Foolproof Dry Rubbed Oven Ribs

Foolproof Dry Rubbed Oven Ribs

It may be the first full day of Spring but it is still very much winter here in Newfoundland and it seems like an eternity yet until my backyard grill and smoker get put to good use. My back deck still has about 4 feet of snow on it.

I love slow smoked ribs, it is my favorite way to prepare them during the summer months but when that's not possible, I make very simple dry rubbed ribs in the oven using my own blend of herbs and spices. This recipe is practically foolproof. Plenty of time but no skill at all is required to produce succulent, fall apart tender ribs.

These ribs are perfect party food because the spice rub provides all the flavor with no need for messy sauces that always land on your favorite outfit. If you like however, a favorite glazing barbecue sauce can be brushed on at the end. My kids are quite fond of honey barbecue sauce on these ribs.

The recipe here makes about 2 cups of rub so you can scale it down if you like but I like to keep it on hand for terrific roast chicken, chops or even burgers. You will find many ways to use it. I just keep a supply on hand in a mason jar in my spice drawer. It also makes a wonderful thank-you gift if someone invites you to dinner. You're sure to receive another invite before long.

Makes about 2 cups dry rub.

• 3 tbsp paprika
• 2 tbsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 3 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp powdered ginger
• 1 tbsp chipotle powder
• 6 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp ground oregano
• 1 tbsp ground thyme
• 1 tbsp ground coriander 
• 2 tbsp dry mustard powder
• 2 tbsp garlic powder
• 3 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Mix together well and store any unused dry rub in an airtight container in a cool place.

There is a thin membrane called silver skin on the back of all pork ribs that I like to remove first. If left on, it will shrink during cooking and cause the ribs to curl. It also prevents the spice mix from seasoning the underside of the ribs. I push a butter knife between the silver skin and the first bone on the rack of ribs to loosen the skin, then I poke my finger into the slit the knife has made, grasp the silver skin and pull it off all the way down the length of the rack of ribs.

Liberally rub the spice mix all over the surface of the pork ribs on both sides. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for several hours or as I prefer, overnight.

Place the ribs, uncovered, on a wire rack over a baking sheet and place in a 225 degree F oven for 8-9 hours depending on the thickness of the ribs.

Foolproof Dry Rubbed Oven Ribs

Bourbon Barbeque Ribs

Bourbon Barbeque Ribs

One of my favorite things about the summer grilling season is enjoying a relaxing weekend afternoon in the summer sunshine right at home in our back garden sipping a few cool beverages while these amazing ribs slowly cook to perfection on the grill. Tender, juicy, a little spicy and with an oh-so-delicious slightly sweet sticky homemade barbeque sauce slathered on in multiple layers, these ribs make the end of a beautiful summer afternoon simply perfect.

Begin by coating your pork ribs with a dry rub and letting them sit in the fridge for a couple of hours or overnight. Store any unused dry rub in an airtight container for next time.

• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp dry mustard
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp oregano
• 3 tbsp paprika (or smoked paprika)
• 1 tsp freshly ground nutmeg

For the Bourbon Barbeque Saucebegin my heating in a medium saucepan

• 3 tbsp olive oil

Add

• 6 cloves minced garlic
• 1 medium sized red onion, roughly chopped

Cook until the onions have softened stirring occasionally.

Add

• 1 cup plain tomato sauce
• ½ cup ketchup
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup orange juice
• ½ cup bourbon whiskey (Use rye whiskey if you prefer or alternatively, apple juice)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup honey
• 1 tbsp hot sauce
• 2 tbsp paprika (or smoked paprika)
• 1 tbsp oregano
• 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger root
• 1 tsp freshly ground nutmeg

Simmer very slowly for about 1 ½ hours, stirring occasionally. Puree the sauce in a food processor or with an immersion blender. Save any leftover sauce by bottling it in mason jars or freezing it in small airtight containers.

You can cook the ribs very slowly on the grill for a couple of hours by using only one burner of your grill and cooking the ribs on the opposite side, not under the direct heat, turning occasionally. Alternatively, you can cook the ribs in a covered roasting pan in a 275 degree F oven for about 2 hours. Either way you decide to cook them, finish the ribs by grilling them directly over medium heat, brushing on the barbeque sauce and turning them after a minute or two. I like to do about 3 coats of the sauce on each side of the ribs. Remove from the grill and serve.