These Copycat Texas Roadhouse Ribs are so easy to whip up, and they’re fall-off-the-bone tender! With a tasty spice rub and a sweet BBQ sauce, they truly capture that famous restaurant flavor.
Honestly, there’s nothing like digging into a rib full of flavor! I love serving these with some coleslaw and cornbread. Trust me, your family will lick their fingers clean! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Baby Back Ribs: This is the star of the dish! If you can’t find baby back ribs, spare ribs are a great substitute. They’re a bit meatier but still work well with this recipe.
Brown Sugar: It adds sweetness and helps create that caramelized finish. If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use coconut sugar or even maple syrup in a pinch, just reduce the liquid elsewhere slightly.
Smoked Paprika: This gives the ribs a lovely smoky flavor. If you don’t have it on hand, regular paprika will work, but you might want to add a touch of liquid smoke for that smoky essence.
Apple Juice or Cider: This keeps the ribs moist and adds subtle sweetness. If you prefer not to use juice, try using chicken broth or even beer for a different twist.
How Do You Remove the Membrane from Ribs?
Removing the membrane is key for tender ribs. It allows the seasoning to penetrate better. Here’s how to do it:
- Flip the rack of ribs so the bony side is facing up.
- Use a sharp knife to gently lift one corner of the membrane. A paper towel can help grab it without slipping.
- Pull the membrane off slowly, trying to keep it in one piece.
If it tears, don’t worry. Just continue removing it from where you can. The result will be incredibly tender ribs!
What’s the Best Way to Broil Ribs for a Finish?
Broiling is an excellent way to finish your ribs, giving them a crispy edge:
- After brushing with BBQ sauce, place the ribs on the top rack of the oven.
- Broil on high for 3-5 minutes, staying close to watch for burning.
- Rotate if needed for even caramelization.
This method will lock in the flavors and add a great texture to your ribs! Enjoy your meal! 🍖
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Ribs Recipe Easy and Tender
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 racks of pork baby back ribs (about 2-3 pounds each)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 cup apple juice or apple cider
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
Time Needed to Cook:
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and 2.5 to 3 hours to cook in the oven. With a little patience and love, you’ll have fall-off-the-bone ribs that everyone will rave about!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 275°F (135°C). This lower temperature is perfect for slow-cooking the ribs, ensuring they’re tender and juicy.
2. Prepare the Ribs:
Take a moment to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This step helps the seasoning soak in better and makes for more tender bites.
3. Mix the Spice Rub:
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if you like a bit of spice). This mix will add fantastic flavor to your ribs!
4. Season the Ribs:
Generously rub the spice mixture all over both sides of the ribs, making sure to press it in a bit so it sticks well.
5. Arrange the Ribs:
Place the seasoned ribs meaty side up on a large baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. This will help with easy cleanup later!
6. Add Moisture:
Pour the apple juice or cider into the bottom of the pan. This will keep the ribs nice and moist as they cook.
7. Cover and Bake:
Cover the ribs tightly with aluminum foil and pop them into the preheated oven. Let them cook for 2.5 to 3 hours until the meat is tender and starts pulling away from the bones.
8. Add the Barbecue Sauce:
Once the cooking time is up, take the ribs out of the oven and carefully remove the foil. Now, brush a good amount of your favorite barbecue sauce over the ribs.
9. Broil for a Finish:
For a delicious caramelized finish, broil the ribs on high for 3-5 minutes or grill them on medium-high heat. Stay close to watch them, as they can caramelize quickly!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the ribs rest for a few minutes after broiling before cutting between the bones. This helps keep the juices locked in. Serve them up and enjoy the amazing flavors!
Get ready to dig into these tender, juicy ribs that taste just like your favorite Texan eatery! 🥩🍽️
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use a Different Type of Ribs?
Absolutely! While baby back ribs are ideal for tenderness, spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs can also be used. Just keep in mind they may require slightly longer cooking times due to their size and thickness.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you enjoy a bit of heat, simply increase the cayenne pepper in the spice mix or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the barbecue sauce before brushing it on. You can also experiment with spicy barbecue sauces for extra kick!
Can I Grill These Ribs Instead of Baking Them?
Yes! If you prefer grilling, you can cook the ribs using indirect heat for about 2.5 to 3 hours, basting them with apple juice or cider periodically to keep them moist. Finish with the barbecue sauce over direct heat for a few minutes to caramelize.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Ribs?
To store leftovers, wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll be good for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in the oven or microwave, brushing some extra barbecue sauce on to keep them moist.
