Description
Indulge in the rich, smoky, and juicy flavors of beef back ribs with this easy-to-follow recipe. Whether baked, grilled, or smoked, these ribs turn out fall-off-the-bone tender with deep caramelized edges. Perfect for BBQ nights, family dinners, or special occasions, this beef back ribs recipe will become your go-to for mouthwatering, restaurant-quality ribs at home!
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
For the Ribs
- 2 racks of beef back ribs (about 4–5 lbs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Dry Rub
- 2 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
BBQ Sauce (Optional, for Basting)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
Instructions
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven or Smoker
- If using an oven, preheat to 275°F (135°C). If smoking, set the smoker to 225°F (107°C) and prepare your wood chips (hickory or applewood recommended).
-
Prepare the Ribs
- Remove the silverskin membrane from the back of the ribs by lifting one corner and pulling it off using a paper towel for grip.
-
Apply the Dry Rub
- Coat the ribs with olive oil, then generously apply the dry rub on both sides, pressing it into the meat for maximum flavor.
-
Bake or Smoke the Ribs
- Oven: Wrap the ribs in foil and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 3.5 to 4 hours until tender.
- Smoker: Place ribs bone-side down on the smoker rack and cook for 6 hours, spritzing with apple juice every hour.
-
Baste with BBQ Sauce (Optional)
- Brush the ribs with BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a sticky, caramelized finish.
-
Rest and Serve
- Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with extra BBQ sauce and your favorite sides!
Notes
- For extra smoky flavor, use hickory or applewood chips if smoking.
- To ensure tenderness, wrap the ribs in foil after the first 3 hours of smoking.
- If grilling, cook on indirect heat at 250°F (121°C) for 2.5 hours, then sear over direct heat for a crispy finish.
- Let ribs rest before cutting—this keeps the juices locked in.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 240
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Baking, Smoking, Grilling
- Cuisine: American BBQ
Keywords: beef back ribs, smoked beef ribs, BBQ beef ribs, grilled beef ribs, slow-cooked beef ribs, tender beef ribs, oven-baked beef ribs, juicy beef ribs