Vidalia Onion BBQ Baby Back Ribs marries tender, juicy baby back ribs with a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce infused with the unique sweetness and subtle complexity of caramelized Vidalia onions. This recipe elevates classic barbecue ribs to a new level, offering a standout dish that is sure to intrigue and excite any barbecue enthusiast or home cook.
The process begins with preparing a rack of baby back ribs. The ribs are rubbed with extra virgin olive oil, which helps the seasoning adhere and ensures a nice crust during cooking. The seasoning mix – a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and ground black pepper – imparts a deep, smoky flavor that complements the sweetness of the Vidalia onions, adding a layer of depth and complexity to the dish.
After seasoning, the ribs are wrapped tightly in aluminum foil and baked at 275°F (135°C) for about three hours. This slow-cooking method ensures the ribs become incredibly tender and juicy, with the meat almost falling off the bone, making your mouth water in anticipation.
While the ribs are baking, the star of the dish – the Vidalia onion BBQ sauce – is prepared. Vidalia onions, known for their sweetness, are thinly sliced and caramelized in extra virgin olive oil. The caramelization process takes about 30 minutes, during which the onions become soft, golden brown, and intensely flavorful. A portion of these caramelized onions is reserved for serving, adding a delightful texture and visual appeal to the finished dish.
Once the onions are caramelized, minced garlic is added and sautéed until fragrant. Tomato paste and tomato sauce are then stirred in. The sauce is further enhanced with apple cider vinegar for acidity, brown sugar, and honey for sweetness, Worcestershire sauce for umami, Dijon mustard for tang, and a blend of paprika and chili powder for a smoky, slightly spicy kick. Salt and ground black pepper are added to taste.
The sauce is simmered for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. After simmering, it is pureed until smooth using an immersion or stand blender, creating a velvety, rich sauce that clings beautifully to the ribs.
Once the ribs have finished their initial bake, they are unwrapped and generously basted with the Vidalia onion BBQ sauce. The oven temperature is increased to 425°F (220°C) for a final roasting step. The ribs are returned to the oven and roasted for an additional 30 minutes, during which they are basted with more BBQ sauce. This step allows the sauce to caramelize and form a deliciously sticky, flavorful coating on the ribs.
After roasting, the ribs are allowed to rest briefly before being served. They are garnished with the reserved caramelized Vidalia onions and freshly chopped parsley, adding a touch of freshness and a burst of flavor. The extra Vidalia onion BBQ sauce is served on the side, allowing diners to add more sauce as desired.
Vidalia Onion BBQ Baby Back Ribs is an exceptional dish that highlights the natural sweetness of Vidalia onions and the rich, smoky flavors of a well-crafted BBQ sauce. The tender, juicy ribs paired with the sweet-tangy sauce make this dish perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings. This recipe will indeed become a favorite, impressing guests and families alike with its delicious and distinctive taste.
Vidalia Onion BBQ Baby Back Ribs
4
servings30
minutes3
hours30
minutes4
hoursVidalia Onion BBQ Baby Back Ribs features tender, juicy ribs coated in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce made from caramelized Vidalia onions. The sauce offers a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors.
Ingredients
- For the Baby Back Ribs
1 rack of baby back ribs (3-4 pounds)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
to taste, salt and ground black pepper
for garnish, freshly chopped parsley
- For the Vidalia Onion BBQ Sauce
3 large Vidalia onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 cup tomato paste
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
to taste, salt and ground black pepper
Directions
- Prepare the Ribs:
Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Rub the ribs with extra virgin olive oil and season with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and ground black pepper. Rub the spice mixture into the ribs until thoroughly coated. Wrap the ribs tightly with aluminum foil. Place on a baking sheet and cook in the oven for 3 hours. - Make the Vidalia Onion BBQ Sauce:
While the ribs are baking, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced Vidalia onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized, 25-30 minutes. Reserve some caramelized onions for serving.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and tomato sauce, and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Stir in the apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, paprika, and chili powder. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until it’s smooth. Or, you can transfer the mixture to a stand blender to puree. - Finish the Ribs:
Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Remove the ribs from the oven and the aluminum foil and generously baste them with the Vidalia onion BBQ sauce. Return the ribs to the oven and roast for an additional 20-30 minutes. Baste with additional BBQ sauce halfway through, until the sauce is caramelized and slightly charred. - Serve:
Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with extra Vidalia onion BBQ sauce and caramelized Vidalia onions. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Suggested Recipes:
If you enjoyed the rich and sweet flavors of the Vidalia Onion BBQ Baby Back Ribs, be sure to check out our Honey Garlic Baby Back Ribs! These ribs are equally tender and juicy, featuring a deliciously sticky honey garlic glaze that perfectly balances sweet and savory garlic notes.
Also, be sure to check out our Grilled Chicken with Peach Vidalia Onion Sauce! This dish features succulent grilled chicken topped with a flavorful peach and Vidalia onion sauce, offering a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors that are perfect for any meal.