The Absolute Best Baby Back Ribs Recipe
Overview
Discover the culmination of three years of experimentation that has resulted in the creation of the Absolute Best Baby Back Ribs recipe. These ribs are renowned for their tenderness and flavor, making them a standout dish for any occasion, from casual backyard gatherings to special family dinners.
- Prep Time: 72 hours
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 73 hours 45 minutes
- Serving: Perfect for a crowd
Description
This recipe is a labor of love, combining a unique steaming method with a flavorful marinade and a finishing touch of BBQ sauce. The steaming process ensures that the meat becomes incredibly tender, practically falling off the bone, making it ideal for both casual finger food and more formal dining occasions.
Ingredients
- Dark Brown Sugar: 1 1/2 cups
- Light Soy Sauce: 1 cup
- Fresh Ground Black Pepper: 3/4 teaspoon
- Garlic: 1/2 head, minced
- White Wine: 5 tablespoons
- Chili Pepper: 1/2, finely chopped
- Barbecue Sauce: 1 cup (plus extra for coating)
Instructions
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Marinade Preparation:
- In a bowl, combine dark brown sugar, light soy sauce, fresh ground black pepper, minced garlic, white wine, and chopped chili pepper. Mix well until the sugar dissolves completely.
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Prepare the Ribs:
- Cut the rib racks into 3 or 4 rib segments. This allows for easier handling and ensures even cooking.
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Marinate the Ribs:
- Place the rib segments into a large container or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the ribs, ensuring they are completely covered. Refrigerate for 3 days to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat thoroughly.
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Steam the Ribs:
- After marinating, drain and discard the marinade. Place the rib segments in a steamer basket inside a large pot. Add approximately 1 inch of water to the pot.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot and steam the ribs for 1 1/2 hours. This gentle cooking method ensures the ribs become tender and juicy.
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Apply BBQ Sauce:
- Once steamed, carefully remove the ribs from the pot. Coat each rib segment generously with barbecue sauce. This step adds a caramelized glaze and enhances the flavor profile.
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Final Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Prepare a baking sheet by spraying it with cooking spray (Pam or similar).
- Place the coated ribs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. This brief baking period allows the BBQ sauce to set and gives the ribs a slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked, remove the ribs from the oven. Allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. These ribs are perfect for serving as finger food at parties or as a main dish accompanied by sides like coleslaw and cornbread.
Tips and Notes
- Make-Ahead: These ribs benefit from a long marinade time, making them perfect for meal planning. Prepare them a day or two ahead and finish them off just before serving.
- Leftover Stock: The water used for steaming the ribs can be saved and used as a flavorful base for soups or sauces, adding depth to other dishes.
- Customization: Adjust the spiciness of the ribs by varying the amount of chili pepper used in the marinade. You can also experiment with different barbecue sauces to suit your taste preferences.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 1430.2
- Fat: 81.5g
- Saturated Fat: 29.9g
- Cholesterol: 275.6mg
- Sodium: 4909.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 104.2g
- Fiber: 1.6g
- Sugar: 91.7g
- Protein: 64.1g
Conclusion
With its unique steaming method and flavorful marinade, these Absolute Best Baby Back Ribs are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or looking for a special dish to impress guests, this recipe delivers on tenderness, flavor, and overall satisfaction. Enjoy the process of creating these ribs and savor the compliments that come with serving them!
