These Copycat Texas Roadhouse Ribs are juicy, tender, and packed with flavor! They come slathered in a tasty homemade barbecue sauce that makes them finger-licking good.
Making these ribs is a breeze! Just season, bake, and brush with sauce—easy peasy! When I serve them, everyone seems to forget about the side dishes. So, get your napkins ready! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Back Ribs: These are tender and cook quickly. If you’re looking for a different texture, spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs can be used instead, but cooking time may need to be adjusted.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps with caramelization. For a healthier option, consider coconut sugar or maple sugar, which provide similar results with a different flavor.
Paprika: Regular paprika gives a nice mild flavor. If you like a smokier taste, opt for smoked paprika. Both work great in the rub!
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought brand, but if you’re interested in a homemade version, combine ketchup, vinegar, and spices for a quick alternative!
How Do I Remove the Silver Skin from Ribs?
Removing the silver skin is crucial for tender ribs. This thin membrane can toughen the meat, so here’s how to handle it:
- Start at one end of the ribs and slide a butter knife under the membrane.
- Gently lift the membrane until you can grab it with a paper towel for a better grip.
- Pull the membrane off slowly. It should come away easily; if not, keep loosening with the knife.
By taking this extra step, your ribs will turn out delectably tender.
How to Make Copycat Texas Roadhouse Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ribs:
- 2 racks of baby back ribs
For the Dry Rub:
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your choice)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 3.5 to 4 hours in total. You’ll need around 15 minutes for preparation and seasoning the ribs, and then they’ll bake for 2.5 to 3 hours. Plus, a quick broil at the end to get that delicious caramelized finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ribs:
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). Rinse the ribs under cold water and then pat them dry with paper towels. It’s important to remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs, as this will help them become more tender when cooked.
2. Make the Dry Rub:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper, if you want a little heat. This rub adds great flavor to the ribs!
3. Season the Ribs:
Take the spice mixture you just made and generously rub it over both sides of each rack of ribs. Make sure to cover them well! Then, wrap each rack tightly in aluminum foil, so they stay juicy while they bake.
4. Bake the Ribs:
Place the wrapped ribs on a baking sheet and pop them in your preheated oven. Bake for about 2.5 to 3 hours, until the ribs are super tender.
5. Prepare the Barbecue Sauce:
While the ribs are baking, it’s time to prepare the sauce! In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar and your choice of barbecue sauce. Heat it over medium heat until it’s warmed, stirring occasionally. This will give the sauce a nice kick!
6. Broil the Ribs:
Once the ribs are done baking, carefully take them out of the oven and unwrap the foil. Preheat your broiler. Generously brush the warm barbecue sauce mixture all over the ribs on both sides.
7. Finishing Touch:
Place the ribs under the broiler for about 5 to 8 minutes. Keep a close eye on them while they broil; you want the sauce to caramelize and get bubbly, but you don’t want them to burn!
8. Serve:
After broiling, remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Then, cut them into portions. If you’d like, serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your homemade Texas Roadhouse-style ribs!
Can I Use Different Types of Ribs?
Absolutely! While baby back ribs are recommended for their tenderness and flavor, you can also use spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly, with spare ribs typically requiring a bit longer due to their thickness.
How Can I Customize the Spice Mix?
Feel free to add or substitute spices in the dry rub based on your taste preferences! For a sweeter rub, you might include a bit of brown sugar or honey. For extra heat, try adding chili powder or Cajun seasoning. Just remember to mix well to evenly distribute the flavors.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Ribs?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider wrapping them tightly in foil and freezing for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) with a little barbecue sauce to keep them moist!
Can I Make These Ribs on the Grill?
Yes! If you prefer grilling, you can cook the ribs using indirect heat. After applying the dry rub, wrap the ribs in foil and grill for 2-2.5 hours over low heat. Then, finish them on the grill with the barbecue sauce to get that smoky flavor!
