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Savory Baby Back Ribs Recipe Easy Dry Rub for Juicy Tender Ribs

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This easy oven-baked baby back ribs recipe features a bold, smoky dry rub for juicy, tender ribs with a caramelized crust. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or cozy dinners, these ribs deliver restaurant-quality flavor with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 racks baby back pork ribs (about 3–4 lbs total)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (optional, for finishing)
  • 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (optional, for finishing)

Instructions

  1. Remove the thin membrane from the back of each rack of ribs. Pat ribs dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, cumin, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Mix well.
  3. Generously rub the spice mix over both sides of each rack, pressing the rub into the meat. Let ribs rest at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
  4. Preheat oven to 300°F. Line a large baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange ribs bone-side down on the rack.
  5. Tent ribs loosely with foil and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, until meat is tender and pulls away from the bone. If ribs look dry after 2 hours, brush lightly with apple cider vinegar or water.
  6. Remove foil and increase oven temperature to 425°F. Brush ribs with barbecue sauce or more dry rub. Return to oven for 10-12 minutes, or broil on high for 2-3 minutes until crust is caramelized.
  7. Let ribs rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Cut between bones and serve hot.

Notes

For extra smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the dry rub. If ribs are thicker, add 20-30 minutes to bake time. Ribs should be fork-tender; if tough, cover and bake longer. For a grill finish, cook ribs on a hot grill for 3-4 minutes per side after baking. All spices are naturally gluten-free, but check barbecue sauce labels.

Nutrition

Keywords: baby back ribs, dry rub ribs, oven baked ribs, easy ribs recipe, barbecue, pork ribs, smoky ribs, tender ribs, comfort food, family dinner

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