Ingredients:

  • 2 full racks Baby Back Pork Ribs (approx. 4 lbs)
  • 1/4 cup Dark Brown Sugar, packed
  • 3 Tbsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1 Tbsp Coarse Kosher Salt
  • 1 Tbsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 Tbsp Onion Powder
  • 2 tsp Black Pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1/4 cup Water
  • 5 cups Quality BBQ Sauce
  • 2 Tbsp Honey or Maple Syrup

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to a gentle 135°C (275°F). Prepare the dry rub by thoroughly combining all ingredients listed under 'The Ultimate Dry Rub'.
  2. Remove the Membrane: Turn the ribs bone-side up. Using the blunt edge of a butter knife, gently lift the tough, clear membrane near the corner of one rack. Grab the membrane with a paper towel for grip and peel it completely off the rack. Discard.
  3. Season the Ribs: Pat the ribs dry with paper towels. Generously rub the spice mixture into all surfaces of the ribs, ensuring a thick, even coating. For best results, place the ribs on a tray, cover, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
  4. Prepare the Foil Packet: Lay out two large sheets of heavy-duty foil for each rack, stacking them perpendicularly. Place one seasoned rib rack, bone-side down, in the center of the foil.
  5. Add Steaming Liquid: Mix the apple cider vinegar and water. Drizzle half of this mixture over the rib rack. Seal the packet tightly, crimping the edges well to prevent steam from escaping.
  6. Oven Bake: Place the foil packets onto a roasting pan. Bake for 3 hours and 15 minutes at 135°C (275°F). Do not open the foil during this time. The ribs are ready when the meat has pulled back slightly from the bone ends.
  7. Prepare the Glaze and Finishing Heat: Stir the honey or maple syrup into your chosen BBQ sauce. Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat (200°C / 400°F) or set up the oven broiler.
  8. Sauce and Caramelize: Carefully remove the ribs from the foil packets and discard the rendered liquid. Place the ribs directly onto the prepared heat source, bone-side down. Brush a generous layer of the BBQ sauce glaze over the top.
  9. Finish Cooking: Grill for 8–10 minutes, flipping and saucing every 3–4 minutes, until the sauce is deeply caramelized and sticky. Watch closely to prevent burning. (If using the broiler, broil, sauce again, and broil until caramelized.)
  10. Rest and Serve: Transfer the finished BBQ Baby Back Ribs to a cutting board. Tent lightly with foil and let them rest for 10 minutes before slicing between the bones and serving immediately.