For Stickier, More Flavorful Baby Back Ribs, Borrow This Trick From Applebee's

Ever wish the baby back ribs you made at home were super sticky, flavorful, and restaurant-quality? To achieve all of that, it's time to borrow a trick from Applebee's and simply double glaze your ribs. 

Double glazing means saucing up the ribs not once but twice, and not at the same time. Essentially, you're building two layers of sauce so both cling on to the ribs, making them extra sticky and caramelized. As a result, the ribs are packed with all the flavor from the glaze and feel more succulent with each bite. This is what Applebee's baby back ribs are known for. 

Timing when you apply the two separate layers of glaze is key. At home, you can slow-roast the ribs as we do when we make our juicy baby back ribs with honey bourbon glaze. You'll want to brush on the first layer of glaze toward the end of cooking the ribs, then continue cooking them just until the glaze sets. Once this happens, layer on the second coat of glaze and return the ribs to the heat for a few more minutes to caramelize and set this second layer — just don't burn the ribs to a crisp. Now you're ready to serve restaurant-quality ribs with a double- glaze that will stick to your guests' fingers.

If you're wondering what's the best glaze to use, simply go with a recipe that's tried and true for you. You can also thicken store-bought BBQ sauce for a glaze, saving some time by not making one from scratch. (Be sure to check out our guide on the best grocery brand BBQ sauce, which is next-level smokey and tangy.)

To take your ribs even further, think about building flavor before brushing on the glaze. One way to do this is to season the ribs with a dry rub before slow-cooking them. One common mistake is using dry rub the wrong way on ribs by coating the surface while missing all the nooks and crannies, so be sure to season the ribs thoroughly. You can also salt the ribs before applying the dry rub. That way you get ribs that are savory and well-seasoned under those delicious layers of glaze. Finally, think about the sides you'll pair your ribs with. Consider classic barbecue sides like coleslaw or cornbread, and keep extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping the ribs into.