1. Prepare the Ribs:
- Remove the Membrane: Start by removing the membrane (silverskin) on the bone side of the ribs. Slide a knife under the membrane at one end of the rack, lift, and then use a paper towel to grip and pull it off completely.
- Season: Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, and brown sugar in a bowl. Rub this mixture all over the ribs, coating both sides evenly. For best results, allow the ribs to marinate in the seasoning for at least 1 hour, or overnight in the refrigerator.
2. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). The low temperature is key for slow cooking the ribs to tender perfection.
3. Wrap the Ribs:
- Wrap in Foil: Tear off large sheets of aluminum foil (enough to encase each rack of ribs). Place a rack of ribs on each sheet, bone side down. Wrap the foil around the ribs tightly to ensure no steam escapes during cooking. This helps to keep the ribs moist.
4. Bake:
- Bake: Place the foil-wrapped ribs on a baking sheet or directly on the oven racks. Bake for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and pulls away from the bones.
5. Apply BBQ Sauce:
- Remove Foil: Carefully open the foil (watch for steam) and brush the ribs generously with your barbecue sauce on both sides.
- Broil: Increase the oven temperature to broil, or 450°F (232°C). Return the ribs to the oven, uncovered, and broil for about 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce is caramelized and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
6. Rest and Serve:
- Rest: Let the ribs rest for about 10 minutes before cutting into individual portions. This allows the juices to redistribute.
- Serve: Serve the ribs with additional barbecue sauce on the side and your favorite sides, like coleslaw, corn on the cob, or baked beans.
Tips:
- Customize Your Rub: Feel free to adjust the spices in the rub according to your taste preferences. Adding a bit of chili powder or cayenne pepper can introduce some heat.
- BBQ Sauce Choices: Use a high-quality BBQ sauce or make your own for the best flavor. You can experiment with different types, such as sweet, spicy, or tangy, to find your favorite.
- Checking for Doneness: The ribs are done when the meat is tender enough to easily pull away from the bones. You can also check if the meat has shrunk back from the bones by about 1 inch.
Enjoy your homemade Baked BBQ Baby Back Ribs, a dish that promises to deliver on flavor, tenderness, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with friends and family.