Marinated Baby Back Ribs (Grill + Oven)

Baby back ribs are a popular main dish and if you use our marinade + dry rub method you can’t go wrong! Cook this baby back ribs recipe in the oven or on the grill.

Your Ultimate Baby Back Ribs Recipe!

This recipe is for a delicious and tender piece of baby back ribs, cooked in either the oven or on the grill on low and slow, then cooked at a higher temperature for a crispy, flavorful crust.

Thanks to a sweet and tangy rib marinade and a simple pork rib rub, there’s so much amazing flavor imparted to these baby back ribs!

Pair these ribs with any of your favorite grilled sides like red potato salad, grilled corn on the cob, or baked potatoes and enjoy!

What are baby back ribs?

Baby back ribs are a type of pork ribs that come from the upper part of the pig’s rib cage.

They are called “baby” back ribs because they are shorter and smaller than replacement ribs that come from the lower part of the rib cage. Baby back ribs are also leaner and have less fat than spare ribs, making them a healthier option.

Spare ribs vs baby back ribs

Spare ribs and baby back ribs are popular cuts of pork, but they have some key differences.

• Size: Spare ribs are larger and meatier than baby back ribs. They come from the lower part of the pig’s thorax, closer to the abdomen. Baby back ribs are smaller and slimmer and originate from the upper part of the rib cage.
• Taste good: Spare ribs have a stronger, smokier flavor than baby back ribs. This is because spareribs are often smoked before cooking. Baby back ribs have a more delicate taste.
• Cooking time: Spare ribs take longer to cook than baby back ribs. This is because they are larger and have more bones. Baby back ribs can be cooked in the oven or on the grill in 2-3 hours. Cooking spare ribs on the grill or in the oven takes 3-4 hours.

How to Remove the Membrane from Baby Back Ribs

Some ribs, which you usually buy directly from the butcher, have the membrane already removed. However, the pork ribs sometimes still have the membrane. Here is a quick overview of how to remove it:

1. With a sharp knife, make a small cut along the edge of the membrane.
2. Insert your fingers under the membrane and pull it away from the bone.
3. Once the membrane is removed, discard it.

Grill Instructions

Grill the ribs, meat side down, over indirect heat at 300°F for 1 hour. Raise the temperature to 400°F and agitate the ribs over direct heat. Top with BBQ sauce and grill for another 10-15 minutes.

Instructions for the oven

Place the ribs on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil. Bake at 300F for 2.5 hours. Increase the heat to 400°F, then brush on the BBQ sauce. Cook for another 10-15 minutes.

Top tips for perfect baby back ribs

Remove the membrane. It’s important to remove the membrane from your ribs before beginning the cooking process. See above for brief instructions.

Marinate the ribs. Marinating the ribs tenderizes the meat and adds flavor. You can use any type of marinade you like. However, allow the ribs to marinate for at least an hour or overnight for the best flavor.

Use a dry rub. Dry rubbing helps add flavor and crust to the ribs.

Cook the ribs on low and slow. Ribs are best cooked on low and slowly. This means cooking the ribs at a low temperature for a longer period of time. Raise the temperature at the very end to help the outer layer crust better.

Let the ribs rest. After cooking, it’s important to let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to spread throughout the meat, resulting in tender and juicy ribs.

storage

If you have leftover ribs, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.