Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Bake low and slow
- Preheat the oven to 300°F. This slow heat helps the pork tenderize without drying out.
- Mix the dry rub ingredients and coat the ribs on all sides. Arrange the coated ribs in a single layer in a baking dish for even baking.
- Pour the apple cider vinegar into the bottom of the dish and cover tightly with foil. The foil trap creates steam that keeps the meat juicy.
- Bake for 2 hours until very tender and easily pulls apart. Keep the foil on during this phase to avoid moisture loss.
Caramelize the BBQ crust
- Uncover and brush the ribs generously with BBQ sauce. Make sure every surface gets a thick coat for a darker crust.
- Increase the oven to 400°F. This higher heat caramelizes the sauce and sets the sticky finish.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until the sauce caramelizes. Look for bubbling, dark spots, and a glossy sticky glaze.
- Serve with extra BBQ sauce. Spoon additional sauce over the ribs just before eating for maximum shine.
Notes
Pro tip: for the most “fall apart” texture, don’t skip the foil-covered 2-hour bake at 300°F—steam is what keeps the pork tender. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat covered in a 325°F oven until hot. Freezing is yes: freeze ribs (with or without extra sauce) for up to 2 months, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently. For a lower-sugar swap, choose a no-sugar-added BBQ sauce if desired while keeping the same baking steps.
