Salsa BBQ Sauce Baby Back Ribs

This Salsa BBQ Sauce Baby Back Ribs recipe adds a bold, kick-in-the-pants twist to your typical baby back ribs, because this salsa-based BBQ sauce packs a punch of flavor that isn't bland or boring.

Salsa is one of the things I almost always have in my pantry and fridge. Not only is it a great go-to snack dip for chips and veggies, but it also serves as a very versatile ingredient for many different recipes. Take for example - Salsa Sloppy Joes, Salsa Soup with Chicken and Rice, Black-Eyed Pea Salsa, Oven Ready Turkey Taco Lasagna, and Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup with Ham and Salsa.

The ingredients for making salsa BBQ sauce baby back ribs:

*Please note that the exact measurements along with a "shop the recipe" feature from Instacart and Walmart is available inside the printable recipe card.

Kitchen tools and equipment needed:

• rimmed baking sheet
• aluminum foil (optional for easier cleanup)
• paper towels
• paring knife
• measuring cups and spoons
• 3-quart saucepan
• wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• pastry brush
• glass jar for storing the sauce (optional)
• food storage labels
• instant read thermometer (optional)

Why update this BBQ salsa baby back rib recipe?

This recipe has been recently updated from its original publish date of 2012. Below you can see one of the original photos I took of these ribs.

Since updating this post, I've added additional helpful information about these BBQ Salsa Baby Back Ribs, installed a printable recipe card (which it didn't have before), taken brand-new photos, and shot an entire video from start to finish on how to make these delicious pork ribs. However, the recipe itself has remained unchanged.

The story behind this homemade BBQ Sauce:

This is what I wrote about this recipe in 2012 -

I wanted something special and homemade to slather on our baby back ribs, and I hardly had any ketchup in the house to make a ketchup-based BBQ sauce.

What's a girl to do???  

I've got it! - Why not reach for the salsa instead?

How long does it take to make salsa BBQ sauce?

From start to finish, the sauce will take approximately 30 minutes.

All the ingredients are added to the saucepan over medium heat, and the mixture is stirred occasionally for 30 minutes.

As it cooks, it will reduce slightly and thicken. Once the sauce cools after reducing, it will thicken even further.

What other proteins can homemade salsa sauce be used on?

Try this sauce on chicken, burgers, and even salmon or shrimp.

Or try mixing a little into your meatloaf, or even substituting it for the pizza sauce? Ooh, now THERE'S an idea!!! Try it with a ham-and-pineapple pizza!

Be still, my heart!!!

Storing homemade salsa BBQ sauce:

Store the cooled sauce in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Label and date. Store in the refrigerator for 7-10 days.

The step-by-step photos for making the salsa BBQ sauce:

• Add all the salsa BBQ sauce ingredients into a 3-quart saucepan and stir well to combine.
• Cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes.
• As the sauce cooks, it will reduce slightly and thicken.
• Cool the sauce completely before adding it to a glass jar (for storage), or brush it on the baby back ribs as stated in the recipe card.

Removing the silverskin membrane from baby back ribs:

• Pat both sides of the ribs dry with a paper towel.
• Flip the ribs upside down, and you'll notice a very thin, filmy layer of skin called the silverskin.
• Use a paring knife to carefully poke a hole through the outer edge of the skin, and use a finger to gently loosen the skin around the hole.
• Use paper towels to gently and evenly pull the slippery skin up and away from the ribs. Discard.

What is the purpose of removing the silverskin?

In this recipe, removing the membrane from the back of the ribs will help apple cider vinegar penetrate and tenderize the meat from top to bottom.

Is it necessary to remove the membrane from the ribs before cooking?

It depends on how seriously you take your ribs. For most home cooks (myself included, most times) leaving the silverskin in place is perfectly acceptable.

How to prep the baby back ribs for cooking:

• Liberally brush both sides of the ribs with apple cider vinegar.
• Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• Allow the ribs to sit at room temperature to marinate for 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
• After the ribs have marinated, roast them in a 425-degree oven for 45 minutes.
• After 45 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) and continue cooking for 2 hours.
• Remove the ribs from the oven and spoon or brush the salsa BBQ sauce liberally over the top of each rack of ribs.
• Return the ribs to the oven to continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes.

When is the right time to add sauce to ribs?

I like to add the sauce about 30 minutes before the ribs come out of the oven. If you add the sauce much sooner than that, you risk burning it.

Can these ribs be made outdoors on a grill or smoker?

They sure can. If you have a preferred way to cook baby back ribs, by all means, go for it.

Just don't forget to slather them with this deliciously different homemade Salsa BBQ sauce for your giant flavor upgrade.

How to store baby back ribs after cooking:

Store the fully cooled ribs, either in a slab or cut individually, in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.

Can pork ribs be frozen after cooking?

They sure can.

Cool them completely, then store them in a slab or cut them into individual ribs and place them in an airtight freezer container or freezer bag. Label and date. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat, covered, in a moderate oven or an air fryer until hot.

Additional rib recipes you'll enjoy:

Slow Cooker Chinese 5-Spice Ribs have a flavor like no other! Plan ahead as they'll need to marinate overnight in the refrigerator before adding them to the slow cooker, but your taste buds will thank you for taking the extra time after your very first bite!

French Onion Beef Short Ribs are a profoundly flavorful, easy-to-make entrée that will wow your friends and family with the oven doing most of the work!

Root Beer Country Ribs for the Slow Cooker are perfect for those busy days when you want dinner ready (and without the fuss) after a long, hard day.

Prepare yourself for one of the most delicious Oven-Braised Boneless Short Rib meals you'll ever have. These buttery, bacony, beef ribs will literally melt in your mouth, and make you swoon with delight! You have my word on it!

I sincerely hope you'll enjoy making, serving, and of course eating these spicy and tender roasted baby back ribs slathered with homemade salsa BBQ sauce as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you.

Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!