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A close-up of tender, smoky baby back ribs glazed with caramelized BBQ sauce

These ribs are juicy, tender, and packed with smoky flavor, glazed with a sweet and savory BBQ sauce that caramelizes to perfection. A homemade version of the Texas Roadhouse Killer Ribs that’ll wow your family and friends!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Course Main Course (since the ribs are the main part of the meal)
Cuisine American (Texas-style BBQ)
Servings 4 People
Calories 800 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Ribs:

  • 1 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 3 to 4 pounds)
  • 2 1 tablespoon liquid smoke (for smoky flavor)
  • 3 ½ cup water (to keep ribs moist)
  • 4 ½ cup BBQ rub (your favorite, or Texas Roadhouse’s rub if available)

For the BBQ Sauce:

  • 1 1 cup ketchup
  • 2 ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 3 ½ cup brown sugar
  • 4 ¼ cup honey
  • 5 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 6 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 7 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 8 ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 9 ½ teaspoon salt
  • 10 ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for some heat)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven/Grill:

  • Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C) or set up your grill for indirect heat.

Prepare the Ribs:

  • Remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs. Rinse the ribs and pat them dry with paper towels.
  • Rub a small amount of olive oil on the ribs to help the seasoning stick.

Season the Ribs:

  • Rub the BBQ rub evenly over both sides of the ribs. Pour the liquid smoke over the ribs and rub it in.
  • Let the ribs sit for 30 minutes (or refrigerate overnight if you have time).

Cook the Ribs:

  • In the Oven: Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Cover them with another piece of foil and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours.
  • On the Grill: Place the ribs on the cooler side of the grill and cook for 2.5 to 3 hours, keeping the heat low and steady.

Prepare the BBQ Sauce:

  • Combine all the BBQ sauce ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Let the Ribs Rest:

  • Once done, let the ribs rest for about 10 minutes before slicing them between the bones.

Serve and Enjoy:

  • Slice the ribs and serve them with your favorite sides. Enjoy the delicious, fall-off-the-bone goodness!

Notes

Notes:

  • Low and Slow: Don’t rush the cooking process. The key to tender ribs is cooking them at a low temperature for a long time.
  • BBQ Sauce: Feel free to adjust the sauce to your preference. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more brown sugar. If you like it tangier, add more vinegar.
Keyword BBQ, Ribs, Texas Roadhouse, Killer Ribs, Smoky Ribs