Ingredients:
- 1 rack of baby back ribs (about 2–3 lbs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (for extra tenderness)
Instructions:
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Prepare the ribs:
- Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for better tenderness. (Use a knife to lift it and pull it off with a paper towel.)
- Pat the ribs dry with paper towels.
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Season the ribs:
- Rub olive oil over the ribs.
- Mix brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using) in a bowl.
- Generously rub the spice mixture all over the ribs.
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Wrap and bake:
- Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with foil.
- Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil to lock in moisture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
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Add BBQ sauce and broil:
- Remove the ribs from the oven and carefully unwrap them.
- Brush BBQ sauce evenly over the ribs.
- Increase oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) or set to broil.
- Place the ribs back in the oven, uncovered, for 10–15 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
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Rest and serve:
- Let the ribs rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with extra BBQ sauce and your favorite sides.
Enjoy your tender, oven-baked baby back ribs!