Baby Back Ribs Recipe
Half Rack served with Curly Fries.
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Ribs
Curly Fries
Garnish & To Serve
Method
Ribs
- 1
Prep ribs
Preheat oven to 150°C (300°F). Pat the half rack of baby back ribs dry with paper towels. Flip to the bone side and use a small knife to loosen and remove the membrane (silver skin) from the back of the ribs; grip with a paper towel and pull it off in one piece if possible.
- 2
Make dry rub
In a small bowl combine kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly so there are no lumps.
- 3
Apply binder and rub
Brush the meat side and both edges of the ribs lightly with yellow mustard (or a thin coat of oil) to help the rub adhere. Sprinkle the dry rub evenly over both sides of the ribs and press it gently into the meat with your hands. Let the rubbed ribs rest at room temperature for 15–20 minutes while you prepare the pan.
- 4
Prepare pan and braise
Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil for easier cleanup. Place a wire rack on the sheet and set the ribs bone-side down on the rack. In a small bowl mix apple cider vinegar and water and pour about 60–80 ml into the bottom of the baking sheet (not over the ribs) to create steam while baking. Cover the ribs tightly with another piece of foil, sealing the edges.
- 5
Slow cook
Bake covered in the preheated oven for 2 to 2 1/4 hours (approximately 120–135 minutes) until the meat is tender and pulls back from the bone about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Check once near the 90-minute mark and add a little more water/vinegar if the pan is dry.
- 6
Glaze and finish
Remove the top foil. Increase oven temperature to 200°C (400°F) or preheat a grill/ broiler. Combine barbecue sauce and butter in a small saucepan or microwave until butter melts and the sauce is warm. Brush a generous layer of the sauce onto the ribs. Return to the oven, uncovered, for 8–12 minutes until the sauce is tacky and begins to caramelize. If using a broiler or hot grill, watch closely to avoid burning—2–4 minutes may be enough.
- 7
Rest and slice
Remove ribs from oven and let rest 5 minutes. Using a sharp knife, slice between the bones into individual ribs or leave the half rack whole. Brush with any remaining sauce before plating.
Curly Fries
- 8
Oven method (recommended for ease)
Preheat oven according to frozen fries package, typically 220°C (425°F). Spread frozen curly fries on a single layer on a baking sheet. Toss with vegetable oil and a light sprinkle of salt and paprika. Bake for 15–25 minutes, turning once halfway, until golden and crisp. Timing varies by brand—follow package as primary guideline.
- 9
Deep-fry method (crispest)
Heat 3–4 cm of vegetable oil in a deep pan to 180°C (350°F). Fry frozen curly fries in batches for 3–4 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels and immediately season with salt and paprika.
- 10