The Key To Making Baby Back Ribs Like Applebee's

If you're a fan of Applebee's baby back ribs, you're probably aware that what makes them so good is the BBQ sauce — or more precisely, the glaze — and the way the cooks use it. Making Applebee's-style ribs at home might be a challenge without knowing the technique. To get the results you want, try a method that's revealed right in the name one of Applebee's dishes, Double Glazed Baby Back Ribs : double glazing.

Double glazing is what gives Applebee's ribs the wonderful texture and flavor that many fans love. In simple terms, to double glaze ribs, start with a sauce recipe. You could try our oven baked BBQ baby back ribs with homemade sauce, or you can use a sauce like the ones that come with the Applebee's ribs, like honey BBQ sauce, sweet Asian chili, or hot honey glaze. (Or for convenience, you can use some of the best grocery store BBQ sauces that we taste tested.)

The double glaze method works by applying the glaze once towards the end of the initial cooking time, when the meat has become tender, and then adding more sauce a few minutes later to enhance the flavor. When you double glaze the ribs, sugar in the sauce will caramelize and create a unique sheen in the finished sauce, while spices will add depth and complexity to the flavor. In addition, the glaze works with the pork to complement its slightly sweet flavor. The trick is in the timing and preparing ribs in the best way.

Using one of the best cooking methods for cooking tender ribs, the 3-2-1 method, works well for double glazing, especially in a smoker, but the oven works, too. You can use other styles, but it's important to allow the ribs to cook uncovered for the last part of the cooking journey so you can apply the sauce and create the unique flavor. One thing to note; remember to remove the thin membrane on the ribs before you cook them. 

If you decide on the 3-2-1 method, you would cook the ribs low-and-slow for about three hours, then wrap the ribs in butcher paper or foil and cook for two additional hours. For the last hour, the ribs are unwrapped; this is the time to apply the first basting of sauce, adding the next layer of sauce after around seven to 15 minutes for the double glaze, and cooking until the sauce is nice and sticky.

It's important to watch the internal temperature; baby back ribs are small and lean, so they can cook quickly. If you use the oven, the heat can vary, so it's important to go by temperature; the optimal internal temperature for baby back ribs is between 190 to 203 degrees Fahrenheit for the best level of juiciness and tenderness. To quickly ensure you've cooked the ribs to the best level, use a simple test for pork ribs to check if they're done, the bend test. When you're sure the ribs are done, you can enjoy the enhanced flavor of double-glazed baby back ribs.