First real baby back rib success! [Simple, too]

Prof Dan

As a result of all of the eggspert advice available on this forum, I have finally nailed baby back ribs. This evening, my family told me that these were the best ribs they had ever eaten in their lives, high praise indeed.[p]Here's how I did it: first, I removed the papery membrane on the back of the ribs, using my fingers and a pair of needle nose pliers. That was the hardest part. Next, I rubbed the ribs with a mix of brown sugar, salt, herbs, garlic powder, chili powder, and cumin, moistened slightly with apple cider vinegar to form a paste. I put the ribs in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for a couple of days; probably one day would have been enough.[p]Five hours before dinner, I lit my Egg and brought it up to 275 degrees, which took about a half-hour. I added a couple of chunks of oak, each about the size of my fist. I set three firebricks flat onto the grill. On top of the firebricks, I put a large pan lined with foil and half-filled with water. On top of the pan, I put another grill. On top of the grill, I put a homemade "rib cage," which just supports the slabs of ribs. I then leaned the slabs up against the "rib cage." [Setting up the grill took less time than writing about it.][p]I left it for three hours at 275. An hour before dinner, I slathered on a commercial barbecue sauce, using a pastry brush. (Not too thick.) I then left it for another hour at 275.[p]The ribs were moist, meaty, tender, and smoky, but not burnt. Also, a lot of the fat had dripped off into the pan.[p]Again, thanks to all of you for your collective wisdom.

Mop

Prof Dan, your welcome.[p]Mop

McKevin

Prof Dan,[p]For what it's worth, I think you will find that the water isn't necessary, though if it works for you...[p]Next time leave the pliers in the garage & pull the membrane off by grabbing it with a paper towell, couldn't be easier.[p]Kevin

Unknown

Prof Dan,
Dang! now you went and did it. Had to get me thinking about those ribs. I can see a picture of them in my mind. What kind of sauce did you put upon them?

Prof Dan

Shiek, it was Sweet Baby Ray's sauce, but it doesn't really matter. And I know that saucing a dry rubbed slab of ribs is heresy, but my family is conditioned to want that sticky glaze on the ribs. I don't much care, one way or the other; the smoky meat is what matters to me.[p]

Tim M

<p />McKevin,[p]A belt sander works for those times when you just can't find the paper towels! I hate when that happens - but it gives me a chance to fire up the sander.[p][p]Hope all no I am kidding :-][p]Tim M

Unknown

Tim M,[p]I see towels on the roll in the picture ?
Also noted the Harley shirt [p]Happy Egging. BB [p]

Tim M

BB,[p]I lied! You got me! I did have paper towels and just wanted to get out the sander.[p]I wish I was out there riding that dang bike now ![p]Tim