The 3 Best Ways to Cook Baby Back Ribs (When You Don’t Have Access to a Smoker)
Baby back ribs are cut from the lower back rib section of a pig’s loin. They are meatier and leaner than spareribs, which come from the belly section. Each rack usually contains 10 to 13 ribs and weighs about 1¾ to 2 pounds. Prefer short ribs? Check out our primer on how to braise short ribs to fall-apart tender status.
The Best Way to Cook Baby Back Ribs on the Grill
If you think smoking is the best way to cook baby back ribs, but don’t have access to a smoker, don’t give up on that blue ribbon just yet! Follow our guide for how to turn your grill into a DIY smoker, then use our Texas Cowboy-Style Ribs recipe or this Red Chili-Rubbed Baby Back Ribs recipe for the exact ingredients and instructions. You can also follow our go-to method for grilled ribs below, which involves giving them a head start in the oven, then finishing them over the grates. This variation is quicker and easier than smoking and will work if you’re seeking options for how to cook baby back ribs on a pellet grill, how to cook baby back ribs on a gas grill, or how to cook baby back ribs on a standard charcoal grill.
How to Make Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs
Experience the fall-off-the-bone goodness of baby back ribs from a slow cooker ($50, Bed, Bath, and Beyond) with these slow cooker rib tips and tricks. Bonus: This option is one of the best ways to cook baby back ribs to infuse your home with intoxicating savory aromas.
How to Make Pressure Cooker Baby Back Ribs
If you’re curious about how long to cook baby back ribs because you’re crunched for time, the best way to cook baby back ribs is in your Instant Pot ($130, Bed, Bath, and Beyond) or other form of electric pressure cooker. Test Kitchen Tip: If you’re adding a rub to your ribs and if time allows, apply the seasoning mix to the meat a few hours before cooking, then refrigerate until it’s time to proceed with the recipe. (Check your instructions for how long to cook baby back ribs, then work backward to time it right.) This will allow the flavors to permeate into the meat more than if you cook immediately. Regardless of which method you choose for how to cook baby back ribs, it’s essential not to overcook or undercook the meat to score your most succulent results. When the ribs are nearing the end of their cook time, the meat will begin to retract, exposing the rib tips. To test for doneness, you can try one of these four tests: As soon as you reach a point where the ribs pass the test, cover them with foil and allow the ribs to rest for 10 minutes. Then gather your dinner companions and grab a stack of napkins because it’s time for the final and most important step—to dive in and devour.
