Are you ready to bring the taste of Applebee’s straight to your kitchen?
The key to their delicious baby back ribs is a flavorful sauce and a perfectly broiled finish.
First, you’ll want to simmer the ribs until they’re tender.
Then, slather them with a rich, tangy BBQ sauce.
A quick stint under the broiler gives these ribs that iconic caramelized edge.
How to Make Applebee’s Baby Back Ribs Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Ribs
- 1 cup Water
- 1 cup Ketchup
- 1/2 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/3 cup Dark Brown Sugar
- 1/4 cup Molasses
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1/2 tsp Liquid Smoke
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 1/4 tsp Salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Place ribs in a large pot.
Add enough water to cover the ribs.
Bring water to a boil.
Step 2:
Once boiling, reduce heat to low.
Cover and simmer for 1 hour until ribs are tender.
Step 3:
While ribs are simmering, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, dark brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, liquid smoke, garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, and salt in a medium saucepan.
Step 4:
Bring the sauce to a boil over medium heat.
Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes, stirring often.
Allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 5:
Preheat the broiler.
Place ribs on a foil-lined baking sheet, meat side down.
Brush with the sauce.
Broil for 5 minutes.
Flip ribs over, brush with more sauce.
Broil for an additional 5-7 minutes.
Serve hot.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Simmering for Tenderness:
Simmering the ribs for an hour ensures they become fork-tender, making them easier to eat and more enjoyable.
Sauce Consistency:
Keep an eye on the sauce as it simmers and thickens. Stir often to avoid burning and achieve the perfect consistency.
Flipping the Ribs:
When broiling, flipping the ribs halfway through ensures even cooking and a nice glaze on all sides.
Foil Lining for Easy Cleanup:
Lining your baking sheet with foil will make the cleanup process much simpler and keep your baking sheet looking new.
Adjusting the Seasoning:
Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar and spices in the sauce to suit your taste preferences. Your own twist can elevate this recipe to another level!
What to Serve with Applebee’s Baby Back Ribs
Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a classic side dish that’s always a hit with ribs.
Its crunchy texture and tangy flavor help to balance out the rich, smoky taste of the ribs.
You can make a simple coleslaw with cabbage, carrots, and a vinegar-based dressing.
Potato Salad-
Another great side dish is potato salad.
The creamy potatoes blend beautifully with the barbecue flavors of the ribs.
Try adding some fresh herbs like dill or chives for an extra burst of flavor.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn on the cob is a fantastic pairing with baby back ribs.
The smoky sweetness of the corn complements the savory ribs perfectly.
Plus, it’s super easy to prepare on the grill while your ribs are cooking.
Southern-Style Biscuits
Southern-style biscuits offer a tender and flaky accompaniment to your barbecue meal.
These buttery biscuits are ideal for sopping up any extra sauce.
Serve them warm for maximum enjoyment.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garlic mashed potatoes are a comforting side that pairs wonderfully with ribs.
The creamy, garlicky potatoes provide a hearty contrast to the meat.
They’re easy to prepare and always a crowd favorite.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
For something a bit different, try roasted Brussels sprouts.
Their slightly bitter flavor adds an interesting contrast to the sweet and smoky ribs.
A drizzle of balsamic vinegar can elevate their taste even more.
Pickled Vegetables
Pickled vegetables are a unique and refreshing side dish choice.
The acidity and crunch cleanse your palate between bites of rich ribs.
Consider pickling cucumbers, onions, or even radishes for a zesty twist.
Variations and Substitutions
You can change up the sauce to suit your taste!
Try adding honey or molasses for a sweeter touch.
For a spicier kick, mix in some hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
Experiment with different vinegar types like balsamic or rice vinegar for a unique flavor.
Cooking Methods
If you don’t have a broiler, you can use the grill for a similar effect.
Slow-cooking the ribs in a crockpot can also yield tender results, just finish them off in the oven for that crispy edge.
Vegetarian Option
For a plant-based alternative, use tofu or jackfruit as a substitute for the ribs.
Marinate them in the same BBQ sauce to get that smoky, delicious flavor.
How to Store Leftover Applebee’s Baby Back Ribs
It’s important to store your leftover Applebee’s Baby Back Ribs properly to keep them juicy and flavorful!
Refrigeration
First, allow the ribs to cool to room temperature before storing them.
Then, place the ribs in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with aluminum foil.
Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
If you want to keep the ribs for a longer period, freezing is a great option.
Wrap each rib portion individually with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Next, put the wrapped ribs into a freezer-safe ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible.
Label the bag with the date, and store the ribs in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Thawing
When you’re ready to enjoy the ribs again, transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator.
Let them thaw slowly for about 24 hours.
You can also use the cold water method by submerging the sealed bag of ribs in cold water.
Replace the water every 30 minutes until fully thawed!
By following these steps, your leftover ribs will be just as delicious as the first time you cooked them.
Enjoy!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking up Applebee’s Baby Back Ribs at home can be incredibly rewarding!
You want to make sure each rib turns out tender and flavorful.
Mistakes can happen easily, but they are easy to avoid.
Forgetting to Remove the Membrane
Many home cooks skip removing the thin membrane from the back of the ribs.
This membrane turns chewy when cooked and can ruin the texture.
Take a few minutes to peel it off to ensure tender ribs.
Incorrect Cooking Temperature
It’s tempting to crank up the heat to speed up the process, but ribs need low and slow cooking.
Cooking them at a high temperature can dry them out.
Keep your oven or grill at a steady low temperature for the best results.
Neglecting the Sauce Timing
Applying the BBQ sauce too early can lead to a burnt exterior.
Start basting with sauce in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
This ensures the sauce caramelizes beautifully without burning.
Applebee’s Baby Back Ribs Recipe
- 2 lbs Ribs
- 1 cup Water
- 1 cup Ketchup
- 1/2 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/3 cup Dark Brown Sugar
- 1/4 cup Molasses
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1/2 tsp Liquid Smoke
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- Place ribs in a large pot.
- Add enough water to cover the ribs.
- Bring water to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 1 hour until ribs are tender.
- While ribs are simmering, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, dark brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, liquid smoke, garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, and salt in a medium saucepan.
- Bring the sauce to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes, stirring often.
- Allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Preheat the broiler.
- Place ribs on a foil-lined baking sheet, meat side down.
- Brush with the sauce.
- Broil for 5 minutes.
- Flip ribs over, brush with more sauce.
- Broil for an additional 5-7 minutes.
- Serve hot.
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