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Savory Smoked Paprika Baby Back Ribs Recipe with Easy Coffee BBQ Sauce

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Tender and juicy baby back ribs coated in a smoky paprika rub and glazed with a rich coffee BBQ sauce that adds a bold, unexpected depth of flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 racks baby back ribs (3–4 pounds / 1.3–1.8 kg), trimmed and patted dry
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup (8 fl oz / 240 ml) brewed dark roast coffee (strong and unsweetened)
  • 1 cup (8 fl oz / 250 ml) ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons molasses
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Remove the silver skin membrane from the back of the ribs using a butter knife and paper towel for grip (about 10 minutes).
  2. In a bowl, combine smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to make the dry rub (5 minutes).
  3. Rub olive oil all over the ribs, then coat evenly with the dry rub mixture, pressing it into the meat. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  4. Preheat oven or grill to 275°F (135°C). For grill, prepare for indirect heat at the same temperature.
  5. Place ribs on a wire rack over a baking sheet or directly on grill grates away from direct flames. Cook low and slow for 2.5 to 3 hours until meat pulls back from bones and is tender.
  6. While ribs cook, whisk together brewed coffee, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a saucepan. Simmer over low heat for 15 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
  7. In the last 20 minutes of cooking, brush ribs generously with coffee BBQ sauce every 5-7 minutes to build a sticky glaze. If using oven, switch to broil for last 2-3 minutes to caramelize sauce, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  8. Remove ribs from heat and let rest for 10 minutes. Slice between bones, serve with extra coffee BBQ sauce on the side, and enjoy.

Notes

Remove the membrane for tender ribs. Cook low and slow to break down collagen and fat. Rest ribs before serving to keep juicy. Apply BBQ sauce gradually near the end to avoid burning sugars. Use indirect heat on grill to prevent charring. Broil carefully to caramelize sauce. Spritz ribs with apple juice or water every hour if they seem dry.

Nutrition

Keywords: baby back ribs, smoked paprika, coffee BBQ sauce, BBQ ribs, smoked ribs, easy ribs recipe, coffee sauce, grilling ribs, oven ribs

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/savory-smoked-paprika-baby-back-ribs-recipe-with-easy-coffee-bbq-sauce/