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beef back ribs recipe

beef back ribs recipe

Learn how to make tender, flavorful beef back ribs with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for BBQs or cozy dinners, these ribs are slow-cooked to fall-off-the-bone perfection, coated in a smoky spice rub, and glazed with a rich BBQ sauce.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Course Main Course BBQ
Cuisine American
Servings 2
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients for Beef Back Ribs Recipe:
  • Main Ingredients:
  • Beef Back Ribs 3–4 lbs – Choose meaty, well-marbled ribs for the best flavor and tenderness.
  • Olive Oil 3 tbsp – Helps the seasoning adhere to the meat and keeps it moist.
  • BBQ Sauce 1.5 cups – Your choice of sweet, tangy, or smoky sauce for glazing and basting.
  • Spice Rub Mix:
  • Paprika 2 tbsp – Adds a mild, smoky flavor and color.
  • Brown Sugar 2 tbsp – For a subtle sweetness and caramelization.
  • Garlic Powder 1 tbsp – To enhance the savory depth.
  • Onion Powder 1 tbsp – For a light, sweet, and savory flavor.
  • Ground Mustard 1 tbsp – Offers a tangy, savory note.
  • Salt 1 tbsp – Enhances all the flavors in the rub.
  • Black Pepper 1 tbsp – Adds a sharp, mild spice.
  • Cayenne Pepper 1 tsp, optional – For a slight kick of heat.

Notes

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Beef Back Ribs

1. Prep the Ribs

  • Trim the fat: Use a sharp knife to remove excess fat and silver skin from the ribs. The silver skin is a tough membrane on the bone side of the ribs—removing it will help the seasoning penetrate better and ensure the ribs cook evenly.
  • Remove the membrane: Slide a butter knife under the thin, silver membrane on the back of the ribs. Once it's loosened, grab it with a paper towel and peel it off completely. This step is essential for making the ribs tender.

2. Season the Ribs

  • Coat the ribs with olive oil: Drizzle olive oil over both sides of the ribs and rub it in to ensure an even coating.
  • Apply the spice rub: Sprinkle the spice rub generously over both sides of the ribs, making sure the seasoning is evenly distributed. Press the rub into the meat to help it adhere.
  • Rest the ribs: Allow the seasoned ribs to sit at room temperature for 30–60 minutes. This allows the flavors to infuse into the meat while also ensuring even cooking.

3. Choose Your Cooking Method

You can cook the ribs using several methods, depending on your equipment and preferences:
Oven Method (Simple and Reliable)
  1. Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C).
  2. Wrap the ribs: Place the seasoned ribs on a large sheet of aluminum foil, with the bone side down. Wrap them tightly, sealing the edges to keep the moisture inside.
  3. Cook the ribs: Bake the ribs in the oven for 3–4 hours, depending on the size of the rack. The ribs are ready when the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
  4. BBQ sauce time: About 30 minutes before the ribs are done, brush them with your favorite BBQ sauce.
  5. Crispy finish: For a crispy, caramelized finish, unwrap the ribs and broil them in the oven for 5–7 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Grill Method (For Smoky Flavor)
  1. Preheat the grill to medium-low heat (around 300°F), making sure the grill has indirect heat (not directly over the flames).
  2. Place the ribs on the grill with the bone side down, away from the direct heat.
  3. Grill the ribs for 3.5–4 hours, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  4. BBQ sauce time: Brush the ribs with BBQ sauce during the last 15 minutes of grilling, turning them over every few minutes to prevent burning and allow the sauce to caramelize.
Smoker Method (For True BBQ Flavor)
  1. Preheat the smoker to 225°F (107°C) and add wood chips (hickory, applewood, or mesquite) to give the ribs that authentic smoky flavor.
  2. Smoke the ribs for 4–5 hours, maintaining the steady temperature and adding wood chips as needed.
  3. Baste with BBQ sauce: During the last hour of smoking, brush the ribs with BBQ sauce to give them a flavorful glaze.
  4. Check the ribs: The ribs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 190–200°F, and the meat is tender and pulls away easily from the bone.

4. Check for Tenderness

  • Use a pair of tongs to gently grab the ribs. If the meat pulls away easily from the bone, they’re ready.
  • Alternatively, you can insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat; when it reaches 190°F, your ribs are perfectly cooked and tender.

5. Rest the Ribs

Once the ribs are done, let them rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful bite.

6. Slice and Serve

  • Use a sharp knife to cut between the bones and slice the ribs into individual servings.
  • Drizzle extra BBQ sauce on top if desired, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

  • Serve the ribs alongside creamy coleslaw, grilled corn on the cob, or a tangy potato salad.
  • Pair with your favorite side dishes for a well-rounded, hearty meal!