BBQ BABY BACK RIBLETS
I am so happy to be sharing this recipe for BBQ Baby Back Riblets, along with my homemade BBQ rub and sauce. This is one of those recipes that always turns out tender, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
I actually almost didn’t get to share this recipe! One night while making these riblets, I paused to take photos, planning to capture the finished dish. But after stepping away to take an important phone call, I came back to find the guys already digging in. No final photos—but plenty of proof that they were too good to wait!
If you love easy, hearty meals with big BBQ flavor, this is one you’ll want to make again and again.
HOW TO MAKE BBQ BABY BACK RIBLETS
INGREDIENTS
(Full ingredient amounts are in the printable recipe card below.)
For the Riblets:
- 4 lbs boneless baby back ribs
BBQ Rub:
- Sugar
- Brown sugar
- Kosher salt
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Red pepper flakes
- Coarse black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Dry mustard
- BBQ seasoning mix
BBQ Sauce:
(Or use your favorite bottled sauce)
- Honey BBQ sauce
- Ketchup
- Lemon juice
- Brown sugar
- BBQ seasoning
INSTRUCTIONS
- If present, remove the silverskin (thin membrane). Boneless ribs often don’t have one, but check just in case.
- Place the ribs on a cutting board and slice them apart, then cut into 1½-inch squares.
- Generously sprinkle the BBQ rub over the meat, making sure to coat all sides and rub it in well.
- Place the seasoned riblets into a disposable pan covered with foil or into a large zip-top bag. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
- Preheat oven to 250°F. Add about 1 cup of water to the bottom of the pan, cover, and bake for 1½ hours.
- Remove the riblets from the oven and transfer them to a grill or grill pan over medium heat.
- Turn frequently, brushing with BBQ sauce as they cook.
- Grill for about 20 minutes, or until heated through and nicely glazed. Avoid overcooking.
- Remove from heat, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
Step by Step Photos
Remove the silverskin if there is one on there. 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, 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 and corn on the cob.
Some other great side dishes to serve with these ribs are
Baked Beans and Wieners, Old Fashioned Potato Salad
and Basic Deviled Eggs.
WHY EVERYONE LOVES THESE BBQ BABY BACK RIBLETS
- Boneless riblets are extra meaty and tender
- Cutting into small pieces makes them perfect for serving a crowd
- Great for both weeknight dinners and entertaining
- Can be made ahead and finished on the grill
- Flexible cooking methods (oven + grill, grill pan, or even slow cooker)
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake them ahead and finish them on the grill just before serving.
These BBQ Baby Back Riblets are simple, satisfying, and always a hit. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting friends, they’re one of those dependable recipes everyone will ask for again and again.
*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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