These Fall Off The Bone Ribs are incredibly easy to make and are a real crowd-pleaser. The secret is cooking them slowly in the oven, which makes the meat so tender it practically falls off the bone!
To start, you’ll coat baby back ribs with a dry rub, which gives them a great flavor. Then, bake them at 300°F for about 3 hours. This low and slow cooking method makes the meat juicy and super tender.
After baking, slather the ribs with honey BBQ sauce and pop them under the broiler for about 5 minutes. This caramelizes the sauce, creating a sticky, delicious coating.
These ribs are perfect for any casual gathering, like game nights or bonfires. They’re great with sides like potato salad, corn on the cob, fresh salad, macaroni and cheese, or even a bowl of fresh fruit. Basically, they’re so good you can pair them with just about anything!
Fall Off The Bone Ribs Recipe
Ingredients
For the Ribs:
- 2 to 2 ½ pounds Baby back pork ribs
- Salt and black pepper
For the Sweet & Spicy BBQ Sauce:
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- ¼ cup finely Diced onion
- ½ tsp Ground cumin
- ½ cup Ketchup homemade is great!
- 1 tbsp Hot chili sauce like Sriracha
- 2 tbsp Light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
- Salt and ground pepper to taste
Instructions
Bake the Ribs:
- Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Get out a large roasting pan or a rimmed baking sheet and some aluminum foil.
- If the ribs have a thin membrane on the back, peel it off. You can find tips on how to do this below.
- Season both sides of the ribs generously with salt and pepper. If you’re using a spice rub, apply it now.
- Place the ribs, meaty side up, in the pan. You might need to cut them in half to fit. Cover tightly with foil, or wrap them in foil packets and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake the ribs for 2 ½ to 3 ½ hours, or until the meat falls off the bone easily. Start checking after 2 hours. Use a sharp knife to test; there should be little resistance. You can also gently bend the ribs. If the meat looks like it’s pulling away from the bone, they’re done.
Make the Homemade BBQ Sauce:
- While the ribs are baking, make the BBQ sauce. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 to 8 minutes.
- Stir in the cumin and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add the ketchup, hot chili sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Mix well, season with salt, and cook for 2 minutes. Set aside until the ribs are done.
To Finish:
- Take the ribs out of the oven, discard the foil, and brush both sides generously with the BBQ sauce.
- (Optional) Move an oven rack near the top, turn the broiler to high, and broil the ribs for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce starts to caramelize. Watch them closely so the sauce doesn’t burn.
Notes
- Remove the Membrane: Peel off the thin membrane from the back of the ribs before cooking. This helps make the meat more tender and flavorful.
- Low and Slow Baking: Bake the ribs at a low temperature (275°F or 135°C) for 2 ½ to 3 ½ hours. This slow cooking process ensures the meat is tender and falls off the bone.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 305 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 34g |
| Protein | 15g |
| Fat | 13g |
| Cholesterol | 49 |
| Sodium | 1609mg |
| Potassium | 398mg |
Can I Cook These Ribs In The Oven Instead Of On The Grill?
Yes, you can cook the ribs in the oven if you prefer. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with foil, and cover them with another piece of foil to keep them moist. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours until they are tender and falling off the bone. For a crispy finish, remove the top layer of foil and broil the ribs for a few minutes at the end.
How Do I Remove The Membrane From The Ribs?
To remove the membrane from the ribs, start by sliding a knife under the thin, silver skin on the back of the ribs to loosen it. Use a paper towel to grip the membrane and pull it off in one piece. Removing the membrane helps the ribs cook more evenly and allows the flavors to penetrate better.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Rib For This Recipe?
Yes, you can use different ribs, such as baby back ribs or spare ribs. Baby back ribs are smaller and leaner, while spare ribs have more meat and fat. Adjust the cooking time if needed; baby back ribs might cook faster than spare ribs. Both types will become tender and delicious with this recipe.
