Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a mouthwatering dish that combines the sweet and tangy flavors of applesauce with the savory goodness of baby back ribs! Our Applesauce Glazed Oven Baby Back Ribs are not just any ribs; they are a culinary delight that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a weekend barbecue, this recipe is incredibly simple yet delivers impressive results that will leave everyone asking for your secret. Dive into this delicious journey of flavors and discover how to create a rib experience that’s truly unforgettable!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 racks baby back ribs
- 1 cup applesauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low temperature will help cook the ribs slowly and make them tender.
- Prepare the baby back ribs by removing the membrane from the back of each rack. To do this, slide a knife under the membrane at one end and gently pull it off. This will help the ribs absorb more flavor and become more tender.
- Season the ribs generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add additional spices if desired, but keep it simple for this recipe.
- In a medium bowl, combine the applesauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated into a smooth glaze.
- Place the seasoned ribs on a large baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. This will help with cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Brush half of the applesauce glaze over the ribs, ensuring they are evenly coated. Reserve the other half of the glaze for later use.
- Cover the ribs tightly with another piece of aluminum foil. This will create a steaming effect, keeping the ribs moist during cooking.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 2 hours. This slow cooking process will tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
- After 2 hours, carefully remove the ribs from the oven and take off the top layer of foil. Be cautious of the steam that escapes.
- Brush the remaining applesauce glaze over the ribs, ensuring they are well coated. This final layer of glaze will caramelize and create a delicious finish.
- Return the ribs to the oven, uncovered, and increase the temperature to 350°F (175°C). Bake for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the glaze to set and caramelize.
- Once the ribs are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute within the meat.
- Slice the ribs between the bones and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious Applesauce Glazed Oven Baby Back Ribs with your favorite side dishes!
Tips
- Remove the Membrane: Don’t skip the step of removing the membrane from the ribs. This crucial technique allows the seasoning and glaze to penetrate better, resulting in more flavorful and tender meat.
- Low and Slow: Cooking the ribs at a low temperature (300°F) for the first two hours is key to achieving that fall-off-the-bone tenderness. Resist the urge to crank up the heat!
- Glaze Generously: Make sure to brush the ribs with the applesauce glaze both before and after the initial cooking period. This double application enhances the flavor and creates a beautiful caramelized finish.
- Let Them Rest: After removing the ribs from the oven, allow them to rest for about 10 minutes. This step is essential for juicy ribs, as it lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
- Pair with Sides: Serve your delicious ribs with classic sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans to create a well-rounded meal that everyone will love!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
