Are you craving tender, juicy ribs that practically melt in your mouth? Look no further! This recipe transforms those massive Costco St. Louis-style ribs into an unforgettable feast. It's surprisingly easy, even for beginner cooks, and delivers restaurant-quality results without the restaurant prices. Get ready for a quick dinner idea that's bursting with flavor! This recipe is perfect for a family gathering, a casual weeknight meal, or impressing guests with your homemade cooking skills.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lbs Costco St. Louis-style pork ribs (full rack)
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (we recommend a smoky blend)
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Preparing the Ribs:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low and slow method ensures incredibly tender ribs.
- Prepare the rub: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Pat the ribs dry: Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the surface of the ribs. This helps the rub adhere better and promotes a nice crispy bark.
- Apply the rub generously: Coat both sides of the ribs evenly with the spice rub, making sure to get into all the crevices.
Cooking the Ribs:
- Wrap the ribs: Place the ribs in a large aluminum foil pan. Pour the apple cider vinegar over the ribs. Loosely wrap the pan with foil, creating a sealed packet. This helps keep them moist during cooking.
- Bake: Bake for 2-3 hours, or until the ribs are fork-tender. You should be able to easily pull the meat away from the bone.
- Unwrap and glaze: Remove the ribs from the oven and carefully remove the foil. Increase the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Brush the ribs generously with your favorite BBQ sauce.
- Broil (optional): For extra crispy edges, broil the ribs for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Serving:
Serve your delicious Costco St. Louis ribs hot, with extra BBQ sauce on the side. They're fantastic on their own, or you can serve them with your favorite sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or corn on the cob.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Ribs:
- Don't rush the process: Low and slow cooking is key to achieving fall-off-the-bone tenderness.
- Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 190°F (88°C) for safe and tender ribs.
- Adjust the seasoning: Feel free to customize the rub to your liking. Experiment with different spices and herbs.
- Make it ahead: These ribs can be prepared a day ahead of time and reheated. This is a great time-saver for busy weeknights.
Variations:
- Spicy Ribs: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the rub for a fiery kick.
- Sweet and Savory Ribs: Use a sweeter BBQ sauce or add a touch of honey or maple syrup to the rub.
- Dry Rub Only: Skip the BBQ sauce altogether for a more traditional dry-rubbed rib experience.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of the ribs and the type of BBQ sauce used. However, a general estimate is:
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 20-30g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-30g
This delicious and easy recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your home. Enjoy these mouthwatering, healthy meals with your loved ones! They're a great example of delicious dishes easily made from simple ingredients. It’s one of the best recipes for a truly satisfying and memorable meal.