Fall Off The Bone Baby Back Ribs

Photo: The Phenomenal Woman

Ingredients

2 racks baby back ribs

Dry rub (recipe follows below)

1 tablespoon • cumin

1 tablespoon • paprika

1 tablespoon • granulated garlic

1 tablespoon • granulated onion

1/2 tablespoon • chili powder

1 tablespoon • brown sugar

2 tablespoons • kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon • black pepper

Preparation

Directions:

Day before the party:

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.

Trim the membrane sheath from the back of each rack. Run a small, sharp knife between the membrane and each rib, and snip off the membrane as much as possible.

Sprinkle as much of the rub onto both sides of the ribs as desired. To prevent the ribs from becoming too dark and spicy, do not thoroughly rub the spices into the ribs.

Cover ribs with aluminum foil and plastic bag. Refrigerate ribs for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.

The day of the party:

Preheat oven to 300 degree F (150 degrees C).

Line a 13x9 baking pan with non-stick foil. Put ribs in (still with the foil) meaty side up. Bake the ribs for 2 1/2 – 3 hours.

Remove the ribs from the oven, and let stand.

Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat. Remember to lightly oil the grates for an easy clean-up.

Let the ribs cool for at least thirty minutes to let it firm up before moving to the grill.

Remove the racks from the foil, and brush with barbeque sauce.

Lay ribs on top rack of grill.

Grill the ribs for 3 to 5 minutes on each side. Brush sauce on the ribs while they're grilling till they are nicely caramelized.

You have to do step 15. This really makes a difference in the presentation because it makes the sauce stick to the ribs - restaurant style. If you skip this part and just take the ribs out of the foil and serve them, the ribs still taste as good, but they look pale and unappetizing. Just be sure to check the ribs frequently as their broiling so that they don't get burned.

Alternatively, if there is no space for an outdoor grill or weather does not permit, you can also finish the ribs by broiling them in the oven.