Ingredients:
- full rack Pork Spare Ribs (approx. 3 lbs / 1.35 kg) OR Baby Back Ribs (approx. 2.5 lbs / 1.1 kg)
- Tbsp (15 ml) Yellow Mustard (as a binder)
- ½ cup (100g) Light Brown Sugar, packed
- ¼ cup (50g) Smoked Paprika
- Tbsp (30g) Kosher Salt
- Tbsp (18g) Coarse Black Pepper, freshly ground
- Tbsp (10g) Garlic Powder
- Tbsp (10g) Onion Powder
- tsp (5g) Cayenne Pepper
- tsp (3g) Dried Ground Mustard
- ½ tsp (2g) Ground Cumin
- ½ tsp (1g) Ground Cinnamon
- Apple juice or water (for wrapping)
Instructions:
- Remove the silverskin membrane from the bone side of the rack using a butter knife edge and a paper towel grip. Pat the racks completely dry with paper towels.
- Combine all Dry Rub ingredients thoroughly (brown sugar, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, mustard, cumin, cinnamon) in a mixing bowl until evenly coloured.
- Lightly brush all surfaces of the ribs with the yellow mustard binder, ensuring light, even coverage.
- Generously sprinkle the dry rub over the entire surface of the ribs (top, bottom, and sides). Press firmly so the rub adheres well.
- Wrap the seasoned ribs tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a large zip-top bag. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C). Place the ribs bone-side down on a wire rack set inside a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 2 hours. This low-and-slow stage renders fat and tenderizes the meat.
- Remove the ribs. Lay out a large sheet of heavy-duty foil. Place the ribs meat-side up on the foil. Add 2 tablespoons of apple juice or water to the foil packet for moisture.
- Wrap the ribs very tightly, ensuring no steam can escape. Return the wrapped ribs to the oven. Cook for another 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
- Carefully remove the ribs from the foil packet, discarding the liquid. Let them rest uncovered on a clean rack for 15 minutes. (Optional: Brush with sauce and finish under the broiler for 3-5 minutes).
- Let rest for 10 minutes off-heat before slicing between the bones and serving.