Melt-in-Your-Mouth Baby Back Ribs

INGREDIENTS:

2 racks of baby back ribs (about 4-5 pounds)

Dry Rub:

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons paprika

1 tablespoon black pepper

1 tablespoon salt

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Braising Liquid:

1 cup apple juice

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

1/2 cup water

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

2 cloves garlic, minced

Your favorite BBQ sauce for glazing

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preparation of the Ribs:

Begin by removing the membrane from the back of each rack of ribs. Slide a knife under the membrane anywhere along the rack, and use a paper towel to grab and pull the membrane off. This step is crucial for ensuring your ribs are as tender as possible.

2. Applying the Dry Rub:

In a bowl, mix together all the dry rub ingredients until well combined. Generously apply the rub to both sides of the ribs, patting it in to make sure it adheres well. Let the ribs sit with the rub on them for at least 1 hour, or ideally, refrigerate them overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.

3. Preheat Your Oven:

Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). This low and slow approach is key to achieving that fall-off-the-bone tenderness.

4. Preparing the Braising Liquid:

In a bowl, mix together the apple juice, apple cider vinegar, water, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. This mixture will help keep the ribs moist and tender during the cooking process.

5. Wrapping the Ribs:

Tear off two large sheets of aluminum foil per rack of ribs, enough to completely encase the ribs. Place a rack of ribs on each set of foil sheets. Before sealing, pour half of the braising liquid over each rack of ribs, ensuring it’s well-distributed. Tightly seal the foil around the ribs, making sure there are no leaks.

6. Baking:

Place the foil-wrapped ribs on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 2.5 to 3 hours. The ribs are done when the meat is tender and pulls away easily from the bones.

7. Broiling:

Carefully remove the ribs from the foil and discard the liquid. Apply a generous amount of your favorite BBQ sauce on both sides of the ribs. Broil the ribs on high for a few minutes on each side until the sauce is caramelized and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

8. Resting and Serving:

Let the ribs rest for about 10 minutes before cutting into individual servings. This allows the juices to redistribute, making sure every bite is as delicious as possible.

Serve your melt-in-your-mouth baby back ribs with additional BBQ sauce on the side, and enjoy the fruits of your labor alongside your favorite sides, like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans. Enjoy!