These BBQ ribs are so tender that they practically fall off the bone with every bite! Slathered in a sweet and tangy sauce, they bring all the flavors of summer right to your table.
Whenever I make these, my guests can’t get enough! I love serving them with coleslaw and corn on the cob—perfect for a fun family meal. Just make sure to have enough napkins ready! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Back Ribs: These are my favorite for their tenderness and flavor. If you’re looking for variety, you can use spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs instead. Just remember, they may need a slightly different cooking time.
BBQ Sauce: I like using a tangy tomato-based sauce, but you can choose your favorite—or even make your own! Consider a mustard-based sauce for something different, or a sweet and spicy variety for a kick.
Apple Cider Vinegar: It adds moisture and a bit of tang. For a different flavor note, use white vinegar or even lemon juice, but keep in mind that it may alter the taste slightly.
Spices: Smoked paprika gives depth. If you don’t have it, try regular paprika mixed with a bit of liquid smoke. For heat, cayenne is great, but try red pepper flakes if you prefer less spice.
How Do I Remove the Membrane from the Ribs?
Removing the membrane is key for tender ribs! Here’s how to do it:
- Flip the ribs so the bone side is facing up.
- Use a knife to carefully lift one end of the membrane at a corner.
- Grab it with a paper towel (for better grip) and pull slowly—it should come off in one piece.
This step helps the ribs absorb the spices better and makes them tenderer after cooking!
How to Make Fall Off The Bone BBQ Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Ribs:
- 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 4-5 lbs total)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For The Dry Rub:
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For Cooking:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (for moisture)
- Aluminum foil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 2.5 to 3 hours of baking time in the oven. After that, you’ll need some additional time for grilling or broiling the ribs. Overall, you can expect it to take around 3 to 3.5 hours from start to serving. It’s worth the wait for that tender, flavorful goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low and slow cooking method is what makes the ribs tender and juicy.
2. Prepare the Ribs:
Next, remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. You can do this by sliding a knife under the membrane and pulling it off. This step is important as it helps the meat become more tender and allows the flavors to soak in better.
3. Make the Dry Rub:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if you want some heat). This mix is your dry rub that will create a flavorful crust on the ribs.
4. Rub the Ribs:
Take the dry rub and generously apply it all over the ribs. Make sure to coat both sides well for maximum flavor!
5. Prepare for Baking:
Place the seasoned ribs onto a large piece of aluminum foil. Drizzle the apple cider vinegar over them, which will help keep them moist during cooking. Then, cover the ribs with another piece of foil, sealing the edges tightly.
6. Bake the Ribs:
Put the wrapped ribs on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re tender, and the meat is nearly falling off the bone.
7. Grill or Broil for Finish:
Once baked, carefully remove the ribs from the foil (be careful of the hot steam!). Transfer the ribs onto a grill or place them under your broiler. Brush a generous amount of BBQ sauce all over the ribs and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes. This step caramelizes the BBQ sauce, giving it that delicious sticky finish!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
After grilling, let the ribs rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve them up with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your mouthwatering fall-off-the-bone BBQ ribs!
Can I Use Another Type of Ribs?
Absolutely! While baby back ribs are tender and ideal for this recipe, you can also use spare ribs or St. Louis style ribs. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly. Spare ribs typically need a bit longer in the oven since they contain more meat and connective tissue.
How Should I Store Leftover Ribs?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
What BBQ Sauce Works Best?
You can use any BBQ sauce you love! Sweet, smoky, or spicy sauces complement the flavors of the ribs beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even make your own sauce or add a splash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick!
Can I Cook These Ribs on a Grill Instead?
Yes, you can! To use a grill, prepare the ribs as directed up to sealing them in foil. After wrapping, place the ribs on the grill over indirect heat for about 3 hours. You can then finish them with BBQ sauce directly on the grill for that delicious caramelization.
