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Flavorful Smoky Dry Rub Baby Back Ribs Easy No Sauce Recipe

smoky dry rub baby back ribs - featured image

These oven-baked baby back ribs are coated with a smoky, savory dry rub that forms a flavorful crust without the need for sauce. Tender, juicy, and perfect for a quick, fuss-free meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 racks baby back ribs (about 2.5 to 3 pounds / 1.1 to 1.4 kg), trimmed of excess fat
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
  2. Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs using a paper towel to grip and peel it off.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir well to blend all spices evenly.
  4. Lightly brush both sides of the ribs with olive oil to help the rub stick.
  5. Generously coat both sides of the ribs with the dry rub, pressing it into the meat.
  6. Place the ribs meat-side up on a large piece of aluminum foil and wrap tightly to seal in moisture.
  7. Place the wrapped ribs on a baking sheet and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours.
  8. Carefully unwrap the ribs and place them back on the baking sheet, meat-side up.
  9. Turn the oven to broil on high and broil the ribs for 3-5 minutes to develop a crispy, caramelized crust, watching closely to prevent burning.
  10. Let the ribs rest for 5 minutes before slicing between the bones and serving.

Notes

Remove the membrane for more tender ribs. Cook low and slow at 275°F to melt connective tissue. Wrap tightly in foil to trap moisture. Watch broiler closely to avoid burning. Let ribs rest before slicing. Dry rub can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to a month.

Nutrition

Keywords: baby back ribs, dry rub ribs, smoky ribs, oven baked ribs, no sauce ribs, easy ribs recipe, BBQ ribs, weeknight dinner