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Juicy beef back ribs with barbecue sauce on a wooden board.

Beef Back Ribs

Juicy, tender, and packed with bold beefy flavor, these beef back ribs are cooked low and slow for maximum tenderness. Whether oven-baked, grilled, or slow-cooked, they’re perfect for barbecues, family dinners, or special occasions.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, BBQ
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Beef Back Ribs
  • 2 racks beef back ribs membrane removed
Binder
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or yellow mustard for coating ribs before rub
Dry Rub
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tsp paprika smoked if possible
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 tsp chili powder or cayenne for heat
Finishing
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce store-bought or homemade
  • 1 cup beef broth or apple juice for moisture while cooking

Equipment

  • Sharp knife
  • Basting Brush
  • Aluminum foil
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven or grill to 275°F (135°C).
  2. Remove the silver skin (membrane) from the back of the ribs for tenderness and flavor absorption.
  3. Rub the ribs with olive oil or mustard, then generously apply the dry rub mix.
  4. Wrap ribs tightly in foil with a splash of beef broth or apple juice to keep moist.
  5. Bake or grill over indirect heat for 2.5–3 hours until tender (internal temp 190–203°F / 88–95°C).
  6. Brush ribs with BBQ sauce during the last 20 minutes. Broil or grill briefly to caramelize glaze.
  7. Rest ribs for 10 minutes before slicing and serving with sides.

Notes

These ribs can be oven-baked, grilled, smoked, or slow-cooked. Try variations like spicy honey glaze, Korean-style marinade, or chipotle rub for unique flavors.