Ingredients for Baby Back Ribs
- 3-4 pounds baby back ribs
- ½ cup orange juice
- ½ cup margarita mix
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- Instant Coffee Powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning
- Dark Brown Sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- Ground Thyme
- Allspice
How to Make Baby Back Ribs
- **Prepare the Rub:** In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons paprika, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Mix well.
- **Season the Ribs:** Place each rack of baby back ribs (approximately 3-4 pounds) on a large sheet of extra-wide, heavy-duty aluminum foil.
- Season the ribs liberally with salt and sprinkle 3 tablespoons of the rub over each rack.
- **Create Foil Packets:** Turn the ribs meat-side down. Fold the foil over the ribs, tightly sealing each packet to create a pouch.
- **Refrigerate:** Place the foil packets on a half-sheet pan and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 4 hours).
- **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
- **Prepare Braising Liquid:** In a liquid measuring cup, combine ½ cup orange juice and ½ cup margarita mix.
- **Add Liquid to Packets:** Open one end of each foil pouch. Evenly divide the orange juice mixture between the two pouches.
- **Slow Cook:** Reseal the pouches and place the sheet pan in the oven for 2 hours.
- **Rest and Cool:** Remove the ribs from the oven. Carefully open one end of each pouch and pour the braising liquid into a heatproof measuring cup. Reseal the pouches and refrigerate the ribs and braising liquid for at least 4 hours, or up to 8 hours.
- **Make the Glaze:** Remove the solidified fat from the top of the braising liquid. Transfer the liquid to a small saucepan. Add ¼ cup honey, ¼ cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon espresso powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper (or more, to taste).
- **Reduce Glaze:** Whisk to combine and set over medium-high heat. Reduce to a glaze, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- **Preheat Grill:** Preheat a gas grill to medium-high heat for 10 minutes.
- **Grill the Ribs:** Cut each slab of ribs in half. Place the ribs on the grill, flesh-side down. Close the lid and reduce the heat to medium.
- **Grill and Flip:** Cook for 3 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes. Flip again and cook for 3 minutes on each side, or until nicely charred.
- **Glaze and Serve:** Remove the ribs from the grill and cut into 2-rib portions using kitchen shears. In a large bowl, toss the ribs with half of the glaze. Serve with the remaining glaze on the side.
Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor
Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
Sodium
24 g
Sugar
199g
Fat
101g
Carbs
20g