These Copycat Texas Roadhouse Ribs bring that smoky, tender flavor right to your kitchen! With a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, they are perfect for a fun family meal.
You’ll love how easy it is to make these ribs at home. Just bake them slow and low, and you’ll have fall-off-the-bone goodness that will impress everyone—sorry, not sorry for the mess! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Back Ribs: These ribs are tender and flavorful, perfect for this recipe. If you can’t find baby back ribs, spare ribs can also work. They are a bit meatier but may require a longer cooking time.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness to balance the savory spices. If you need a sugar substitute, consider using coconut sugar or maple syrup. Both will give a nice flavor, just adjust the quantity accordingly.
Spices (Paprika, Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper): These spices create a delicious dry rub. For a smokier flavor, try smoked paprika. If you want less heat, skip the cayenne pepper or use smoked paprika instead.
Barbecue Sauce: Pick your favorite barbecue sauce for basting and serving. Sweet, tangy, or spicy—whatever you enjoy! For a healthier option, there are low-sugar or homemade sauces available.
How Do You Remove Membrane from Ribs?
Removing the membrane from the back of the ribs is key to making them more tender and flavorful. It can be tricky, so here’s a simple way to do it:
- Use a paper towel to grip the membrane at one end. This gives you better traction.
- Carefully pull it away from the meat. If it tears, just start again at a different spot.
- Make sure to remove it completely, as leaving it can make the ribs tough.
This step lets all those delicious spices penetrate the meat, leading to tender and flavorful ribs that you’ll love!
How to Make Copycat Texas Roadhouse Ribs?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Ribs:
- 2 racks of baby back ribs
For The Dry Rub:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
For Basting and Serving:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your choice)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and around 2.5 to 3 hours for baking in the oven. After that, grilling takes about 5-7 minutes. Overall, you can expect to spend about 3 hours in total to enjoy these delicious ribs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Oven and Ribs:
First, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low temperature will help make the ribs tender. Next, remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This is important because it helps the flavors soak into the meat and makes the ribs more tender.
2. Make the Dry Rub:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if you like a bit of heat). Stir everything together until it’s well blended to create a flavorful dry rub.
3. Rub the Ribs:
Generously apply the dry rub all over both sides of the ribs. Make sure to coat them well so every bite is packed with flavor! Once rubbed, place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, meat side up. Then, cover the ribs tightly with another layer of foil.
4. Bake Those Ribs:
Put the covered ribs in the preheated oven and bake for about 2.5 to 3 hours. You’ll know they’re done when the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bones. Patience is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth goodness!
5. Grill for Flavor:
While the ribs are baking, you can preheat your grill or broiler so it’s hot and ready when the ribs are done. Once they’re baked, take them out of the oven and carefully discard the top layer of foil. Brush a generous amount of barbecue sauce all over the ribs for that sweet glaze.
6. Finish on the Grill:
Grill the ribs over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to turn them occasionally and baste with more barbecue sauce to get that delicious caramelized finish. You want them to be slightly charred and full of flavor!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
After grilling, remove the ribs from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps to lock in the juices. Then, cut the ribs into portions and serve them with extra barbecue sauce on the side. Enjoy your homemade Texas Roadhouse-style ribs!
Can I Use Another Type of Ribs for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While baby back ribs are great, you can also use spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs. Just adjust the cooking time if using larger ribs, as they may take a bit longer to become tender.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Cayenne Pepper?
No worries! If you don’t have cayenne pepper, you can substitute it with a dash of hot sauce or omit it altogether for a milder flavor. If you want some heat without cayenne, consider using crushed red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of hot paprika instead!
How to Store Leftover Ribs?
Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, wrap them in aluminum foil and warm in the oven at 250°F (120°C) until heated through. If they seem dry, brush a little more barbecue sauce on before reheating!
Can I Make These Ribs Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the ribs with the dry rub a day in advance! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. This enhances the flavors and makes for even more tender meat.
