Rub the baby back ribs generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Cook the Ribs

Preheat your grill or oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the seasoned ribs on the grill or in a baking dish and cook for 2.5 to 3 hours, until tender and the meat pulls away from the bone.

Espresso BBQ Sauce

Make the Sauce

In a saucepan, combine ketchup, brewed espresso, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

Season the Sauce

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt if necessary.

Pickled Red Onion

Pickle the Onions

In a bowl, combine the sliced red onion, apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Mix well and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Finishing Touch

Finish the Ribs

Once the ribs are cooked, brush them with the espresso BBQ sauce and grill for an additional 10-15 minutes, until caramelized.

Serve

Serve the country fried smoked baby back ribs with pickled red onions on the side.