Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 24 hours
Total Time: 24 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Skill Level: Intermediate
Ingredients
- 1 rack of beef ribs
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Start by preparing the ribs. Remove the membrane from the back of the rib rack. This step ensures the ribs are tender and allows the seasoning to penetrate the meat more effectively.
- Mix together the kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl.
- Rub the spice blend evenly over both sides of the ribs. Be generous—this is where the magic begins.
- Place the seasoned ribs into a vacuum-seal bag. Ensure the bag is sealed tight to prevent water from entering during the cooking process.
- Fill your sous vide container with water and set the temperature to 165°F (74°C). Once it reaches temperature, submerge the vacuum-sealed ribs.
- Cook the ribs sous vide for 24 hours. This long, slow cooking time breaks down the collagen in the meat, resulting in that desired fall-off-the-bone texture.
- After 24 hours, carefully remove the ribs from the vacuum-seal bag. Pat dry with paper towels; this will help achieve a beautiful caramelized crust in the next step.
- Preheat your grill to high or set your oven broiler to high. Brush the ribs generously with BBQ sauce on both sides.
- Grill the ribs for about 5 minutes on each side, or broil in the oven, until the sauce is caramelized and sticky.
- Remove from heat, let rest for a few minutes, then slice the ribs. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and serve hot with a side of coleslaw and corn on the cob.
Helpful Tips
- Double your recipe: Make extra ribs to freeze leftovers. Just vacuum-seal and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat using the sous vide method to retain moisture.
- Flavor variations: Experiment with different spice rubs or BBQ sauces. You can even make your own sauce for a personal touch.
- Beginner tips: Don’t skip the step of removing the membrane from the ribs, as it’s crucial for tender results.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate any leftover ribs in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, brush with additional BBQ sauce and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Pairings
These succulent ribs pair beautifully with sides like creamy coleslaw and buttery corn on the cob. For a refreshing drink, serve with chilled lemonade or iced tea. For a complete BBQ feast, add a batch of baked beans and a light, summery salad.