These Copycat Texas Roadhouse Ribs are juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. With a sweet and spicy barbecue sauce, they’ll make your taste buds dance!
Cooking these ribs feels like a fun challenge, but don’t worry! Just season, bake, and glaze. I love making them for friends, and they always finish with a smile and messy fingers! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Back Pork Ribs: These ribs are tender and flavorful. If you can’t find baby back ribs, spare ribs are a good substitute, though they may need a bit longer to cook.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness to your rub. If you’re aiming for less sugar, coconut sugar or even maple syrup would work well in the dry rub.
Smoked Paprika: It gives a lovely smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika will do, but you might miss out on that smoke hint. Adding a drop of liquid smoke can help!
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce. Not a fan of store-bought? Feel free to whip up a simple homemade BBQ sauce using ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and your favorite spices.
How Do I Prepare Ribs for Tenderness?
One key to tender ribs is removing the silver skin, which is a tough membrane on the back of the ribs. It can be a little slippery, so use a paper towel for a better grip. Here’s how:
- Slide a knife under one edge of the silver skin and gently lift it away from the meat.
- Using your fingers, pull it back to remove, trimming away any excess that might tear.
Also, slow cooking is essential. Keep the oven at a low temperature (275°F) to ensure the meat becomes tender over time.
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ribs:
- 2 racks baby back pork ribs (about 4 pounds total)
For the Dry Rub:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup Texas Roadhouse-style barbecue sauce (or your favorite tangy BBQ sauce)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 3 to 3.5 hours in total, including 15 minutes for preparation and 2.5 to 3 hours for baking. The final touches under the broiler or on the grill will take about 10 minutes, making it a manageable and rewarding endeavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Ribs:
First, set your oven to 275°F (135°C). This low temperature is perfect for slow cooking the ribs to perfection. Next, carefully remove the silver skin membrane from the back of the ribs. Grab a paper towel to help grip it better and peel it off for the best tenderness.
2. Make the Dry Rub:
In a medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if you like a little heat). This mixture will create a flavorful crust!
3. Apply the Rub:
Generously rub the spice mixture onto both sides of the ribs. Make sure to massage it in well so every bite will burst with flavor. After that, wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
4. Slow Bake:
Pop the wrapped ribs into your preheated oven and let them bake for 2.5 to 3 hours until they are tender. The low heat will make them fall-off-the-bone delicious!
5. Prepare BBQ Sauce Glaze:
While the ribs are baking, mix the barbecue sauce with Worcestershire sauce in a small saucepan. Warm it over low heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, to marry the flavors.
6. Finish Ribs Under Broiler or Grill:
Once the ribs are done baking, carefully unwrap them (watch out for steam!). Brush the ribs generously with the warmed BBQ sauce mixture on both sides to add a delicious glaze.
7. Broil or Grill:
For a caramelized finish, place the ribs on a baking sheet and broil them for 5–8 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning. Alternatively, grill the ribs over medium heat for 5 minutes per side with the sauce glaze, allowing the sugars to create a gorgeous crust!
8. Rest and Serve:
Let the ribs rest for about 5 minutes for the juices to redistribute. Then, slice between the bones and serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side. Enjoy your feast of homemade Copycat Texas Roadhouse Ribs!
These ribs pair perfectly with sides like baked beans, coleslaw, and cornbread. Happy Cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use St. Louis Ribs Instead of Baby Back Ribs?
Absolutely! St. Louis ribs have a bit more meat and fat, which can make them even more flavorful. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly since they may need a little longer to become tender.
How Can I Make These Ribs Spicier?
If you like extra heat, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the dry rub. Alternatively, try adding some hot sauce to the BBQ sauce mixture for a spicy kick!
Can I Make These Ribs in a Slow Cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes! For a slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours. If using an Instant Pot, season the ribs, add a cup of water, and cook on high pressure for about 25-30 minutes, then finish with the BBQ sauce under the broiler for a caramelized finish.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Ribs?
Wrap any leftover ribs tightly in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use the microwave for a quicker option.
