Tender, Easy Ribs

Ingredients

• 2 racks of baby-back pork ribs
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (optional)

Rib Rub

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon jalapeno seasoning salt (optional)
• 1 teaspoon cayenne
• 1-2 teaspoon cumin (comino)
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce

Directions

1. 1

   Lay each rack out on a heavy duty foil sheet.

2. 2

   Mix Rib Rub into a thick paste and use your hands to rub it into the meat. You want to rub a thin layer all over without leaving any gritty deposits. It will stain the meat a rich red color. Work the rub into the meat for at least a minute (I hate doing this but it must be done!). Store extra rub in the refrigerator.

3. 3

   Wrap tightly in foil. I lay the racks vertically on long vertical sheets. I fold over the top and bottom, then bring the sides up so they are even and fold over and crease, then roll down until the seam is flush against the meat. Be careful not to allow the bones to puncture the foil (I usually use two sheets to prevent this) all your good juices will leak out!

4. 4

   Refrigerate until ready to start cooking (the longer they sit the stronger the flavors will be, however you can cook straight away if desired), you can do this the day before if desired or at home if taking to a picnic or campsite.

5. 5

   When ready to start cooking place all foil wrapped racks on a rimmed baking sheet or large roasting pan, the packets will leak and your oven will be a big mess otherwise. You can pile them all on, they don't have to be arranged.

6. 6

   Bake at 300°F for 2 1/2 hours, I have cooked as many as 8 racks for that same time without any difference, although if your ribs are very thick you may want to increase the cook time a bit or if you just want to delay you can cook them at 250°F for four hours.

7. 7

   At this point, remove a rack and careful unroll the foil to check if they are done, the bones should be loose in the meat (you should be able to remove a bone just by pulling it with your fingers). If they are still tight, put it back in for another half an hour or so, keep checking.

8. 8

   Transfer finished racks (carefully!) to the grill. Baste each side of each rack with barbecue sauce (this rub works will with a slightly-sweet mesquite) and finish them over a high flame for about 10 minutes, get a good crust, be careful not to let it stick.

9. 9

   If you don't have access to a grill you can use your broiler to crisp them up.