The Best Baby Back Ribs Recipe: Fall-Off-The-Bone Tender

There’s nothing quite like perfectly cooked baby back ribs—tender, juicy, and smothered in a rich, homemade sauce. This recipe is foolproof, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to impress at your next BBQ or family dinner. Plus, it’s flexible so you can tweak it to your taste!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

 Fall-off-the-bone tender – Slow-baked for maximum juiciness.
 Easy homemade sauce – Sweet, tangy, and customizable.
 Versatile cooking – Finish on the grill, broiler, or oven for crispy perfection.
 Crowd-pleaser – Great for game day, summer cookouts, or Sunday dinner.

Ingredients for Baby Back Ribs

(Serves 8–10 as an appetizer or 4–6 as a main dish)

For the Ribs:

1. 3 racks pork baby back ribs (about 3–4 lbs total)
2. Olive oil (for sautéing)
3. Salt & black pepper (to taste)

For the Sauce:

1. 4–5 garlic cloves, chopped
2. 1 red onion, chopped
3. 2 (28 oz) cans whole peeled tomatoes (reserve liquid)
4. 3 tbsp honey (adjust for sweetness)
5. 2 tbsp mustard (Dijon or yellow)
6. 1 tsp red chili flakes (or smoked paprika for a milder kick)
7. Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Ribs

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Cut each rack in half for easier handling (6 half-racks total).
3. Arrange ribs in a large baking dish.

2. Make the Homemade Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté garlic, onion, salt, and pepper for 5 minutes until softened.
3. Add tomatoes (reserve liquid) and smash with a spoon. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Stir in honey, mustard, and chili flakes. Taste and adjust sweetness/heat.
5. (Optional) For a smoother sauce, blend with reserved tomato liquid.

3. Bake the Ribs

1. Pour sauce over ribs, spreading evenly.
2. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 1.5 hours.

4. Crisp & Serve

1. Grill Method: Finish on a medium-hot grill for 15 minutes for smoky char.
2. Broiler Method: Broil for 3–5 minutes until caramelized.
3. Oven Method: Bake uncovered for 30 more minutes.
4. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot!

Pro Tips for Perfect Ribs

 For extra tenderness: Bake low and slow—don’t rush it!
 Spice it up: Add cayenne or hot sauce for more heat.
 Make ahead: Ribs taste even better the next day!

Serving Suggestions

1. Classic sides: Coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans.
2. For dipping: Extra sauce on the side.
3. Drink pairing: Ice-cold beer or sweet tea.

These baby back ribs are a guaranteed hit—whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just craving something hearty. The sauce is the star, balancing sweet honey, tangy mustard, and a hint of spice, while the ribs turn out meltingly tender.

What’s your favorite rib seasoning? Comment below!