OVEN BAKED BABY BACK RIBS

Recently, I was having guests over for a barbecue, but I could see the weather wasn’t going to cooperate. So I knew that ribs could go either way — cooked on the grill or in the oven. The weather gods decided that I had only one choice, so in the oven they went. I have to say, now that I know how well these come out, I’m going to cook this dish throughout the year. Why wait until summer?

INGREDIENTS (serves 6-8)

2 racks baby back ribs

1 cup barbecue sauce (plus some to serve on side)

FOR THE RUB:

2 Tbsp Paprika

2 Tbsp Kosher Salt

1 Tbsp Ground Pepper

2 Tbsp Garlic Powder

1 Tbsp Onion Powder

1 Tbsp Brown Sugar

2 tsp Chipotle powder

1 tsp Cayenne

1 tsp Dried oregano

1 tsp Cumin

PREPARATION

Place parchment paper down on a large baking sheet.

Trim off the membrane on the rib racks. Use a sharp knife to wedge under the membrane and grab the membrane with a paper towel to pull it off. (It’s usually too slippery to pull with your hand). Place the rib racks on top of the parchment paper.

Combine all the rub ingredients in a bowl. Spoon out equal amounts on both racks of ribs, front and back, and rub in. Place in fridge overnight uncovered.

Take ribs out 30 minutes before you place them in the oven. Cover each rib rack completely in aluminum foil. Make sure there are no holes.

Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Place racks in center rack in oven with the meaty side down. Allow to bake for 2 ½ – 3 hours until the meat is tender.

Carefully unwrap the ribs so that you don’t get burned from the steam. Remove the foil, pour out whatever juice has accumulated on the pans. Place the rib racks back on the baking sheet, meaty side down. Slather the top side with half of the barbecue sauce.

Turn on the broiler and place oven rack six inches away from the burner, if possible. Return ribs to the oven and broil for 3-4 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn. Remove from oven, flip the ribs and use the remaining barbecue sauce to slather the top and sides. Place back under the broiler for 3-4 minutes.

Serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side.

NOTE: You can substitute your favorite rub and you should use your favorite barbecue sauce. But, if you want to make everything from scratch, here’s a delicious barbecue sauce my husband came up with. Click here for the recipe.