There’s something undeniably satisfying about biting into tender, juicy baby back ribs that have been slow-cooked to perfection. This recipe is all about simplicity and flavor, allowing you to create mouthwatering ribs with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or just a weekend treat, these ribs are sure to impress. With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can enjoy fall-off-the-bone goodness that’s smothered in rich barbecue sauce.

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Ingredients Needed

For this recipe, you’ll need aluminum foil, cooking spray, 2 pounds of pork baby back ribs, and an 18-ounce bottle of your favorite barbecue sauce. When selecting your ribs, look for ones with even marbling and a healthy pink color, as these will cook up tender and flavorful. The barbecue sauce is the star of the show, so choose one that suits your taste—whether you prefer a sweet, tangy, or smoky profile, the choice is yours.

Step-by-Step Instructions

To begin, prepare the ribs by cutting them into four equal sections. This ensures that each portion cooks evenly, giving you consistent results. Next, tear off four large sheets of aluminum foil, each one large enough to wrap around a portion of ribs. Lightly coat the foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup later.

Now, it’s time to marinate. Generously coat each portion of ribs with barbecue sauce, making sure every inch is covered. The sauce not only adds flavor but also helps to keep the meat moist during cooking. Once coated, tightly wrap each section of ribs in its foil sheet. This step is crucial as it locks in the flavors and juices, creating a steam effect that tenderizes the meat. Place the wrapped ribs in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, or better yet, overnight. This allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat, resulting in a deeply flavorful dish.

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). This low and slow cooking method ensures that the ribs become incredibly tender. Place the tightly wrapped ribs on a baking sheet and bake for 2 ½ hours. During this time, the ribs will cook in their own juices, absorbing the flavors of the barbecue sauce. Once done, carefully remove the ribs from the foil—they’ll be hot and tender, so handle with care. Serve the ribs immediately, with extra barbecue sauce on the side if you desire. The result is a plate of ribs that are succulent, flavorful, and simply irresistible.

Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing the Right Ribs: When selecting baby back ribs, opt for those with a good balance of meat and fat. The fat will render down during cooking, keeping the ribs moist and flavorful.
Marination Tips: For maximum flavor, let the ribs marinate in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours. If time allows, marinate overnight to let the barbecue sauce fully penetrate the meat.
Baking Secrets: Cooking the ribs at a low temperature of 300 degrees F ensures they become tender and juicy. Wrapping the ribs tightly in foil creates a steam effect, which helps to break down the collagen in the meat, making it melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Can I Use a Different Type of Barbecue Sauce? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different barbecue sauces to suit your taste. Whether you prefer a sweet, tangy, or spicy sauce, each will impart a unique flavor to the ribs.
How Do I Know When the Ribs Are Done? The ribs are done when the meat easily pulls away from the bone. You can also check the internal temperature—it should reach around 190 to 200 degrees F for tender ribs.
Can I Grill These Ribs Instead of Baking? Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the grill. Simply follow the same marination process, then cook the ribs over indirect heat on the grill until they’re tender.

What to Serve With This Recipe

When it comes to serving baby back ribs, the sides are just as important as the main dish. Classic pairings include coleslaw, potato salad, or cornbread, all of which complement the rich, smoky flavor of the ribs. For something a bit different, try serving the ribs with grilled vegetables, mac and cheese, or a fresh garden salad. Each of these sides adds a unique element to the meal, balancing the richness of the ribs. As for beverages, nothing pairs better with ribs than a cold, refreshing drink. A crisp beer, iced tea, or lemonade can help cut through the richness and enhance the overall dining experience.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftover ribs, you’ll want to store them properly to maintain their flavor and texture. Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place the wrapped ribs in an airtight container and freeze them for up to 3 months. When it comes to reheating, the goal is to warm the ribs without drying them out. The best method is to reheat them in the oven at 300 degrees F until they’re warmed through, keeping them wrapped in foil to retain moisture. Alternatively, you can reheat the ribs on the grill or in a skillet, adding a bit more barbecue sauce to keep them juicy.

This baby back ribs recipe is a foolproof way to enjoy tender, flavorful ribs right from your own kitchen. With minimal ingredients and a straightforward process, you can create a dish that’s sure to satisfy. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or just craving a hearty meal, these ribs are the perfect choice. So why wait? Give this recipe a try and experience the delicious results for yourself.

Ingredients

Aluminum foil
Cooking spray
2 pounds pork baby back ribs
1 (18 ounce) bottle barbecue sauce

Instructions

Begin by cutting the ribs into four equal sections.

Tear off four large sheets of aluminum foil, each one big enough to completely enclose a portion of ribs. Lightly coat each piece of foil with cooking spray.

Generously coat the ribs with barbecue sauce, ensuring each portion is well-covered. Place each section of ribs onto a piece of foil, wrapping them tightly. Let the wrapped ribs marinate in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.

Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).

Place the tightly wrapped ribs on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 2 ½ hours. Once done, carefully remove the ribs from the foil. Serve them hot, with additional barbecue sauce on the side if you like.