When it comes to grilling, few things are as mouth-watering as a rack of tender, fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs. Whether you’re a BBQ enthusiast or just looking for a new twist on a classic dish, we’ve got you covered with 18 delicious recipes to try this summer.
From sweet and sticky glazes to spicy and smoky flavors, these recipes showcase the versatility of baby back ribs and offer something for everyone. Want to add some Asian flair? Try our Sticky Asian-Inspired Baby Back Ribs. Looking for a little heat? Our Spicy Chipotle Baby Back Ribs are sure to satisfy. And if you’re feeling classic, our Honey Garlic Glazed Baby Back Ribs are always a crowd-pleaser.
In this article, we’ll dive into each of these 18 mouth-watering recipes and explore the secrets to making the perfect rack of baby back ribs.
Honey Garlic Glazed Baby Back Ribs
Get ready for a mouthwatering twist on classic BBQ ribs with this easy-to-make recipe that combines the sweetness of honey with the pungency of garlic. These tender and flavorful baby back ribs are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds baby back ribs
– 1/4 cup honey
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, garlic, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
3. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the honey-garlic glaze all over the ribs, making sure to coat evenly.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the ribs and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 2-1/2 hours or until tender and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Smoky BBQ Baby Back Ribs
Get ready to fall off the bone with these tender and flavorful Smoky BBQ Baby Back Ribs! This recipe combines the sweetness of BBQ sauce with the smokiness of wood-fired flavor, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks baby back ribs
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 cup wood chips (hickory or apple)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F.
2. Season ribs with salt, pepper, and brown sugar.
3. Place ribs in smoker for 4 hours, or until tender.
4. Brush ribs with BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes of smoking.
5. Remove ribs from smoker and let rest for 10 minutes.
6. Serve with additional BBQ sauce, if desired.
Cooking Time: 4 hours (plus 10 minutes resting time)
Sticky Asian-Inspired Baby Back Ribs
Get ready to fall in love with these sticky baby back ribs, infused with the bold flavors of Asia! Tender meat, crispy caramelized edges, and a sweet and spicy glaze make this recipe a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks baby back ribs (about 4 pounds)
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 teaspoons grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Remove the membrane from the back of each rack (this will help the glaze penetrate the meat).
4. Place the ribs on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Brush the rib racks with half of the glaze.
6. Bake for 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily pulled apart.
7. Increase oven temperature to broil. Brush the remaining glaze over the ribs and broil for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until caramelized.
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Spicy Chipotle Baby Back Ribs
Get ready to ignite your taste buds with this bold and flavorful recipe that combines the sweetness of baby back ribs with the spicy kick of chipotle peppers!
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds baby back ribs
– 1/4 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together chipotle peppers, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove membrane from the back of the ribs and place them on a large baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
4. Brush the rib surface with olive oil and sprinkle the chipotle mixture evenly over the ribs.
5. Cover the baking sheet with another layer of aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours.
6. Remove the top layer of foil and continue to bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the ribs are caramelized and tender.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Brown Sugar and Bourbon Baby Back Ribs
Sweet and tangy, these baby back ribs are slathered in a sticky brown sugar and bourbon glaze that will make your taste buds do the happy dance.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds baby back ribs
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, bourbon, honey, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs (this will help the glaze penetrate).
4. Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
5. Brush the brown sugar glaze evenly over both sides of the ribs.
6. Cover the ribs with foil and bake for 2 hours, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
7. Remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the glaze is sticky and golden.
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 15-20 minutes
Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs with Cola
Elevate your slow cooker game with this easy and delicious recipe that combines the fall-off-the-bone tenderness of baby back ribs with the sweet and tangy flavor of cola. Perfect for a relaxing weekend meal or a crowd-pleasing gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds baby back ribs
– 1 cup cola (any brand)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your slow cooker to low.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together cola, brown sugar, honey, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Place the baby back ribs in the slow cooker and pour the cola mixture over them.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low), 4-6 hours (high)
Maple Mustard Baby Back Ribs
Tender and juicy baby back ribs infused with the rich flavors of maple syrup and tangy mustard. This recipe is a game-changer for BBQ enthusiasts!
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds baby back ribs
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, mustard, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
3. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Arrange ribs in a single layer.
4. Brush the glaze mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the ribs and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 2 hours, then increase oven temperature to broil (400°F/200°C). Broil for an additional 5-7 minutes or until caramelized.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 7-10 minutes
Korean Gochujang Baby Back Ribs
Spice up your ribs game with this sweet and savory Korean-inspired recipe that combines the bold flavors of gochujang (Korean chili paste) with tender baby back ribs.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds baby back ribs
– 1/4 cup gochujang
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, sesame oil, and ginger.
3. Remove membrane from ribs and place them in a large baking dish. Pour the gochujang mixture evenly over the ribs.
4. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours.
5. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the ribs are tender and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Pineapple Teriyaki Baby Back Ribs
Pineapple Teriyaki Baby Back Ribs Recipe
Sweet and savory, these Pineapple Teriyaki Baby Back Ribs are a twist on the classic BBQ ribs. The combination of tangy pineapple and sweet teriyaki sauce creates a flavor profile that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds baby back ribs
– 1 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Remove membrane from the back of ribs.
4. Place ribs in a large baking dish and brush with teriyaki mixture.
5. Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours.
6. Remove foil and continue to bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until caramelized.
7. Garnish with chopped cilantro (if using) and serve.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Dry Rub Memphis-Style Baby Back Ribs
Get ready to fall in love with the rich, tangy flavor of Memphis-style baby back ribs, all without a single drop of sauce!
Dry Rub Memphis-Style Baby Back Ribs
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds baby back ribs
– 1/4 cup dry rub mixture (see below)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Dry Rub Mixture:
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 2 tablespoons ground cumin
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– 1 tablespoon salt
– 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup paprika
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together dry rub ingredients.
3. Remove membrane from back of ribs and pat dry with paper towels.
4. Apply dry rub mixture evenly to both sides of the ribs, making sure to coat all surfaces.
5. Place ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours.
6. Increase oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until caramelized.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 10-15 minutes
Apple Cider Braised Baby Back Ribs
Rich and tender baby back ribs fall-off-the-bone tender with the sweet and tangy flavors of apple cider, perfect for a cozy evening or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds baby back ribs
– 1 cup apple cider
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together apple cider, brown sugar, honey, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the baby back ribs to the marinade, making sure they’re coated evenly. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
4. Remove the ribs from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Transfer the ribs to a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot with a lid. Pour in the remaining marinade and cover the pot.
6. Braise the ribs in the preheated oven for 2-3 hours, or until tender and falling off the bone.
7. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Garlic Parmesan Baby Back Ribs
Impress your family and friends with these mouthwatering Garlic Parmesan Baby Back Ribs, smothered in a rich and savory sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds baby back ribs
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
3. Remove membrane from ribs, if necessary.
4. Brush the garlic mixture evenly onto both sides of the ribs.
5. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the ribs.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until tender and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Jerk-Spiced Baby Back Ribs
Get ready to transport your taste buds to the islands with this mouthwatering recipe for Jerk-Spiced Baby Back Ribs. This classic Caribbean dish gets a delicious twist with the bold flavors of jerk seasoning, perfect for a backyard BBQ or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks baby back ribs
– 1/4 cup jerk seasoning
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together jerk seasoning, brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder.
3. Remove membrane from the back of the ribs.
4. Apply jerk spice mixture evenly to both sides of the ribs, making sure they’re well-coated.
5. Place ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, bone side down.
6. Bake for 2 hours, or until tender and caramelized.
7. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Cherry Cola BBQ Baby Back Ribs
Impress your friends and family with these fall-off-the-bone tender baby back ribs smothered in a sweet and tangy Cherry Cola BBQ sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds baby back ribs
– 1 cup Cherry Cola
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together Cherry Cola, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and place them in a large baking dish.
4. Brush the Cherry Cola BBQ sauce all over the ribs, making sure they’re fully coated.
5. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours.
6. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
7. Let the ribs rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Balsamic Glazed Baby Back Ribs
Elevate your barbecue game with these tender and tangy baby back ribs smothered in a rich balsamic glaze. Perfect for a summer gathering or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds baby back ribs
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, garlic, and thyme.
3. Season the ribs with salt and pepper on both sides.
4. Place the ribs in a large baking dish and brush the glaze evenly over both sides of the ribs.
5. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours.
6. Remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the ribs are caramelized and tender.
7. Let the ribs rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Peach Whiskey Baby Back Ribs
Get ready to fall in love with the sweet and tangy flavors of these Peach Whiskey Baby Back Ribs. With a glaze made from pureed peaches, whiskey, and spices, these tender ribs are sure to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks baby back ribs
– 1 cup peach puree
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 tbsp whiskey (such as bourbon or scotch)
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together peach puree, brown sugar, honey, whiskey, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Remove membrane from ribs and place them in a large baking dish.
4. Brush the peach glaze all over the ribs, making sure to coat evenly.
5. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours.
6. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until caramelized and tender.
7. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Lemon Pepper Baby Back Ribs
Brighten up your BBQ game with these tender and flavorful lemon pepper baby back ribs!
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds baby back pork ribs
– 1/4 cup lemon pepper seasoning
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together lemon pepper seasoning and garlic.
3. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs (if applicable). Pat dry with paper towels.
4. Brush both sides of the ribs with olive oil. Sprinkle lemon pepper mixture evenly over the ribs, making sure to coat all surfaces.
5. Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
6. Bake for 2 hours and 15 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Five-Spice Baby Back Ribs
Experience the bold flavors of Asia with these tender and aromatic Five-Spice Baby Back Ribs, perfect for a unique dinner party or family gathering. This recipe combines the classic American-style ribs with the savory notes of Chinese five-spice powder.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds baby back ribs
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 2 tablespoons five-spice powder
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, honey, five-spice powder, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
4. Brush the ribs evenly with the marinade mixture.
5. Cover the ribs with foil and bake for 2 hours.
6. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the ribs are caramelized and tender.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to fall off the bone with these 18 mouth-watering baby back ribs recipes perfect for grilling! From sweet and sticky glazes to spicy and smoky flavors, there’s something for every taste bud. Try classic BBQ-style ribs or experiment with international flavors like Korean gochujang or Asian-inspired sticky sauce. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just starting out, these recipes will guide you to tender, fall-apart perfection.
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