Craving melt-in-your-mouth ribs? This Tender Beef Back Ribs recipe is your ultimate guide to achieving juicy, flavorful perfection. Slow-cooked and basted with a tangy apple cider vinegar marinade, these ribs are irresistibly tender with a caramelized finish. Perfect for family dinners or BBQ nights, this easy-to-follow recipe guarantees mouthwatering results every time. Whether paired with your favorite sides or enjoyed solo, these ribs are sure to impress!
Tender Beef Back Ribs Recipe
Ingredients
Marinade:
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons hot pepper sauce e.g., Frank’s RedHot
Ribs:
- 2 racks beef back ribs about 2 pounds each
- Olive oil spray
Dry Rub:
- 2 teaspoons smoked salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Preheat & Prep:
- Preheat the oven to 250°F.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Season the Ribs:
- Place the ribs on the prepared baking sheet, bone side down.
- Spray the tops of the ribs with olive oil.
- Sprinkle the dry rub (smoked salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder) evenly over the ribs.
Bake Initial Hour:
- Bake the ribs uncovered for 1 hour.
Prepare the Marinade:
- Whisk together apple cider vinegar and hot pepper sauce.
- Divide the marinade into three small bowls for basting.
Basting & Baking:
- After the first hour, baste the tops of the ribs with ⅓ of the marinade.
- Return the ribs to the oven and bake for an additional 3 hours, basting the ribs every hour with a new portion of the marinade.
- Rinse and dry the basting brush after each use.
Final Hour for Perfection (Optional):
- After 4 hours of baking, the ribs should be browned and tender.
- For extra tenderness and a caramelized exterior, reduce the oven temperature to 200°F and bake for 1 additional hour.
Serve:
- Remove the ribs from the oven and cut into six portions.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute pork ribs or lamb ribs, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What if I don’t have smoked salt?
You can use regular sea salt and add a drop of liquid smoke to achieve a similar flavor.
How do I make the ribs spicier?
Add extra hot pepper sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
Can I grill the ribs instead of baking them?
Yes, after the initial 4-hour bake, finish the ribs on the grill for a smoky, charred flavor.
What’s the best way to ensure the ribs are tender?
Slow-cooking at low temperatures is key. For extra tenderness, leave them in the oven at 200°F for an additional hour as recommended.

