Jeff'S Baby Back Ribs

Prep: 15 min Cook: 105 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Juicy, tender baby back ribs glazed with a sweet and spicy barbecue sauce, perfect for outdoor grilling and gatherings, appealing to barbecue lovers and casual hosts alike.

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Ingredients

  • 5 lb. pork baby back ribs
  • 1 1/2 cups Open Pit barbecue sauce
  • 2 Tbsp. honey
  • 1/4 tsp. dry mustard
  • 10 drops hot pepper sauce
  • 1/8 tsp. black pepper
  • 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Remove the back membrane from the ribs.
  2. Bake the ribs in a covered cake pan with 1/2 cup water for 1 1/4 hours at 325°F.
  3. If the ribs are fatty, boil first for 20 minutes, then bake, covered, for 45 minutes.
  4. Drain and chill the ribs.
  5. Make the sauce by combining barbecue sauce, honey, dry mustard, hot pepper sauce, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
  6. Place the ribs on a covered outdoor grill over low fire.
  7. Heat both sides of the ribs for 5 minutes.
  8. Add the sauce and cook for 10 minutes on each side until slightly browned and crispy.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, marinate the ribs in the sauce overnight to enhance flavor. If you prefer a sweeter taste, consider increasing the honey. You can also replace Open Pit barbecue sauce with your favorite brand or homemade sauce for a personalized touch. If you like it spicier, add more hot pepper sauce or cayenne pepper to the mix.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these ribs with classic sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans to complement the flavors. They pair beautifully with Fullmer'S Corn Bread for a hearty meal. For a refreshing touch, a side of pickles or a light salad can balance the richness of the ribs.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap them in aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also grill them briefly to regain some crispiness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Jeff'S Baby Back Ribs contains roughly 45 calories, with 2g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (83% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

45 kcal 2% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.3g 5% DV
Total Fat 0.7g 1% DV
Carbs 9.9g 4% DV
Fiber 5g 18% DV
Sugar 2g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 14.1mg 1% DV
Potassium 336.8mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 0mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 23.8mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 74.7mg 83% DV
Calcium 46.4mg 4% DV
Iron 1.2mg 7% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of ribs for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute baby back ribs with spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so monitor the doneness to ensure they are tender and flavorful.

What can I do if I don't have a grill?

If you lack a grill, you can finish the ribs under the broiler in your oven. Place them on a baking sheet, brush with sauce, and broil for a few minutes on each side until caramelized and crispy. Just keep a close eye to avoid burning.

How can I make the ribs more tender?

To achieve even more tender ribs, consider using a slow cooker after baking. Cook them on low for several hours with the barbecue sauce before grilling. This method allows the meat to become incredibly tender and infused with flavor.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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