The Best Baby Back Ribs Recipe 

This foolproof recipe delivers tender, juicy, and flavorful baby back ribs with minimal effort. Using just three main ingredients—baby back ribs, a dry rub, and barbecue sauce—you can achieve fall-off-the-bone perfection. The method involves baking the ribs in the oven until tender, then finishing them on the grill to add a smoky char. Whether you're a grilling novice or an experienced cook, this recipe ensures delicious results every time. It's also versatile, allowing for make-ahead preparation and suitable for low-carb, paleo, and keto diets when paired with appropriate sauces.

Ingredients

• 2 racks of baby back ribs (approximately 2 to 3 pounds each)
  
  

• 1 cup of your favorite dry rub for pork
  
  

• 1 cup of your preferred barbecue sauce (use sugar-free if following keto)
  
  

Optional Homemade Dry Rub:

• 3 tbsp oregano
  
  

• 3 tbsp cumin
  
  

• 3 tbsp smoked paprika
  
  

• 3 tbsp parsley
  
  

• 3 tsp ground thyme
  
  

• 3 tsp onion powder
  
  

• 6 tsp garlic salt
  
  

• 3 tsp ground mustard
  
  

• ½ tsp pepper
  
  

Directions

Oven to Grill Method:

1. Prepare the Ribs: Rinse and pat dry the pork ribs.
   
   

2. Season: Generously apply the dry rub to both sides of the ribs.
   
   

3. Wrap: Tightly wrap the ribs in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet.
   
   

4. Bake: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake the ribs for 2½ to 3 hours until tender.
   
   

5. Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove ribs from foil, brush with barbecue sauce, and grill for 3–4 minutes per side until caramelized.
   
   

Instant Pot to Grill Method:

1. Prepare the Ribs: Rinse and pat dry the pork ribs. Cut into 2–3 rib sections.
   
   

2. Season: Lightly sprinkle the dry rub over the ribs.
   
   

3. Pressure Cook: Place a rack in the Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water. Stand rib sections on the rack. Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes. Allow steam to release naturally for 10–15 minutes.
   
   

4. Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove ribs from the Instant Pot, brush with barbecue sauce, and grill for 3–4 minutes per side until caramelized.
   
   

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 330 kcal
  
  

• Protein: 37.5 g
  
  

• Fat: 17.3 g
  
  

• Carbohydrates: 6.7 g
  
  

• Fiber: 1.6 g
  
  

• Sugar: 2 g
  
  

• Cholesterol: 145 mg
  
  

• Sodium: 342 mg