How do I make fall-off-the-bone bbq ribs in the shape of a ribcage?

Image showing the final output answering the question: How do I make fall-off-the-bone BBQ ribs in the shape of a ribcage.

Sink your teeth into our finger-licking BBQ ribs recipe, shaped like a ribcage! Guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and impress your friends.

You'll need

Items needed to answer the question, How do I make fall-off-the-bone BBQ ribs in the shape of a ribcage. Items include:  rack of baby back ribs  brown sugar  paprika  salt  black pepper  garlic powder  onion powder  your favorite BBQ sauce
  • rack of baby back ribs 1
  • brown sugar 2 tablespoons
  • paprika 2 tablespoons
  • salt 1 tablespoon
  • black pepper 1 tablespoon
  • garlic powder 1 tablespoon
  • onion powder 1 tablespoon
  • your favorite BBQ sauce enough to generously coat the ribs

Take note
Handle BBQ equipment with caution and be mindful of hot surfaces. Make sure to use oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands while handling hot ribs.

1

Prepping the Ribs

Start by preheating your oven to 275°F (135°C). Grab a rack of baby back ribs and remove the thin membrane on the bone side. Use a sharp knife to loosen the membrane from one end, then grab it with a paper towel and pull it off in one go. This will help your ribs become mouthwateringly tender.

2

Applying the Rub

In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of paprika, 1 tablespoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of black pepper, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon of onion powder. This magical rub will give your ribs a delicious flavor. Sprinkle the rub generously all over the ribs, making sure to cover every nook and cranny.

3

Shaping the Ribcage

To shape your ribs like a ribcage, carefully cut down the length of each rib, about three-quarters of the way down, leaving them still attached at the top. Then, bend each rib back slightly to create that oh-so-authentic ribcage appearance. It's like your ribs are saying, 'Hey, look how cool we are!'

4

Slow and Low Cooking

Place your beautifully shaped ribcage on a roasting rack, bone side down. Cover it tightly with foil and pop it into the preheated oven. Let the ribs cook low and slow for 2.5 to 3 hours, until they are tender and the meat is falling off the bone. Your house will smell absolutely amazing during this time, so be prepared for some serious mouthwatering.

5

Finishing with BBQ Sauce

Remove the foil from your ribcage masterpiece and generously brush on your favorite BBQ sauce. Pop the ribs back into the oven, uncovered, and let them cook for another 20-30 minutes. This will give your ribcage a deliciously sticky and caramelized finish. Feel free to add an extra coat of BBQ sauce halfway through if you want to take things up a notch.