Stove Top Baby Back Ribs are simmered until tender and then caramelized under the broiler or on the grill with your favorite BBQ Sauce. This easy method delivers juicy, fall-off-the-bone ribs without needing hours on the smoker.
These ribs are a family favorite for summer cookouts and are perfect with a side of Creamy BLT Pasta Salad. When the weather doesn't allow for grilling, finished them in the oven works just as well. And, for dessert, my Apple Crisp recipe is the perfect sweet ending.
Why you'll love it
Budget-friendly: Skip the restaurant markup and make tender, flavorful ribs right at home.
Tender every time: Simmering the ribs first ensures they turn out fall off the bone tender.
Flexible finish: Choose the oven or grill depending on the weather or your preference.
Key Ingredients
Baby Back Ribs: These pork ribs are smaller and more tender than spare ribs, making them ideal for quick cook methods.
Salt and Pepper: Basic seasoning that enhances the pork flavor before adding BBQ sauce.
BBQ Sauce: Adds sweet, smoky, and tangy flavor. Use your favorite bottled or homemade sauce.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Use spare ribs instead of baby back ribs for a meatier bite (increase simmering time by 15-20 minutes).
- Replace BBQ sauce with this Raspberry Chipotle Sauce.
- Try a dry rub seasoning blend instead of sauce if you prefer a less messy rib.
Variations
Spicy Ribs: Add hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce.
Smoky Finish: Finish ribs on a charcoal grill for added smoky flavor.
Honey Garlic: Brush on a mixture of honey and minced garlic instead of BBQ sauce.
Top Tips
- Always start with cold water to help draw out impurities for clearer flavors.
- Cover the pot while bringing to a boil, then simmer uncovered to avoid overcooking.
- Be gentle when flipping-tender ribs fall apart easily.
- Watch colsely when broiling or grilling to avoid burning the sauce.
Storage Tips
- Store cooled leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the oven covered with foil at 300°F until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these ribs with Tomato Avocado Stack, Keto Potato Salad, or Keto Broccoli Salad from my site for a complete meal. Add a tall glass of tea or Rhubarb Lemonade and enjoy.
When you make this Stove Top Rib Recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating
📖 Recipe
Stove-top to Grill Baby Back Ribs
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Ingredients
- 1 rack baby back ribs , cut into 3 sections
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce
Instructions
- Place the ribs in a large pot covered with water and seasoned with salt and pepper. Bring ribs to a boil, turn heat down and simmer ribs until tender, about 1 hour.
- While ribs are simmering, prepare baking sheet by covering with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray. When ribs are cooked, remove from pot, place on baking sheet and slather with as much BBQ sauce as you want on the bottom side.
- Place on hot grill and grill for 5 minutes on each side.
- Slather more sauce on the top side of the ribs before removing from the grill if desired.
Shelby says
Thank you!
Nicole Gamble says
Great recipe ! I made it! It`s delicious!!! And it looks great , too!
Coleens Recipes says
Boy this sure sounds good, thanks for sharing.
Lesa @Edesia's Notebook says
I love Sweet Baby Ray's. The honey chipotle is our favorite. Your ribs look delicious and it's great having a rib recipe you can make in the winter when there's too much snow piled up to get to your grill!
claudia @Whats cookin says
Girl you are on a roll here lookin good!