Ingredients
2 racks of Pork Loin Back Ribs (about 4-6 lbs, known for their tender meat)
2 cups of your favorite Barbecue Sauce (like Sweet Baby Ray’s for great taste)
1 cup of Apple Juice (for Instant Pot method, adding a sweet flavor)
1/4 cup Olive Oil (to moisten the dry rub)
1/4 cup Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps to caramelize the surface of the ribs.
2 tablespoons Paprika: Provides a rich, smoky flavor and a beautiful reddish color.
1 tablespoon Garlic Powder: Adds a savory depth and aromatic quality.
1 tablespoon Onion Powder: Complements the garlic powder with its sweet, savory notes.
1 tablespoon Chili Powder: Offers a mild heat and complexity to the rub.
1 tablespoon Dry Mustard: Gives a tangy, sharp contrast to the sweetness of the sugar.
1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper: Brings a spicy kick, which can be adjusted to taste.
2 teaspoons Black Pepper: Adds a pungent, spicy flavor that’s essential to any good rub.
2 teaspoons Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the rub and helps to tenderize the meat.
1 teaspoon Ground Cumin: Introduces a warm, earthy flavor with a hint of citrus.
Optional: For a smoky flavor, especially if you’re not cooking on a grill, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke to the rub mix.
Instructions
Oven-Baked Ribs:
Prep the Ribs
- Remove the Membrane: Start by using a butter knife and paper towel to pry up and remove the membrane (silver skin) on the back of the ribs, ensuring better flavor absorption and tender meat.
- Season: Brush the ribs with olive oil, then apply the dry rub generously on both sides of the ribs. Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Wrap and Bake
- Wrap Ribs: Wrap the seasoned ribs in aluminum foil, creating a tight seal.
- Bake: Place the wrapped ribs on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 275°F for about 2-3 hours, until meat is tender and pulls away from the bone.
Broil for Finish
- Sauce and Broil: Remove the foil, brush the ribs with your favorite BBQ sauce, and broil on high for a few minutes until the sauce is caramelized and bubbly.
Instant Pot Ribs:
Prepare the Ribs
- Season: After removing the membrane, season the ribs with the dry rub. Cut the rack in half if needed to fit into the Instant Pot.
Pressure Cook
- Liquid Base: Pour 1 cup of apple juice into the Instant Pot, placing the trivet inside. Arrange the ribs around the sides of the pot.
- Cook: Seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for about 25-30 minutes, followed by a natural release.
Finishing Touches
- Sauce and Broil: Carefully remove the ribs, brush with BBQ sauce, and broil in the oven for a few minutes to get a caramelized finish.
Homemade Dry Rub:
Mixing, Applying & Resting
- Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine all the spices and mix well to ensure that the brown sugar breaks up and is evenly distributed throughout the spice blend.
- Apply to Ribs: Before applying the rub, make sure your ribs are patted dry with a paper towel and the membrane on the back of the ribs has been removed. Coat both sides of the ribs generously with the dry rub, using your hands to press the mixture into the meat to adhere.
- Rest: Allow the ribs to sit with the rub on them for at least 30 minutes at room temperature before cooking. This resting period helps the flavors to penetrate the meat. For even deeper flavor, you can wrap the seasoned ribs in plastic wrap and refrigerate them overnight. Just remember to let them come back to room temperature before cooking.
- Cook: Proceed to cook your ribs as per your chosen method, whether it be oven-baked, Instant Pot, grilled, or slow-cooked. The rub will form a flavorful crust on the outside of the ribs as they cook.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Bake & Instant Pot