum foil with a little apple cider vinegar and place in the smoker for another 2 hours.
- Add sauce: Unwrap ribs, apply a layer of barbecue sauce and smoke for another hour to set the sauce.
STEP 3: SERVE
- Let the ribs rest: 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 additional barbecue sauce on the side and your favorite sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans.
Tips for Perfect Ribs
- Marinate for Flavor: Marinating the ribs in the dry rub overnight intensifies the flavor.• Low and slow: The key to tender ribs is cooking them at a low temperature for a long time.
- Keep Moist: Using apple cider vinegar or a similar cooking liquid will help keep the ribs moist while cooking.
- Finish with Sauce: Applying barbecue sauce toward the end of cooking prevents burning and creates a delicious glaze.
Enjoy your culinary journey and get ready to enjoy some of the most delicious ribs you have ever made!