
Kids Pork Back Ribs Recipe
Three of our famous fall-off-the-bone pork ribs brushed with your choice of Signature BBQ sauce. Served with your choice of side and freshly baked chocolate chip cookie or wagon wheel.
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Ingredients
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Ribs
Signature BBQ Sauce (for brushing)
Optional sides (choose one per kid)
Dessert
Finishing
Method
Ribs
Preheat and prepare ribs
Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). If ribs are whole, cut into three-rib sections for kid portions. Pat ribs dry with paper towels.
Remove membrane
Turn ribs bone-side up and slide a small knife under the silver skin (membrane) at one end. Use a paper towel to grip and pull the membrane off to ensure tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs.
Apply mustard and dry rub
Brush both sides of each rib lightly with mustard to help the rub adhere. In a small bowl combine kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of each rib.
Slow-bake
Place ribs bone-side down on a large sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Pour 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar and 1 cup water into the foil packet (not over the rub) and seal the foil tightly to create a steamy environment. Place on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until the meat is very tender and pulls easily from the bone.
Finish on broiler or grill (optional)
Carefully open foil (watch steam). Brush both sides of the ribs with about half of the BBQ sauce. To set the sauce, either: 1) place under a hot broiler for 3–5 minutes until bubbly and slightly caramelized (watch closely), or 2) brush and place on a preheated medium-high grill for 3–5 minutes per side, turning once, until sauce is glossy and slightly charred. If using a broiler, move the oven rack 5–6 inches from the heat.
Sides
Prepare chosen side while ribs bake. For mashed potatoes: make 1/2 cup per portion. For steamed corn: steam or microwave 1/2 cup until tender. For fries: bake or fry to desired crispness and portion 1/2 cup.
Keep sides warm and plate alongside the 3 ribs when ribs are resting.
Dessert
Plate one freshly baked chocolate chip cookie or wagon wheel per kid. Serve with the ribs and side.
Finishing
Garnish ribs lightly with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately while warm. Include napkins or wet wipes for easy cleanup for kids.