Are you craving tender, juicy ribs that practically melt in your mouth? Then you've come to the right place! This recipe brings you the incredible flavor of Famous Dave's ribs, right to your kitchen. It's a delicious and surprisingly easy recipe perfect for a weekend barbecue, a family gathering, or even a cozy weeknight dinner. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds! This is one of those easy recipes that yields truly impressive results – homemade cooking at its best.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lbs pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
- 1 cup Famous Dave's Rib Rub (recipe below, or store-bought)
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup apple juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Making Your Own Famous Dave's Style Rib Rub:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Ribs: Pat the ribs dry with paper towels. This helps the rub adhere better. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs (this is the thin, silver skin) for more tender results. You can use a butter knife to loosen it and then peel it off.
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Apply the Rub: Generously apply the Famous Dave's rib rub to both sides of the ribs, ensuring they are fully coated. Press the rub into the meat to help it adhere.
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Prepare the Mop Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, apple juice, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. This mop sauce will keep the ribs moist during cooking.
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Slow Cook the Ribs (Oven Method): Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the ribs in a roasting pan, bone-side down. Pour about 1/2 cup of water into the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 3-4 hours. After 3 hours, baste the ribs with the mop sauce, then continue baking for another hour, basting every 30 minutes.
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Slow Cook the Ribs (Smoker Method): If you have a smoker, preheat it to 225°F (107°C). Place the ribs on the smoker, bone-side down. Smoke for 4-6 hours, basting with the mop sauce every hour. The cooking time will vary depending on your smoker and the thickness of your ribs.
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Finishing Touches: Once the ribs are tender and falling off the bone, remove them from the oven or smoker. You can optionally wrap them tightly in foil for another 30 minutes to allow the meat to further absorb the flavors. If you want extra crispy edges, you can broil them for a few minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Famous Dave's style ribs hot, with your favorite sides. Coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread are classic pairings.
Tips for the Best Ribs:
- Don't rush the process: Slow cooking is key to incredibly tender ribs. Be patient, and the results will be worth it.
- Use a meat thermometer: For perfectly cooked ribs, check the internal temperature. They're done when the meat reaches an internal temperature of 190-200°F (88-93°C).
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the rub to suit your spice preference.
- Experiment with flavors: Try adding other ingredients to the mop sauce, such as bourbon, brown sugar or molasses for a deeper flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 25-35g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-25g
This recipe is a great example of delicious and healthy meals you can make at home. It’s also perfect for meal prepping; make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week! Enjoy your amazing, fall-off-the-bone ribs!