Best BBQ Ribs

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Photo: Heiko Martin / istock

COOK TIME
110

TOTAL TIME
120

INGREDIENTS
Baby Back Ribs:
2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
4 racks pork baby back ribs (about 1 pound each)
2 extra-heavy-duty foil cooking bags (17" by 15" each) or heavy-duty foil
6 ice cubes

Barbecue Sauce:
2 cups ketchup
1 cup apple cider or apple juice
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons molasses
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)

PREPARATION
1. Prepare outdoor grill for covered direct grilling over medium heat.

2. Prepare Baby Back Ribs: In small bowl, combine paprika, brown sugar, salt, chili powder, black pepper, cumin, and ground red pepper. Pat ribs dry with paper towels. Rub spice mixture all over ribs.

3. Place 2 racks of ribs side by side in foil cooking bag. Place 3 ice cubes under ribs; seal bag. (Or, place two 30" by 18" sheets of heavy-duty foil on work surface to make a double thickness. Place 2 racks of ribs side by side on center of stacked foil. Place 3 ice cubes under ribs. Bring long sides of foil up and over ribs; fold several times to seal well, then fold in ends to seal tightly.) Repeat with 1 more cooking bag or 2 more sheets of foil and remaining ribs and ice cubes.

4. Place foil packets on grill rack. Cover grill and cook ribs 1 hour, carefully turning packets over with tongs once halfway through grilling.

5. While ribs are grilling, prepare Barbecue Sauce: In 4-quart saucepan, combine all sauce ingredients; heat to boiling over high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, 30 to 40 minutes or until sauce thickens slightly, stirring occasionally. Makes about 2 1/2 cups.

6. When ribs are done, with kitchen shears, cut an X in top of each foil packet to let steam escape, then carefully pull back foil to open. Remove ribs and place directly on grill rack. Cover grill and cook ribs 7 to 10 minutes or until browned, turning over once. Brush ribs with some sauce and cook 7 to 10 minutes longer, brushing with some more sauce and turning frequently.

7. To serve, cut ribs into 1-rib portions and arrange on platter. Pass remaining sauce to serve with ribs.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
(based on individual servings)
Calories: 450
Total Fat: 26 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Cholesterol: 59 mg
Sodium: 1,515 mg
Carbohydrates: 29 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 25 g

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