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Perfect Grilled Baby Back Ribs Recipe with Easy Homemade Dry Rub

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Tender, juicy baby back ribs grilled to perfection with a flavorful homemade dry rub that balances smoky, sweet, and spicy notes. This recipe is quick to prep and perfect for summer BBQs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 racks baby back ribs (about 2.5 to 3 pounds each)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or neutral oil
  • Optional: Your favorite BBQ sauce for finishing

Instructions

  1. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs by peeling it off with a paper towel.
  2. Mix smoked paprika, brown sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and cumin in a bowl. Optionally, toast the spices in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels, rub a thin layer of olive oil over both sides, then generously apply the dry rub, pressing it in to coat evenly.
  4. Preheat the grill for indirect heat at about 275°F (135°C). For charcoal, bank coals to one side; for gas, turn one burner low and leave the other off.
  5. Place ribs bone-side down on the cooler part of the grill. Close lid and cook for about 2 hours, flipping every 30 minutes and managing flare-ups as needed.
  6. Wrap each rack tightly in aluminum foil and return to the grill for another 30 minutes to trap moisture.
  7. Unwrap ribs and place over direct heat for 5–10 minutes to develop a caramelized crust, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  8. Let ribs rest for 5 minutes before slicing between the bones and serving.

Notes

Remove the membrane for better rub penetration and tenderness. Toast spices to enhance flavor. Maintain grill temperature around 275°F for even cooking. Wrap ribs in foil halfway through to keep moist. Use indirect heat to avoid burning. Rest ribs before slicing. Keep a spray bottle of apple juice or water handy to spritz ribs if they dry out. For oven cooking, bake at 275°F for 2.5–3 hours then broil briefly for crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: baby back ribs, grilled ribs, dry rub, BBQ ribs, smoked ribs, summer BBQ, easy ribs recipe

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/perfect-grilled-baby-back-ribs-recipe-with-easy-homemade-dry-rub/