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Savory Smoked Paprika Dry-Rub Baby Back Ribs

savory smoked paprika dry-rub baby back ribs - featured image

This recipe delivers tender, juicy baby back ribs with a smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy dry rub made from smoked paprika, brown sugar, and garlic. Cooked low and slow, these ribs are perfect for casual gatherings and comfort food lovers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 racks baby back ribs (about 23 pounds or 9001350 grams each), trimmed of excess fat and silver skin removed
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
  2. Remove the silver skin membrane on the back of the ribs if not already removed.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and kosher salt. Stir well to blend evenly.
  4. Rub 2 tablespoons olive oil all over both sides of the ribs.
  5. Generously sprinkle the dry rub on both sides of the ribs, pressing it into the meat with your hands.
  6. Place each rack on a large sheet of aluminum foil, meat side up, and wrap tightly to seal in the juices.
  7. Place the wrapped ribs on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours until tender but not falling off the bone.
  8. Carefully remove the foil and place ribs back on the baking sheet, meat side up. Return to oven uncovered for another 20-30 minutes to caramelize the rub and crisp the edges.
  9. Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before slicing between the bones and serving.

Notes

Remove the silver skin membrane for tender ribs. Wrap ribs in foil halfway through cooking to lock in moisture. Let ribs rest before slicing to keep them juicy. Optionally brush barbecue sauce during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a glazed finish. You can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or maple sugar for different sweetness profiles. Adding dried thyme or oregano can add a fresh herbaceous note.

Nutrition

Keywords: baby back ribs, smoked paprika, dry rub, barbecue, tender ribs, easy ribs recipe, oven baked ribs, smoky ribs