Baby Back Ribs Recipe

Fall-off-the-bone tender baby back ribs, slow-cooked to perfection and finished with a tangy, sweet, and smoky glaze! This recipe, inspired by Alton Brown, delivers incredible flavor with a surprisingly simple method. Get ready for the most delicious ribs you've ever tasted!

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 1620 mins
Calories 979.3 kcal
Protein 123g
Rating 5.0 (1 Reviews)
Baby Back Ribs 11

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

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

  1. **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.
  2. **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.
  3. Season the ribs liberally with salt and sprinkle 3 tablespoons of the rub over each rack.
  4. **Create Foil Packets:** Turn the ribs meat-side down. Fold the foil over the ribs, tightly sealing each packet to create a pouch.
  5. **Refrigerate:** Place the foil packets on a half-sheet pan and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 4 hours).
  6. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
  7. **Prepare Braising Liquid:** In a liquid measuring cup, combine ½ cup orange juice and ½ cup margarita mix.
  8. **Add Liquid to Packets:** Open one end of each foil pouch. Evenly divide the orange juice mixture between the two pouches.
  9. **Slow Cook:** Reseal the pouches and place the sheet pan in the oven for 2 hours.
  10. **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.
  11. **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).
  12. **Reduce Glaze:** Whisk to combine and set over medium-high heat. Reduce to a glaze, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  13. **Preheat Grill:** Preheat a gas grill to medium-high heat for 10 minutes.
  14. **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.
  15. **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.
  16. **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

Elevate your dish with simple flavor boosters! A final flourish of freshly chopped herbs can add incredible brightness, while a squeeze of lemon or lime juice right before serving can awaken all the flavors. Don't underestimate a sprinkle of quality finishing salt or a drizzle of good olive oil to make your creation shine.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

24 g

Sugar

199g

Fat

101g

Carbs

20g

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