Yields:
6
Total Time:
2 hrs 10 mins
Jump to recipeCopying is one of the greatest forms of flattery and our rendition of Chili’s baby back ribs does just that. To mimic the chain restaurant's in-house smoked pecan flavor, without a smoker, we slow cook the ribs in the oven first with a peppery spice rub then drench them in a rich homemade BBQ sauce made with smokey chipotle in adobo sauce and liquid smoke. Next up, add the ribs to grill for a quick char, adding a final layer of smokey flavor. For the most tender juicy ribs, it's essential to wrap the ribs in foil while they are baking, this locks the moisture and flavor right in.
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Ingredients
For the ribs
- 2 tsp.
kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp.
ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp.
onion powder
- 1/2 tsp.
garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp.
cayenne pepper
- 1/8 tsp.
ground white pepper
- 2
racks baby back pork ribs (about 4 pounds total)
For the BBQ sauce:
- 5
cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 cup
ketchup
- 1/2 cup
apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup
dark beer
- 1/4 cup
tomato paste
- 1/4 cup
light brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp.
orange juice concentrate
- 1 Tbsp.
Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp.
chile powder
- 1 tsp.
chipotle in adobo sauce
- 1/2 tsp.
ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp.
onion powder
- 1/4 tsp.
liquid smoke, optional
Directions
- Step 1Make the ribs: Preheat oven to 275°. In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and white pepper. Cut two 18-inch long pieces of foil from a standard aluminum foil pack. Place each rack of ribs on one of the pieces of foil and season all over with the spice mixture.
- Step 2Wrap the ribs in the foil, crimping the edges together to form a packet, and arrange the packets in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet. Bake the ribs until the meat is tender, a knife should easily pierce the meat, 2 to 2 ½ hours. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Step 3Meanwhile, make the BBQ sauce: On a cutting board, smash the garlic with ½ teaspoon salt until pureed. Scrape the garlic into a small saucepan and add all the remaining sauce ingredients. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer, until thickened and slightly darkened, about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- Step 4Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Oil the grates. Carefully, remove the baked ribs from the foil, the liquid inside will be hot. Brush both sides with the BBQ sauce. Grill until sauce is bubbling and ribs are lightly charred, about 4 minutes per side, brushing with more sauce if desired. Serve hot with extra sauce.
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