These Easy Copycat Texas Roadhouse Ribs are tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. Coated with a sweet barbecue sauce, they’ll make your mouth water in every bite!
Who needs to go out when you can make these amazing ribs at home? I love serving them with some coleslaw and cornbread. Trust me, get ready for some happy tummies! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Baby Back Ribs: These ribs are tender and flavorful, perfect for this recipe. If you want to save some money, spare ribs can work too, though they might need a bit more cooking time.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps caramelize the ribs. If you’re looking for a low-sugar option, coconut sugar or a sugar substitute could work! Just keep in mind the flavor might differ slightly.
Spices: The mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder makes an amazing flavor base. Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste! You can add more cayenne for extra heat or use smoked paprika for a nice smoky flavor.
Barbecue Sauce: A key component! Choose a brand you like or make your own for a personal touch—don’t be afraid to mix flavors to suit your taste!
How Do I Remove the Silver Skin from the Ribs?
Removing the silver skin is important for tender ribs. This membrane can toughen the meat during cooking, so here’s how you do it:
- Start with a sharp knife; use a butter knife if it’s easier.
- Slide the knife under the membrane at one end of the rack, being careful not to cut into the meat.
- Once you have a bit loose, use your fingers to grab it and pull it off.
- Use the knife to help if it tears. It should come off in one piece!
Taking this step helps ensure your ribs come out tender and delicious, just like at the Texas Roadhouse! Enjoy the cooking adventure! 🍖
Easy Copycat Texas Roadhouse Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 racks of pork baby back ribs (about 3-4 pounds total)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (preferably sweet and tangy)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then around 2.5 to 3 hours for baking. Plus an extra 10-15 minutes for the final caramelization in the oven. So, you’ll be enjoying your finger-licking ribs in about 3 hours and 30 minutes total, but it’s totally worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Ribs:
First, preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). This low temperature will help the ribs become super tender. Next, take the ribs and look for the silver skin on the back; it’s a thin membrane that can toughen your ribs. Use a knife to slide under it and gently pull it off to make your ribs nice and tender!
2. Making the Dry Rub:
In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, black pepper, salt, and optional cayenne pepper. This dry rub brings loads of flavor to your ribs! Once combined, generously rub this mixture over both sides of your ribs.
3. Wrapping Up:
Now, wrap each rack of ribs tightly in aluminum foil, placing them on a baking sheet. This steams the ribs while they cook, keeping them moist and tender. Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 2.5 to 3 hours. Check them to see if the meat is pulling away from the bone—that’s when you know they’re done!
4. Finishing Touches:
Once the ribs are nice and tender, carefully take them out and unwrap the foil. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). This step is important for caramelizing the barbecue sauce.
5. Adding the Sauce:
Brush a good amount of barbecue sauce all over the ribs. Then, put them back in the oven uncovered and bake for another 10-15 minutes. You want the sauce to bubble and caramelize—it’s what makes the ribs sticky and delicious!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
After that, take your ribs out of the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Finally, garnish with some fresh chopped parsley and serve them hot. Get ready for some amazing flavor that’ll remind you of your favorite restaurant. Enjoy every bite!
Happy cooking! 🥳
FAQ for Easy Copycat Texas Roadhouse Ribs
Can I Use Another Type of Ribs?
Absolutely! While baby back ribs are ideal for this recipe, you can also use spare ribs or even beef ribs. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary. Spare ribs might take a little longer to become tender.
Can I Prep the Ribs Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the ribs in advance! You can apply the dry rub and wrap them in foil, then store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to bring them to room temperature before placing them in the oven.
How Do I Store Leftover Ribs?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can brush on a little extra barbecue sauce for added flavor!
Can I Make These Ribs on the Grill?
Yes, you can definitely grill these ribs! After baking them in the oven, finish them on a preheated grill over medium heat for about 5-10 minutes, brushing with barbecue sauce, until they’re caramelized and have those beautiful grill marks!
