Best-Ever Barbecued Ribs

Best-Ever Barbecued Ribs
3 from 17 ratings
This go-to recipe for classic barbecued ribs embraces what we refer to as our "oven-cheat" method — a technique that'll get you ultra-tender meat without spending 12 hours manning a smoker. Choose your cut — baby backs or spareribs — and follow three simple steps: 1. Season. 2. Bake. 3. Grill. Click here to see 9 Mouthwatering Rib Recipes.
Servings
8
servings
Ingredients
  • 2 1/2 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon dry mustard
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 8 pound baby back ribs (8 racks) or spareribs (4 racks)
  • vegetable oil, for brushing the grill
  • low-sodium chicken broth (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cup store-bought or homemade barbecue sauce, plus more for serving
Directions
  1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
  2. Combine the first 5 ingredients in a small bowl. Place each rack of ribs on a double layer of foil and sprinkle the rub all over the ribs. Wrap the racks individually and divide between 2 baking sheets.
  3. Bake the ribs until very tender but not falling apart, about 2 hours for baby back ribs or 3 hours for spareribs. Carefully unwrap the ribs and pour any juices from the foil into a 4-cup heatproof measuring cup. Reserve the juices and let the ribs cool completely.*
  4. Build a medium-hot fire in a charcoal grill, or heat a gas grill on high heat. Brush the grate with oil. Add the broth or water to the rib juices, if needed, to measure 1 ½ cups. Whisk in the barbecue sauce to blend.
  5. Grill the ribs, basting with the barbecue sauce mixture and turning frequently, until lacquered and charred in places and heated through, 7-10 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and cut between the ribs to separate. Transfer to a platter and serve with more barbecue sauce.