If you’re craving a finger-licking, juicy, and tender meat dish that’s perfect for sharing at any gathering or family dinner, look no further than this Back Rib Fingers Recipe. Back ribs, often overlooked in favor of baby back or spare ribs, offer a deliciously meaty experience with a beautiful balance of flavor and texture.
These ribs are perfect for those who love a little chew with their bite, and when prepared correctly, they fall off the bone with ease.
Whether you are an experienced grill master or a kitchen novice, this recipe is designed to guide you through every step, ensuring a perfect outcome. From seasoning the ribs with a bold dry rub to slow-cooking them to tender perfection and finishing with a tangy barbecue glaze, each bite promises to be a delight.
Plus, this recipe is versatile enough to be adapted for oven baking, grilling, or even slow cooking, making it ideal no matter your equipment or weather.
Ready to impress your friends and family? Let’s dive into making some unforgettable back rib fingers that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This back rib fingers recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it uses a flavorful dry rub that enhances the natural taste of the ribs without overpowering them, creating a perfect harmony of spices and meat.
Second, the slow-cooking process ensures the ribs are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.
Another reason to love this recipe is its flexibility; you can cook the ribs in the oven, on a grill, or even a slow cooker, depending on your preference and available equipment. Plus, the tangy barbecue sauce glaze adds a delightful finishing touch, balancing sweetness, acidity, and a smoky undertone.
Lastly, this dish is great for social occasions or cozy family meals, making it a versatile addition to your recipe arsenal. If you enjoy other hearty dishes, check out our Slow Cooker Roast Recipe With Vegetables Made Easy for another comforting option!
Ingredients
- 2 racks of back ribs (about 3-4 pounds total)
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Aluminum foil (for wrapping)
Equipment
- Large baking sheet or roasting pan
- Wire rack (optional) for oven cooking
- Basting brush
- Mixing bowl for dry rub
- Sharp knife for trimming ribs
- Meat thermometer (recommended for perfect doneness)
- Grill or oven
Instructions
- Prepare the ribs: Start by removing the silver skin (membrane) from the back of the ribs. Slide a knife under the membrane and peel it off; this helps the seasoning penetrate and makes ribs more tender.
- Make the dry rub: In a mixing bowl, combine paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a balanced spice blend.
- Season the ribs: Rub olive oil all over the ribs, then generously apply the dry rub on both sides of each rack. Make sure to press the rub in to coat evenly. Let the ribs rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat your oven or grill: If using an oven, preheat to 275°F (135°C). If grilling, set up your grill for indirect cooking at medium-low heat.
- Cook the ribs low and slow: For the oven method, place the ribs on a wire rack over a baking sheet, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and cook for 2.5 to 3 hours. On the grill, place ribs on the cooler side, cover, and cook for the same time, turning occasionally.
- Check for tenderness: After slow cooking, ribs should be tender and the meat should pull back slightly from the bones. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature is around 190°F (88°C) for perfect tenderness.
- Apply barbecue sauce: Remove ribs from heat and brush barbecue sauce generously on both sides. For the oven, increase the temperature to 425°F (220°C), place ribs back uncovered for 10-15 minutes to caramelize the sauce. For the grill, move ribs over direct heat and cook for a few minutes on each side until sauce is sticky and slightly charred.
- Rest and slice: Let ribs rest for 10 minutes before slicing between the bones into individual “fingers.” This resting period locks in the juices.
- Serve and enjoy: Plate your delicious back rib fingers with your favorite sides and extra barbecue sauce for dipping.
Tips & Variations
“For the juiciest ribs, don’t rush the slow cooking process – low and slow is the key to perfect tenderness.”
- Marinate overnight: For deeper flavors, apply the dry rub and refrigerate ribs overnight, wrapped tightly.
- Try different rubs: Experiment with adding cumin, smoked paprika, or mustard powder to your rub for unique flavor twists.
- Make it spicy: Add extra cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the barbecue glaze for a spicy kick.
- Slow cooker option: Place seasoned ribs in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, then finish under the broiler with barbecue sauce.
- Serve with vegan sides: Pair ribs with recipes like Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious or Apple Barn Pigeon Forge TN Vegetable Soup Recipe Guide for a full meal that’s sure to satisfy all guests.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per serving (4 oz cooked ribs) |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 28 g |
Total Fat | 22 g |
Saturated Fat | 8 g |
Carbohydrates | 6 g |
Sugars | 4 g |
Sodium | 580 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Back rib fingers are fantastic on their own but even better when paired with complementary sides. Consider serving them with classic coleslaw, baked beans, or grilled vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
For a lighter option, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the ribs beautifully.
For starchy sides, creamy mashed potatoes or cornbread are excellent choices. If you’re looking for a more adventurous pairing, try our Black Bean Sauce Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Guide to add a flavorful twist to your plate.
Don’t forget to offer extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping, and perhaps a cold beverage to refresh the palate!
Conclusion
This back rib fingers recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty, flavorful, and tender meat dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of a well-balanced dry rub, slow cooking, and a sticky barbecue sauce glaze results in ribs that are bursting with flavor and sure to please everyone at the table.
With easy-to-follow instructions and adaptable cooking methods, you can prepare these ribs in the oven, on the grill, or in a slow cooker, making this recipe accessible year-round. Plus, with the included tips and variations, you can customize the dish to your taste preferences.
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to explore more delightful and diverse meal ideas like our Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping or the flavorful Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious.
Happy cooking and bon appétit!
📖 Recipe Card: Back Rib Fingers Recipe
Description: Tender and flavorful back rib fingers cooked to perfection with a smoky BBQ glaze. Perfect as a finger food or main dish for gatherings.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT1H30M
Total Time: PT1H45M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 racks of pork back ribs (about 3 pounds)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
- Remove the silver skin from the ribs and cut each rack into finger-sized strips.
- Mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper to make a dry rub.
- Coat rib fingers evenly with olive oil and then rub the spice mixture all over.
- Place rib fingers on a baking sheet lined with foil and cover tightly with foil.
- Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes until tender.
- Remove foil, brush ribs with BBQ sauce and drizzle apple cider vinegar over them.
- Broil ribs for 5 minutes until sauce caramelizes.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 450 kcal | Protein: 35 g | Fat: 30 g | Carbs: 10 g
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