I am happy to be sharing this recipe for BBQ Baby Back Riblets along with my homemade rub and BBQ sauce.
One night last week while fixing these BBQ Baby Back Riblets for dinner, I decided to take some pictures to share this recipe, since it always turns out so good. I finished them off in my grill pan, but before I could serve them, I received an important phone call that I had to take. When I returned to the kitchen, the guys were already eating the riblets, so I was not able to finish adding the sauce or to get a picture of the finished dish.
I am probably not the only person this has ever happened to. I had to laugh, but wishing I could have finished them.
The recipe for the rub and sauce will be included on the recipe card.
HOW TO MAKE BABY BACK RIBLETS:
INGREDIENTS:
(Full list of ingredients and instructions in printable recipe card.)
4 lbs boneless baby back ribs
BBQ RUB:
sugar
kosher salt
brown sugar
chili powder
cumin
red pepper flakes
coarse black pepper
garlic powder
dry mustard
BBQ seasoning mix
BBQ SAUCE
(If preferred, use your favorite bottled sauce)
honey BBQ sauce
ketchup
lemon juice
brown sugar
BBQ seasoning
INSTRUCTIONS:
Remove the silverskin if there is one on there. I don’t usually see one on these. Place the boneless baby back ribs on a cutting board.
Slice each one to separate.
Cut into 1 1/2 inch squares.
Sprinkle about a cup of the rub over the meat. Rub into the meat to cover well.
Place into a disposable pan, cover with foil or into a large Ziploc bag, allow to set at least 3 hours to overnight.
Bake, covered, at 250 degrees for 1 1/2 hours. I did add about a cup of water in bottom of pan.
Remove from pan and place onto a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Turn frequently, brushing with BBQ sauce.
I think the meat is more moist cooked in my grill pan than on the grill.
Cook for about 20 minutes, or until meat is no longer pink.
Remove from grill/grill pan and place on a serving dish.
Cover with foil and allow to set for about 5 minutes.
Serve with extra sauce on the side. I served these BBQ Baby Back Riblets with twice baked potatoes, corn on the cob and baked beans.
Some great side dishes to serve with these ribs are:
Why Everyone Loves these BBQ Baby Back Ribs
- They are more tender and meatier than when they are prepared on the bones.
- Ribs cut in the square pieces of meat serve more people.
- This recipe can be prepped ahead of time and served to guests as well as a week-night dinner.
- They can be cooked in the oven, a slow cooker, or on the grill.
Helpful Tips/Frequently Asked Questions
- Make sure to buy the boneless ribs for this recipe.
- Cut them into even size pieces so they will cook evenly.
- Season all sides of the meat and rub it into the meat.
- Allow it to set for at least 3 hours, overnight is even better.
- Do not overcook when you are finishing them off on the grill or in a grill pan.
Can I use a purchased rub and sauce instead of making one?
YES. You sure can and they will be delicious. The secret is just to let the meat marinade for at least 3 hours. I always do overnight. I have family that will only eat Sweet Baby Rays BBQ Sauce, so I will use it if they are coming for dinner.
Do I need to remove the silverskin? (thin membrane along the back side)
YES. Most of the time I do not see one on the boneless ribs, but if you do, remove it. The meat is more tender without it.
*This recipe was shared on Weekend Potluck @Sweet Little Bluebird
BBQ BABY BACK RIBLETS
Ingredients
- Recipe for Homemade BBQ Rub
- Recipe for Homemade BBQ Sauce
- 4 lbs boneless baby back ribs
Instructions
- Prepare BBQ rub as directed. (Below)
- Place ribs onto a large cutting board and cut into slices, and then into 1 1/2 inch cubes.
- Rub BBQ spice mixture onto all sides of the riblets. Place in a disposable pan or large Ziploc bag. Allow to set in refrigerator for 3 hours to overnight.
- Preheat oven to 250 degrees F.
- Place riblets into a baking pan if not already in one. Add 1 cup water to bottom of the pan. Cover with aluminum foil, and bake for 1 1/2 hours.
- Prepare BBQ sauce. (Below)
- Heat a grill pan (or grill) to a medium heat. Place riblets in grill pan and brush with BBQ sauce. Turn frequently with tongs and brush with additional BBQ sauce when turning.
- If using grill, place on aluminum foil, sprayed with no stick cooking spray.
- Cook for approx. 20 minutes total. Internal temperature should be 160 degrees.
- Remove from heat and cover with foil to rest 5 minutes.
- Transfer to serving platter and serve with additional sauce on the side.
BBQ RUB:
- 2 Tablespoons sugar
- 1 Tablespoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 2 teaspoons McCormick Grill Mates BBQ Seasoning
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl or ziploc bag. Makes 1 cup.
BBQ SAUCE:
- 1/4 cup honey BBQ sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/3 to 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 teaspoons McCormick Grill Mates BBQ Seasoning
- In a small saucepan, combine all ingredients. Simmer over a low heat about 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Makes 2 cups
Notes
Helpful Tips
- Make sure to buy the boneless ribs for this recipe.
- Cut them into even size pieces so they will cook evenly.
- Season all sides of the meat and rub it into the meat.
- Allow it to set for at least 3 hours, overnight is even better.
- Do not overcook when you are finishing them off on the grill or in a grill pan.
- If you do not want to make this homemade rub & sauce, you can use the purchased ones you prefer.
- Most of the time I do not see silver skin on the boneless ribs, but if you do, remove it. The meat is more tender without it.
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