Montgomery Inn is famous for its Cincinnati-style barbecue ribs. Here’s a simplified recipe to recreate a similar flavor profile at home:
Ingredients:
For the Ribs:
- 2 racks of pork baby back ribs
- Dry rub (your choice or store-bought)
- Aluminum foil
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups ketchup
- 12 cup water
- 12 cup apple cider vinegar
- 14 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 14 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 12 teaspoon garlic powder
- 12 teaspoon onion powder
- 14 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for heat)
Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Prepare the Ribs:
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This can be done by sliding a butter knife or your fingers under the membrane at one end and pulling it off. It helps the rub and smoke penetrate the meat better.
3. Apply the Dry Rub:
- Generously coat both sides of the ribs with your chosen dry rub. You can use a store-bought rub or create your own blend using spices like paprika, brown sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub the mixture into the meat, ensuring even coverage.
4. Wrap in Aluminum Foil:
- Wrap each rack of ribs individually in aluminum foil. Make sure they are tightly sealed to keep the moisture in during cooking.
5. Bake the Ribs:
- Place the foil-wrapped ribs on a baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours. This slow cooking method will make the ribs tender.
6. Make the Sauce:
- While the ribs are baking, prepare the barbecue sauce. In a saucepan, combine all the sauce ingredients (ketchup, water, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper).
- Simmer the sauce over low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes. It should thicken slightly and develop a rich flavor.
7. Grill or Broil (Optional):
- If you want a smoky finish or a charred crust, preheat your grill to medium-high heat or your broiler in the oven.
- Carefully unwrap the ribs from the foil and place them on the grill or under the broiler for a few minutes on each side. Baste them with the barbecue sauce during this step to caramelize the sauce.
8. Serve:
- Once the ribs are grilled or broiled to your liking, remove them from the heat.
- Cut the racks into individual ribs and serve them hot with extra barbecue sauce on the side.
These Montgomery Inn-style ribs are known for their tender meat and sweet, tangy sauce. Enjoy them with classic barbecue sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans.
