These Fall Off The Bone Ribs are a mouthwatering treat! They’re slow-cooked and marinated in a tasty sauce that makes every bite juicy and flavorful.
I love how easy they are to make—just season, cook, and enjoy! Plus, who doesn’t love meat that falls right off the bone? Perfect for a family feast! 🍖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Baby Back Ribs: These ribs are tender and flavorful. If you can’t find baby back ribs, spare ribs are a good alternative, but they may take a bit longer to cook.
Olive Oil: This helps the spice mixture stick and adds flavor. You could substitute it with vegetable oil or even melted butter if you like a richer taste.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps caramelize the ribs. You can swap it out for honey or maple syrup if you prefer, but use a little less since they’re sweeter.
Smoked Paprika: This gives the ribs a lovely smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika works too. You could also use chipotle powder for a spicier kick.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite! I personally enjoy a honey BBQ sauce for a little sweetness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can make your own with tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, and spices.
How Do You Make Sure Your Ribs Are Tender?
Getting those ribs to be “fall off the bone” tender is key! To achieve this, the cooking time and temperature are crucial. Low and slow is the best method.
- Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). This low temp helps to break down the connective tissue without drying out the meat.
- Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs. This makes a huge difference in tenderness!
- Wrap the ribs tightly in foil to seal in moisture. This steaming effect is vital for soft, juicy ribs.
After baking for 2.5 to 3 hours, your ribs will be super tender. Just finish with a high heat blast for that delicious caramelized barbecue sauce on top!
Fall Off The Bone Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 racks of pork baby back ribs (about 4 pounds total)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then 2.5 to 3 hours of baking time. After that, just a few minutes are needed for glazing with barbecue sauce and resting before serving. So, overall, you’re looking at around 3 hours and 15 minutes total, but most of that is hands-off time while the ribs bake!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 275°F (135°C). This low temperature will help the ribs become tender as they cook slowly.
2. Prepare the Ribs
Flip the racks of ribs over and look for the thin membrane on the back. Carefully remove this membrane for tender results! Pat the ribs dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick better.
3. Make the Spice Rub
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if you like heat). This mixture is going to give your ribs a fantastic flavor!
4. Season the Ribs
Drizzle the olive oil over both sides of the ribs and rub it in. Next, sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the ribs, pressing it into the meat so the flavors really absorb.
5. Wrap and Prepare for Baking
Place the ribs on a large piece of aluminum foil with the bone side facing down. Drizzle the apple cider vinegar over the top to keep the ribs moist while they cook. Wrap the ribs tightly in the foil to seal in all the goodness.
6. Bake the Ribs
Put the wrapped ribs on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours. They are done when the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
7. Increase Temperature and Glaze
Once the ribs are tender, carefully take them out of the oven and increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C). Unwrap the ribs and brush a generous amount of your favorite barbecue sauce all over them.
8. Caramelize the Sauce
Return the ribs to the oven without the foil, and bake for another 10-15 minutes. This will allow the barbecue sauce to caramelize and become sticky, which is just heavenly!
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Take the ribs out and let them rest for about 5 minutes before slicing them between the bones. Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary if you like, and serve hot. Enjoy your juicy, tender Fall Off The Bone Ribs that are packed full of flavor!
Can I Use St. Louis Ribs Instead of Baby Back Ribs?
Absolutely! St. Louis ribs will work great for this recipe. Just keep in mind that they might require a slightly longer cooking time due to their larger size, so check for tenderness accordingly.
What Should I Do If My Ribs Aren’t Falling Off the Bone?
If your ribs are still tough, it may be that they need a bit more time in the oven. Bake them longer at the same low temperature until the meat is tender and pulls away from the bone easily. Wrapping them tightly in foil helps maintain moisture!
How to Store Leftover Ribs?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out, or microwave them in short intervals while covered with a damp paper towel.
Can I Make These Ribs on a Grill?
Yes! You can definitely cook these ribs on a grill. After seasoning, wrap them in foil and place them on indirect heat for about the same amount of time as baking. Then, unwrap and finish with barbecue sauce over direct heat for nice caramelization!