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Classic American Barbecue Ribs

BBQ · Main

Tender, fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs seasoned with a custom smoky dry rub and finished with a sweet and tangy barbecue glaze.

IntermediateHigh proteinGluten free
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Classic American Barbecue Ribs — recipe cover
3 hr 30 minA little patience, a lot of flavor
Prep time20 min
Cook time3 hr
Servings4 people
DifficultyIntermediate
Let's make something good

How to make it

7 steps. Take it one step at a time.

  1. Preheat your oven or smoker

    Preheat your oven or smoker to 275°F (135°C).

  2. Prepare the ribs

    Prepare the ribs by removing the thin membrane (silverskin) from the bone side of the racks. Use a paper towel to grip and pull it away.

  3. Combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt

    In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to create the dry rub.

  4. Generously coat both sides of the ribs

    Generously coat both sides of the ribs with the dry rub, pressing it into the meat.

  5. Place the ribs on a foil-lined baking sheet or directly

    Place the ribs on a foil-lined baking sheet or directly on the smoker grate. Bake or smoke for 3 hours. If using an oven, you can wrap them tightly in foil with a splash of apple juice after the first hour to speed up tenderness.

    3 hr
  6. Brush the ribs generously

    After 3 hours, brush the ribs generously with barbecue sauce. Return to the heat for another 30 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and caramelized.

    30 min
  7. Remove the ribs from the heat and let them rest

    Remove the ribs from the heat and let them rest for 10 minutes before slicing between the bones.

    10 min

A little kitchen wisdom

Removing the silverskin membrane from the back of the ribs is crucial for tenderness. If you prefer a stickier finish, apply a second layer of sauce and broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.

What you'll need

Baking sheetAluminum foilPastry brushSmall bowlMeat thermometer
Keep the good going

For now. And for later.

Make it ahead

The dry rub can be applied to the ribs up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Store & enjoy

Store leftover ribs in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil. Reheat in the oven at 250°F (121°C) covered in foil with a splash of water or juice to prevent drying out.

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An AI-created recipe from the EZdish collection. Ingredient quantities and techniques have not been independently kitchen-tested. Published on this website . Updated . First published in the EZdish collection .

Classic American Barbecue Ribs
Step 1 of 7

Preheat your oven or smoker

Preheat your oven or smoker to 275°F (135°C).