Mouth-Watering Baby Back Ribs Recipe
Hey, y’all! Welcome to my Southern-style kitchen. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you my favorite recipe for oven-baked southern style baby back ribs – a perfect way to satisfy your BBQ craving without firing up that grill.
Growing up in the South, I learned that ribs are serious business, and we have our own special way of doing things around here. We want our ribs to be fall-off-the-bone tender, and seasoned just right with the perfectly blended combination of spices.
With this recipe, you can bring that authentic Southern flavor right to your home kitchen. No matter where you are, this dish will have you feeling like you’re sitting under a magnolia tree in the heart of Dixie – nothing beats that soul food goodness.
Of course, even if you’ve never cooked baby back ribs before, don’t worry. My recipe is easy and straightforward to follow, so you’ll be able to handle it like a pro in no time. All you have to do is roll up your sleeves, set aside some time for marinating and baking, and get ready to taste what authentic Southern cooking is all about.
Trust me; these delicious oven-baked southern style baby back ribs will make your taste buds dance with joy. So gather your loved ones around the table and let’s get started with the recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Picture biting into perfectly cooked, succulent, fall-off-the-bone ribs that fill your mouth with southern flavors and spices. These Southern Style Baby Back Ribs are the absolute perfect recipe for anyone who loves good old soul food.
Firstly, the combination of spices in this recipe is simply perfect. The ground coriander, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper create a warming sensation in your mouth while the brown sugar and onion powder add a touch of sweetness. This dry rub elevates the flavor profile of the baby back ribs to a whole new level.
Additionally, these baby back ribs are cooked in the oven which means there is no need for you to fire up the grill. Even if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill or if it’s not great grilling weather, you can still enjoy finger-licking-good ribs as all you need is a baking tray and your oven.
Moreover, the spice mixture of this recipe can be customized to your taste preferences. Don’t like it too spicy? Simply adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or completely leave it out! Want a sweeter taste? Add some more brown sugar and cut down on the smoked paprika. The Southern Style Baby Back Ribs are versatile enough to cater to everyone’s taste buds.
Finally, this recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether it be a summer backyard barbecue or a cozy winter dinner party. The juicy meat will immediately transport you to a hot summer day in Georgia or Louisiana with every bite.
Simply put, once you try these Southern Style Baby Back Ribs you’ll never go back to any other rib recipe!
Ingredient List
Before we begin, it’s important to gather all the ingredients we will need. To achieve the rich and smoky flavor that characterizes Southern-style ribs, we’ll be using a combination of spices, dry rubs, and sauces.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 pounds of baby back ribs or country-style pork ribs
- Dry Rub
- 1 tablespoon of kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika
- 3/4 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- BBQ Sauce
- Option One
- 2 cups of your favorite BBQ sauce
or
- 2 cups of your favorite BBQ sauce
- Option Two: A homemade BBQ Sauce
- finely chopped garlic cloves (2)
- brown sugar (1 cup)
- mustard (1 tablespoon)
- ketchup (3/4 cup)
- water (1/3 cup)
- Kosher salt (3 tablespoons)
- black pepper (2 tablespoons)
or
-
Option Three: A Memphis Style Sauce
“`
Cup Water Mustard(2 tbsp)
Cup Ketchup Onion Powder(2 tbsp)
Cup White Vinegar Black Pepper(2 tbsp)
Tsp Garlic Powder Worcestershire Sauce(1 tbsp)
Tsp Salt Brown Sugar(3/4 cup)
Tsp Paprika Lemon Juice(2 tbsp)
Tsp Cayenne Pepper Soy Sauce(1 tbsp)“`
Note: If you want a smokier flavor, consider substituting the smoked paprika for regular paprika, and if you don’t like spicy dishes, skip adding cayenne pepper.
The Recipe How-To
Now, it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty of this Southern Style Baby Back Ribs recipe! In this section, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of creating the perfect ribs. Get ready to salivate!
Preparing the Ribs
Step 1: Remove Membrane
Before applying the dry rub, remove the silver membrane from the back of the ribs. You can use a butter knife or a paper towel for better grip. Insert the knife under the membrane and gently tug it in one piece.
Step 2: Apply Dry Rub
Mix together all of your dry ingredients, such as ground coriander, onion powder, garlic powder, brown sugar, salt, white pepper, black pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, and oregano in a bowl. Generously coat both sides of the ribs with your dry rub mixture.
Cooking The Ribs
Step 3: Choose Your Method
There are several methods to cook ribs, but my favorite is baking them in the oven. This method produces tender and juicy meat without taking up precious grill space or stand in front of smoker.
- Oven Method: Place the seasoned baby back ribs on a roasting rack and bake for 2 hours at 300 degrees Fahrenheit. After which, baste them with barbecue sauce on both sides and bake again for 15 minutes.
- Sous Vide and Grill or Smoker Method: Preheat your sous vide machine to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Vacuum seal your ribs with your favorite marinade or dry rub and put it in for three hours. Take it out and finish it off on a grill or smoker for searing effect.
- Slow Cooker Method: Season your baby back ribs and place them in slow cooker pot. Pour half a cup of water over it and cook on low heat for approximately eight hours. Add barbecue sauce only in the last 30 minutes or use as sauce for dipping.
The Final Touches
Step 4: Rest the Ribs
After cooking, let your ribs rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. This resting period helps the meat stay moist and will also make it easier to cut.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Cut between each rib with a sharp knife, so every slice has a fall-off-the-bone goodness factor. Serve with additional barbecue sauce on the side, or use as a dip. These Southern Style Baby Back Ribs made in your oven are sure to impress your taste buds!
Substitutions and Variations
Southern-style baby back ribs are a classic dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. But if you want to put a personal spin on the recipe, or just don’t have all of the ingredients, there are plenty of substitutions and variations available.
For the dry rub, the classic combination of brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt can be modified to suit your taste. For a spicier rub, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add hot sauce. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add more brown sugar.
You could also try using different types of meat. While baby back ribs are the most popular choice, country-style ribs or spare ribs would work just as well. Pork shoulder or beef ribs could also be used to add a different texture and flavor.
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional BBQ sauce, consider making your own using fresh ingredients. You could add mustard for a tangy flavor or honey for a sweeter taste.
For those who prefer their ribs sous-vide or slow-cooked instead of oven-baked, adjustments can be made to accommodate these methods. You can adjust cooking times and temperatures to achieve fall-off-the-bone tenderness without losing any flavor.
Whether you decide to stick with the classic recipe or try out some variations, be sure to experiment until you find the perfect blend of flavors for your taste buds.
Serving and Pairing
Y’all, let me tell you something. When it comes to serving up these Southern-style baby back ribs, you’re going to want to make sure you have plenty of napkins on hand because they’ll be finger-lickin’ good! Serve these fall-off-the-bone pork ribs with classic Southern sides like creamy mac and cheese, collard greens cooked with smoked pork, or some buttery cornbread for the ultimate comfort food feast.
If you’re looking for something a little lighter to pair with these decadent ribs, a crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette would balance out the rich flavors nicely. And don’t forget about a cold glass of sweet tea – it’s the perfect refreshment to sip alongside this indulgent dish.
As far as alcohol pairings go, a cold beer is always a satisfying choice. A crisp lager or pilsner would pair well with the savory flavors of the dry rub and barbecue sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, try pairing these ribs with a full-bodied red wine like a Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon – the bold tannins will stand up well against the richness of the meat.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just want to indulge in some soulful cooking at home, these Southern-style baby back ribs are sure to hit the spot. So grab your favorite people and get ready to sink your teeth into a plate full of fall-off-the-bone goodness.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to Southern Style Baby Back Ribs, there are a few tricks you can use to make sure they’re perfect even after they’ve been made ahead or refrigerated. The good news is that these ribs can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to reheat.
To make-ahead, simply follow the recipe instructions up until the baking step. Once you’ve got your dry rub on, wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the raw ribs for up to 3 months if stored correctly.
To store leftover ribs, make sure you allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Leftover cooked ribs will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
When it’s time to reheat your ribs, you can pop them back into the oven (wrapped in aluminum foil) at 250°F for about 20-30 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat leftover ribs in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes per serving, although this method is less recommended.
Overall, Southern Style Baby Back Ribs are an ideal meal that you can prepare ahead of time for guests or even a weeknight dinner. Simply follow these tips for storing and reheating to ensure that your fall-off-the-bone ribs stay moist and delicious every time!
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to make the best Southern Style Baby Back Ribs, you don’t want to miss these tips that I have for you. These tips will help ensure that your ribs come out perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor.
First off, before you start cooking, make sure that your oven is preheated. This will help ensure that your ribs cook evenly throughout the entire process.
One tip that can’t be overstated is to dry your ribs thoroughly before applying the dry rub. Any excess moisture on the meat will prevent the rub from adhering well, and significantly impact its flavor. Trust me; you don’t want to skip this step.
When applying the dry rub, ensure that it has coated the ribs generously all over. Use your fingers to massage the seasoning into every nook and cranny of the meat. This ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.
Another important tip is to avoid opening the oven door while your ribs are cooking. Keeping a closed door maintains a constant temperature and prevents any heat from escaping, which could lead to unevenly cooked or dried-out meat.
Finally, remember that patience is key when cooking baby back ribs. They’re meant to be slowly cooked until they’re fall-off-the-bone tender, so don’t rush or overcook them. When done correctly, you’ll enjoy juicy and flavorful ribs that everyone will love.
Follow these tips to achieve delicious results every time you prepare Southern Style Baby Back Ribs.
Bottom Line
:
Now that you have all the information you need to make Southern Style Baby Back Ribs, I hope you feel inspired to give it a try. This recipe delivers an impressive taste and aroma that will leave you and your loved ones feeling satisfied, satiated, and happy.
What’s more, these ribs are very versatile since you can prepare them in a slow cooker, oven, or sous vide machine. You can also use different cuts of pork and beef ribs for different tastes and textures.
In conclusion, Southern Style Baby Back Ribs are an excellent way to enjoy the rich flavors of the South while indulging in a classic American dish. With this recipe as your guide and some creativity at your disposal, you can create countless variations of mouth-watering baby back ribs that will please everyone’s palate.
So why not give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you!
Southern Style Baby Back Ribsgreat Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons paprika
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
Instructions
- Brush ribs lightly with prepared (Heinz, French's or your favorite) mustard. Mix and rub the above recipe on ribs 12 – 24 hours before cooking and wrap in heavy-duty foil.
- Cook in 275 degree oven for 2 hours 45 minutes.
- Unwrap and finish over a grill basting with either Cattleman's Classic or KC Masterpiece Barbecue Sauce.
- Enough for 3 racks of ribs.