If you have a craving that calls for tender, flavorful meat falling off the bone, then you will absolutely adore this Slow Roast Baby Back Ribs with Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe. This dish captures the magic of slow-cooking to bring out rich, smoky flavors while the homemade BBQ sauce adds a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes. Whether you’re hosting a weekend cookout or simply treating yourself to a hearty meal, these ribs are guaranteed to be the star of the table and keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a vital role in building flavor. From the aromatic spices in the dry rub to the wholesome components of the BBQ sauce, every item contributes to that unmistakable rib experience with tender meat and a tangy-sweet glaze.
- 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 3-4 pounds): Choose fresh ribs with a good layer of meat for the best tenderness and juiciness.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing flavor and seasoning the meat evenly.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds sweetness and helps form a beautiful caramelized crust during roasting.
- 1 tablespoon paprika: Gives a smoky depth and vibrant color to the rub.
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder: Delivers a mellow, savory aroma and taste.
- 1 tablespoon onion powder: Provides underlying sweetness and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard: Offers a subtle tang that cuts through the richness of the pork.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Introduces an earthy warmth to the flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds a mild heat that complements the sauce and rub.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For those who enjoy a little extra kick of spice.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: For seasoning the rub and enhancing heat.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors perfectly.
- 1 cup ketchup: Forms the tangy base of the BBQ sauce.
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar: Brings acidity that brightens and balances the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for sauce): Sweetens the BBQ sauce and helps caramelize.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth and savory richness.
- 1 tablespoon mustard: Gives a sharp tang to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Provides natural sweetness and a glossy finish.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Enhances smoky flavor in the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for sauce): Continues savory notes in the BBQ sauce.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (for sauce): Adds subtle sweetness and depth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Final seasoning touches for the sauce.
How to Make Slow Roast Baby Back Ribs with Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ribs
Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C) and lining a large baking sheet with aluminum foil. Then, take the ribs and remove the silver skin from the back by gripping it firmly with a paper towel and pulling it away. This step is crucial to ensure tenderness as it lets the flavors penetrate the meat rather than creating a tough barrier.
Step 2: Season the Ribs
Pat the ribs dry for better adhesion of the seasoning. Generously season both sides with salt and black pepper, then move on to the dry rub. This base layer not only flavors the meat but also ensures a delightful crust once roasted.
Step 3: Make the Dry Rub
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Take this aromatic blend and press it thoroughly into both sides of the ribs. Let them rest at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes so the rub can infuse the meat beautifully.
Step 4: Slow Roast the Ribs
Place the seasoned ribs meat-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and create a steaming effect. Bake in the oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, the perfect amount of time for the ribs to become tender and for the meat to pull away from the bone effortlessly.
Step 5: Make the Homemade BBQ Sauce
While the ribs are roasting, prepare your homemade BBQ sauce by combining ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir well, letting the mixture simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes until it thickens slightly, becoming glossy and rich.
Step 6: Finish the Ribs on the Grill
Once the ribs are tender, preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Carefully remove the foil from the ribs, brush a generous coat of the BBQ sauce over them, and grill for 5 to 7 minutes per side. Continue basting with sauce to build layers of caramelized flavor and irresistible char that makes these ribs truly unforgettable.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
After grilling, let your ribs rest for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Slice between the bones and serve alongside extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
How to Serve Slow Roast Baby Back Ribs with Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro add a bright pop of color and freshness against the deep caramel hues of the ribs. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions also brings a nice crunch and visual interest to your plate.
Side Dishes
Classic pairings include creamy coleslaw, buttery cornbread, and crisp potato salad. For something lighter, a fresh cucumber and tomato salad with a zesty vinaigrette balances the richness of the ribs perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your meal into a hands-on feast by serving the ribs on a large wooden board surrounded by small bowls of additional BBQ sauce, pickles, and crunchy slaw. Or create a rib slider station with mini buns and assorted toppings for a fun twist that your guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftover ribs cool completely before wrapping them tightly in aluminum foil or placing in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, making a great option for next-day meals or snacks.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Slow Roast Baby Back Ribs with Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe later, you can freeze the cooked ribs. Wrap them securely in plastic wrap and then foil, or use freezer bags. Properly stored, they will maintain their flavor and texture for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat, place ribs on a baking sheet, cover with foil to keep them moist, and bake at 275°F (135°C) until warmed through — about 20 to 30 minutes. Alternatively, reheat gently on a grill for that extra smoky finish. Always serve with a fresh brush of BBQ sauce to revive that perfect glaze.
FAQs
Can I use a smoker instead of the oven for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using a smoker will add an authentic smoky flavor to your ribs, enhancing the BBQ experience. Just adjust the cooking time to keep the low-and-slow approach, aiming for tender meat that falls off the bone.
Is it necessary to remove the silver skin from the ribs?
Yes, removing the silver skin is key to getting tender ribs. This thin membrane can be tough and prevent the seasoning and heat from penetrating properly, resulting in less flavorful, chewier meat.
Can I make the BBQ sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The homemade BBQ sauce can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Its flavors often deepen after resting, making it even more delicious when applied to the ribs.
How can I make the ribs spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the dry rub or stir in some hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes into the BBQ sauce. Adjust to your preferred spice level carefully so it complements rather than overpowers.
What if I don’t have a grill or grill pan?
No worries! You can finish the ribs under a broiler for 5 to 7 minutes per side to caramelize the BBQ sauce. Just keep a close eye to avoid burning and get that beautiful charred finish.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about these Slow Roast Baby Back Ribs with Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe. The tender, juicy meat paired with that rich, homemade sauce makes for a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish that delights every time. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do sharing it — it will surely become one of your favorite go-to meals whenever you want to indulge in a satisfying barbecue feast.
Print
Slow Roast Baby Back Ribs with Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This tender and flavorful ribs recipe features slow-roasted baby back ribs coated with a homemade dry rub and finished with a rich, tangy BBQ sauce. The ribs are first slow-cooked in the oven until perfectly tender, then grilled to caramelize the sauce and add a delicious smoky char, making them an irresistible meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Ribs and Dry Rub
- 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 3–4 pounds)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ribs: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil to catch drippings and make cleanup easier.
- Remove the Silver Skin: Using a paper towel for grip, carefully peel off the thin membrane from the back of the ribs to ensure the rub penetrates well and for a more tender result.
- Season the Ribs: Pat the ribs dry thoroughly with paper towels, then season generously on both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Make the Dry Rub: In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, ground cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.
- Apply the Dry Rub: Coat the ribs evenly with the dry rub mixture, pressing it firmly into the meat. Allow the ribs to rest at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes for the flavors to develop.
- Slow Roast the Ribs: Place the ribs meat-side up on the foil-lined baking sheet and cover tightly with aluminum foil to keep them moist. Bake in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours until the meat is tender and pulls away from the bones easily.
- Prepare the BBQ Sauce: While the ribs cook, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
- Finish the Ribs on the Grill: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove ribs from the oven, discard the foil, and brush generously with the BBQ sauce. Grill the ribs for 5 to 7 minutes per side, basting frequently with more sauce, until caramelized and nicely charred.
- Rest and Serve: Let the ribs rest for 5 minutes once off the grill to allow juices to redistribute. Slice between the bones and serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Removing the silver skin from the ribs is essential for tender meat and better flavor absorption.
- For extra smoky flavor, consider adding a few drops of liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce or smoking the ribs before roasting if you have the equipment.
- If you prefer less spice, omit the cayenne pepper from the dry rub.
- Use aluminum foil to make cleanup easier and retain moisture during slow roasting.
- Resting the ribs after grilling ensures juicier slices.
