Chili Baby Back Ribs

You’ll be left dreaming about these Chili Baby Back Ribs. We asked TABLE Magazine friend Chef Kevin Hermann to create game day recipes, and what he created was an epic menu that’ll draw even non-fans to the party!

Why Are These Ribs Called “Baby Back”?

Baby back ribs are shorter and lighter than bigger spare ribs and hence are “baby” sized. Back ribs are cut from where the rib meets the spine of the pig after the loin is removed, and the baby back ribs are the upper ribs. They cook quicker, are leaner, and require less trimming, so they’ve become a barbecue favorite!

Chili Baby Back Ribs Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 full baby back ribs racks, peeled and cleaned
• 2 cups Rib Rub (3/4 cup smoked paprika, 1/4 cup kosher salt, 3/4 cup Penzey’s Chili
• 3000, 1/8 cup coriander, 1/8 cup ground black pepper)
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 4 whole Rosemary sprigs
• White Bean Salad (see below)
• Lime Cream (see below)

Instructions 

1. Rub the ribs with olive oil and dust heavily with the rib rub.  Coat evenly and place on a foil lined sheet tray meat side up.

2. Roast at 425 degrees for 30 minutes.

3. Remove from oven, top each rib with 2 sprigs of rosemary and wrap tightly with foil.

4. Continue cooking at 275 for 2 hrs.

5. Remove and uncover. Ribs can be done 1-2 days prior to game day.  Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until game time.

6. For presentation, warm ribs under medium flame broiler. Cut each rib apart and arrange on large board with dollops of lime cream and chilled white bean salad.  Garnish with shaved or crumbled cheddar and cut scallions.

White Bean Salad Recipe

Ingredients 

• 2 – 8 oz cans Cannelloni beans, rinsed
• 3/4 cup celery, small dice
• 1/2 cup carrots, small dice
• 3/4 cup red onion, small dice
• 2/ea lemon zest/juice
• 1/2 cup parsley chopped
• 1/4 cup scallions, chopped
• 1/2 tbsp cumin, ground
• 1/2 tbsp coriander, ground
• 1/2 cup olive oil

Instructions 

1. Mix all ingredients evenly and allow to marinade 2-3 hrs or overnight if possible.

Lime Cream Recipe

Ingredients

• 8 oz sour cream
• 1/ea lime zest/juice
• 1 tbsp coriander, crushed
• 1/2 tbsp black pepper, ground
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 6-8oz Cheddar, aged (use your favorite sharp cheddar)

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients and refrigerate for 2-3 hours

Try these other game day recipes:

• Marinated Chicken Tostadas
• Parmesan Baked Potato Salad
• Roasted Sausage Board
• Zesty Shrimp Roll

Recipe by Kevin Hermann / Styling by Kevin Hermann and Anna Calabrese Photography by Dave Bryce 

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