These Fall Off The Bone Ribs are a true delight! Cooked low and slow, they become super tender and packed with flavor that everyone will love. The sticky sauce adds a tasty sweet kick!
Honestly, watching those ribs slide right off the bone makes me chuckle every time! 😂 I like to serve them with some coleslaw, and it’s always a hit with family and friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Ribs: Boneless or bone-in ribs can work, but I prefer baby back ribs for their tenderness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try turkey ribs—they’ll take less time to cook!
Olive Oil: This is great for adding flavor, but you can use any cooking oil you have on hand. Avocado oil is a fantastic substitute as it has a high smoke point.
Spices: The combination of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder adds depth. If you want it spicier, add more cayenne or swap it with some hot sauce in the seasoning mix.
Barbecue Sauce: Feel free to use store-bought, but homemade is even better! You can make it tangy by adding vinegar or sweet by increasing the honey. For a different flavor, try a mustard-based sauce.
How Do You Remove the Membrane from Ribs?
This step is key for relishing tender ribs! The membrane is a tough layer on the back of the ribs that can prevent seasonings from penetrating and inhibit tenderness.
- Flip the ribs over so the bone side is facing up.
- Locate the thin, silvery membrane on one end. You can slide a spoon or a knife under it to lift it.
- Grab the membrane with paper towel for a better grip and gently pull it off. It should come off in one piece!
Removing this membrane can be tricky, so don’t rush it. You want to make sure it’s fully detached for the best results!
Fall Off The Bone Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 racks of pork ribs (about 2-3 pounds each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, followed by 3 to 3.5 hours of baking, and an additional 15-20 minutes for caramelizing the sauce. Plan for around 4 hours to enjoy these mouth-watering ribs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Ribs:
Start by preheating your oven to 275°F (135°C). This low temperature will keep the ribs tender. While the oven is heating, flip the racks of ribs, and carefully remove the membrane from the back. This step helps them become more tender and allows the seasoning to penetrate better.
2. Seasoning the Ribs:
In a small mixing bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix these spices well. Now, rub the olive oil all over the ribs, making sure to coat them evenly. Sprinkle the spice mixture generously on both sides, rubbing it in for full flavor!
3. Baking the Ribs:
Using a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or a roasting pan, place the ribs bone side down and cover them tightly with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 3 to 3.5 hours. You want them to be super tender, and the meat should pull away easily from the bone. Just take a peek after 3 hours to see how they’re doing!
4. Adding the Sauce:
While the ribs are baking, mix the barbecue sauce and honey in a bowl. This mix will add that sweet, sticky glaze we all love! Once the ribs are tender and ready, take them out of the oven and raise the temperature to 425°F (220°C).
5. Caramelizing the Sauce:
Brush the ribs with the barbecue sauce mixture thoroughly, making sure they’re well covered. Place them back in the oven, uncovered, for an additional 15-20 minutes. This will caramelize the sauce, making it even more delicious!
6. Rest and Serve:
After baking, remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. Then, slice between the bones, and garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro if you like. Serve them up with your favorite sides, and enjoy those juicy, fall-off-the-bone ribs!
Using this method, you are guaranteed to end up with luscious, tender ribs that have a sticky, flavorful glaze. The low-and-slow cooking really lets these ribs shine!
Can I Use Different Types of Ribs?
Absolutely! Baby back ribs are popular, but you can also use spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the ribs.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Barbecue Sauce?
No worries! You can substitute with a mix of ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce for a quick homemade version. Adjust the sweetness and tanginess to your liking!
How Do I Store Leftover Ribs?
After enjoying your ribs, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of barbecue sauce to keep them juicy!
Can I Cook These Ribs on a Grill Instead?
Yes, grilling is a great option! For the best results, start by baking the ribs in the oven for a few hours to tenderize them, then finish them on the grill for that delicious smoky flavor and caramelized sauce!
