Start by mixing the dry rub ingredients: ¾ cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, and 1 tablespoon smokehouse maple seasoning.
Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This thin layer can prevent your ribs from becoming as tender as possible. Use a paper towel for grip and peel it away from one end of the rack.
Next, pat the ribs dry with paper towels, then generously rub the spice mixture all over the meat. Make sure to coat both sides.
Let the ribs marinate with the dry rub for at least 2 hours, but overnight in the fridge is even better.
Cooking Options
In the Oven (Low and Slow)Preheat your oven to 275°F. Wrap the ribs in foil, making sure they are completely sealed to keep in the moisture. Place the ribs on a baking sheet and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the meat is tender and pulls away from the bone easily.
On the Grill (Low and Slow)Preheat your grill to 275°F for indirect heat. Place the foil-wrapped ribs on the grill, close the lid, and cook for 2.5 to 3 hours. If you want a smoky flavor, you can add wood chips to the grill for that extra BBQ vibe.
After the ribs have cooked and are nice and tender, Slather the ribs generously with 2 cups of BBQ sauce on both sides. If you're using the grill, place the ribs back on for another 15-20 minutes to caramelize the sauce. In the oven, you can broil them for a few minutes until the sauce is bubbly and sticky.
Once the BBQ sauce is perfectly caramelized, remove the ribs from the grill or oven and let them rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.