The best ribs in all the land! January 20, 2014

Don’t tell my boyfriend, but when I make my ribs, I make them to hook a man. It’s true. Guess what? He’s hooked. Not just on my ribs, either.

My sister gave me this recipe about 15 years ago, and I’ve been using it ever since.  I only use pork baby back ribs, but you can use whichever ones you prefer. I get mine at Costco. It’s a big package, and usually around $30. Not bad at all. It takes 3 hours to cook,  but it’s so worth the time! Your house will smell amazing, too.

First, make the rub by mixing these together:
4 tbsp paprika
2 tbsp each: cumin, kosher salt, freshly-ground black pepper (I don’t even buy the kind already ground in a can. Yick.), and chili powder.
1 tsp cayenne powder

 

Preheat oven to 250. You will be cooking these very slowly for a few hours. Unwrap ribs and place in a baking pan, meaty side down. You can use a flat sheet, too, just make sure there’s a lip on it so the juice doesn’t drip all over your oven.  Generously sprinkle rib side with the rub, then massage it into the meat. I use a LOT. Flip the ribs over, so the meaty side is up, and repeat with the rub. It will make a nice crust, so don’t be afraid of using too much.

Slide onto middle rack of oven and set your timer for 30 minutes. You will be flipping them over every 30 minutes, for 2 hours. then, for the third hour, you will coat them with barbecue sauce. I ONLY use K.C. Masterpiece. It caramelizes while it cooks, and it’s divine.

Once the third hour is over, your ribs are done! You’ll be able to see the meat shrinking back from the ends of the bones, which tells you it’s done.

I always serve my ribs with mashed potatoes, and extra sauce on the side.