Food Network Kitchen's Beauty shot Baked Baby Back Ribs
Recipe courtesy of Food Network Kitchen

Baked Baby Back Ribs

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  • Level: Easy
  • Total: 3 hr 20 min
  • Active: 20 min
  • Yield: 4 servings
Even a barbeque purist cannot scoff at these foil-wrapped, baked and glazed baby back ribs. They're satisfyingly sweet, savory, smoky and flavorful. The meat falls off the bones! Baking in foil also reduces the amount of clean up. You’ll be busy enjoying these ribs -- who has time for dishes?

Ingredients

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, chipotle chile powder, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, seafood seasoning and black pepper.
  2. Place each slab of ribs on a piece of aluminum foil large enough to fold over and seal, then place on a baking sheet. Do not seal the ribs in the foil yet (see Cook's Note). Generously sprinkle the dry rub on both sides of the ribs. Place in the refrigerator, meat-side down and uncovered, for at least 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the apple cider, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Worcestershire and minced garlic. Pour half the liquid over each slab and tightly seal each in the aluminum foil, crimping the edges to make a packet.
  4. Transfer the foil packets and baking sheet to the oven and bake until the meat is tender and starts to pull away from the bones, about 2 hours.
  5. Remove the sheet pan from the oven. Carefully open the aluminum packets and pour the braising liquid into a small saucepan. Bring the liquid to a simmer over medium heat until it becomes a thick and syrupy glaze, about 4 minutes.
  6. While the braising liquid reduces, line a baking sheet with foil and gently transfer the ribs to it. Position a rack on the top level of the oven and preheat the broiler.
  7. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the ribs with about half the glaze. Place the ribs under the broiler for about 1 minute. Brush with the remaining glaze and return to the broiled until charred in spots, about 1 minute more. Slice each rack between the bones into 2-rib portions and serve. 

Cook’s Note

Look for slabs of ribs that are around 1 pound each, or cut a larger rack in half. Wrapping each slab of ribs separately allows the braising liquid to stay in direct contact, infusing them with flavor and moisture.