Weekend BBQ Ribs

Weekend meals in our house are easy and usually slow cooked, something that can be put together

quickly, placed in the oven (or slow cooker) and forgotten about until dinner time. These BBQ ribs are a family favorite and, depending on the number of racks you make, they can even be a great main dish for a Super Bowl party. They can be made ahead and left to rest in a warm oven until game time so you don't miss any of the commercials, I mean the big game.

These BBQ Ribs are super easy and they do not require any special equipment like a meat smoker. They are baked in an oven at a super low temperature for several hours so they come out very tender and juicy. My special rub adds tons of flavor, spice and a little sweetness.

First combine all the rub ingredients in a small bowl. The spice rub recipe makes enough for 2 racks of ribs. If only making one rack, divide the rub in half and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months in the fridge.

Rub ribs liberally with the spice mixture. Next, pour a few splashes of liquid smoke onto the ribs and massage into the rack until it is completely covered with a slightly damp spice mixture.

Cover pan tightly with foil and bake in a preheated 275 degree oven for 4-6 hours. If you like your ribs falling off the bone, cook for about 6 hours. If you like them a little "toothsome" and sticking to the bone, cook for only 4 hours.

When the ribs are done, remove the foil and preheat the broiler to high. Brush the meaty side of the ribs liberally with your favorite barbecue sauce.

Place pan on top rack of oven a broil on high for 3-5 minutes or until the barbecue sauce starts to brown and bubble. Be careful not to burn the sauce, it happens very quickly so don't walk away from the oven.  

Remove ribs from oven and let cool slightly before cutting between the rib bones. Enjoy with Homemade Baked Beans and a fresh Apple Fennel Slaw 

Weekend BBQ Ribs

Ingredients:

2 racks pork baby back ribs or country style ribs

Spice rub ingredients:

2 tsp. sea salt

1 1/2 tsp. black pepper

2 tsp. smoked paprika (Pimenton) , sweet or hot

1 tsp. garlic granules

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

1 tsp. dry mustard powder

1 tsp. Ancho chili powder 

1/4 cup dark brown sugar, lightly packed

1-2 Tbs. liquid smoke (hickory or pecan flavor)

1/4 cup favorite barbecue sauce, plus more for serving

Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil and set aside. Rinse and pat dry racks of ribs and place on baking sheet. 

In a small bowl mix all spice rub ingredients together. Massage all over ribs while adding a few dashes of liquid smoke to the ribs creating a wet paste. Cover pan tightly with foil and bake for 4-6 hours. For "fall off the bone" ribs, cook for the longer amount of time. 

Remove ribs from over and uncover. Preheat the broiler to high. Meanwhile, brush ribs with barbecue sauce. Place under broiler on top rack of oven for 3-5 minutes, until the sauce is browned and bubbly. Remover from over, let cool slightly before slicing between the bones. Serve with additional barbecue sauce.