If comfort food had a best friend, it would be these Baby Back Ribs with Spicy Plum BBQ Sauce. The ribs are slow-cooked to perfection, then kissed with a tangy, sweet, and slightly fiery plum BBQ glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.

It’s the recipe that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and brings people together. What I love most is how versatile this dish is.

Make it for a backyard barbecue, a cozy dinner, or game day feast. Serve it with creamy mac and cheese, grilled corn, or your favorite summer salad, and you’ve got a meal that everyone will remember.

Recipe Ingredients

For the Ribs:

• 2 racks of pork baby back ribs (about 5 pounds total), membrane removed
• 2 tbsp of packed light brown sugar
• 2 tsp of paprika
• 1 tbsp of kosher salt

For the Sauce:

• 1 tbsp of extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 garlic clove, chopped
• 1- to 2-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
• 4 plums (about 1 pound), pitted and chopped
• ⅛ tsp of ground allspice
• ¾ cup of apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup of packed light brown sugar
• ½ tsp of kosher salt
• 1 habanero chile pepper, halved

How To Make Giada Baby Back Ribs with Spicy Plum BBQ Sauce

Prep the Ribs:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 300°F. This low-and-slow cooking method ensures your ribs will be tender and flavorful.
2. Season the Ribs: In a small bowl, mix together 2 tbsp of brown sugar, 2 tsp of paprika, and 1 tbsp of kosher salt. Lay each rack of ribs on a large sheet of aluminum foil and rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides.
3. Wrap and Bake: Tightly wrap the ribs in the foil, sealing the edges to create a packet. Place the packets on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 3 hours, or until the ribs are tender but not falling apart.
4. Rest the Ribs: Remove the ribs from the oven and let them cool in the foil for about 30 minutes. This step helps the flavors settle and makes them easier to handle later.

Make the Sauce:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion, chopped garlic, and ginger. Cook for about 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft and fragrant.
2. Add the Plums and Spices: Stir in the chopped plums and ⅛ tsp of ground allspice. Cook for 1–2 minutes to combine the flavors.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Add ¾ cup of apple cider vinegar, ½ cup of brown sugar, ½ tsp of salt, and the halved habanero pepper. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the plums are soft and the mixture thickens slightly.
4. Blend to Perfection: Remove the habanero pepper. Use an immersion blender to puree the sauce to your desired consistency—smooth or slightly chunky.

Grill and Glaze:

1. Preheat Your Grill: Heat your grill to medium and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
2. Glaze the Ribs: Brush the cooled ribs generously with the plum BBQ sauce. Place them on the grill, meat side down, and cook for 3–5 minutes until lightly charred.
3. Flip and Repeat: Turn the ribs over, brush with more sauce, and cook the other side. Repeat brushing and flipping until the sauce becomes thick, sticky, and golden brown—about 8–10 minutes total.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the ribs hot with extra plum BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. Get ready to dig in and savor every bite!

Recipe Tips

• Control the Spice Level: For a milder sauce, remove the seeds from the habanero before cooking. If you want more heat, consider adding an extra half chili.
• Make It Ahead: Prepare the ribs and sauce a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers, then grill or broil just before serving for ultimate freshness.
• Choose the Right Plums: Use ripe, soft plums for a sweeter and richer BBQ sauce. If unavailable, substitute with canned plums or apricots for a similar texture and flavor.
• Broiler Tip: If grilling isn’t an option, use your oven broiler to caramelize the sauce. Keep the ribs about 6 inches from the heat source and turn often for even browning.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

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• Giada Broccoli Rabe Tacos
• Giada Yogurt-Marinated Chicken
• Giada Skinny Chicken Parm