Copycat Shake Shack BBQ Ribs Sandwich Recipe

4

If you’ve ever had Shake Shack’s BBQ Boneless Baby Back Rib Sandwich, you know exactly what I’m talking about. This Shake Shack BBQ Ribs Sandwich with its fall-off-the-bone pork ribs, slathered in smoky BBQ sauce, topped with crunchy coleslaw and pickles, served on a perfectly toasted potato bun, is the ultimate summer comfort food.

How to make Shake Shack BBQ Ribs Sandwich

The Shake Shack BBQ Ribs Sandwich is a barbecue pork sandwich made with slow-cooked, deboned baby back ribs coated in BBQ sauce and served on a bun, typically topped with coleslaw and pickles.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to replicate the Shake Shack BBQ Ribs Sandwich:

For the BBQ Boneless Baby Back Ribs

• 2 lbs baby back pork ribs (choose meaty ribs for the best results)
• 2 cups apple cider (for marinating and braising)
• 2 tablespoons BBQ spice rub (store-bought or homemade blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and cumin)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (preferably Smoky-style; you can use your favorite brand or make your own)

For the Sandwich Assembly

• 4 potato buns (soft and slightly sweet, just like Shake Shack uses)
• ¼ cup mayonnaise (optional, for the bun spread)
• ½ cup coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
• Dill pickle slices (enough for layering)
• 2 tablespoons butter (for toasting the buns)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ribs

1. Remove the silver skin: Start by removing the membrane (silver skin) from the underside of the ribs. This is important for tender ribs.
2. Apply the spice rub: Generously coat both sides of the ribs with the BBQ spice rub. Massage it into the meat to ensure the flavor penetrates.
3. Marinate: Place the ribs in a large resealable plastic bag or container and pour in the apple cider. Seal and refrigerate for 4–6 hours (overnight if possible). The apple cider will tenderise the meat while adding sweetness.

Step 2: Cook the Ribs

1. Preheat oven or smoker: For the oven method, preheat to 275°F (135°C). For a smoker, set it to the same temperature and prepare your wood chips (hickory pairs well with BBQ ribs).
2. Braise the ribs: Remove the ribs from the marinade and place them in a roasting pan or foil packet. Pour ½ cup of apple cider (from the marinade) into the pan for moisture. Cover with foil and bake in the oven for 3–4 hours until tender. For a smoker, baste occasionally and cook low and slow.
3. Debone the ribs: Once the ribs are cool enough to handle, gently remove the bones, keeping the meat intact. This can take a little care—go slow!

Step 3: Glaze with BBQ Sauce

1. Brush the boneless rib slabs with BBQ sauce and place them on a grill or under the broiler for 5–10 minutes. This will caramelize the sauce and add a slightly smoky flavor. Turn them over once halfway through to ensure both sides are coated and sticky.

Step 4: Prepare the Potato Buns

1. Melt butter in a pan, then lightly toast the insides of the buns until golden brown. This step adds texture and prevents the bun from getting soggy.

Step 5: Assemble the Sandwich

1. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise (optional) on the bottom of the bun.
2. Place the BBQ-glazed boneless ribs on the bun base.
3. Add coleslaw on top of the ribs for crunch and tanginess.
4. Layer on several slices of dill pickles for that signature Shake Shack flavor.
5. Place the top bun on, press lightly to hold it all together, and your sandwich is ready!

Tips for Success

• Be Patient with the Ribs: The secret to tender ribs is cooking them low and slow. Don’t rush this step—it’s worth the wait!
• Don’t Skip the Apple Cider: Shake Shack’s ribs are marinated in an apple cider blend. This adds subtle sweetness and helps tenderize the meat.
• Homemade BBQ Sauce Option: If you want to elevate the flavors, consider making your own BBQ sauce with ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and spices.
• Balance the Flavors: The mix of smoky, sweet, tangy, and crunchy flavors is what makes this sandwich shine. Don’t skimp on the coleslaw or pickles—they cut through the richness of the ribs beautifully.
• Toast the Buns with Butter: Toasting the buns not only improves the texture but also prevents the juices from making the bread soggy.

What to serve with

The Shake Shack BBQ Ribs Sandwich is a bold, flavorful dish featuring smoky, tender ribs, tangy BBQ sauce, crunchy coleslaw, and soft potato buns. It’s rich and indulgent, so pairing it with the right sides is essential to balance the flavors and elevate the meal.

1. Classic French Fries

It wouldn’t feel like a Shake Shack meal without fries! Serve up:

• Crispy Shoestring Fries: Lightly salted and crisped to perfection, these pair well with the sandwich without overwhelming the palate.
• Cheese Fries: For an indulgent twist, drizzle your fries with warm cheddar cheese sauce and serve them on the side.
• Crinkle-Cut Fries: Shake Shack’s signature fries are crinkle-cut, and you can buy these frozen at most grocery stores if you want the authentic feel at home.

2. Sweet Potato Fries

Looking for something with a subtle sweetness to contrast the smoky Shake Shack BBQ Ribs Sandwich? Sweet potato fries are an excellent choice. Serve them with a dipping sauce such as chipotle aioli, honey mustard, or a light ranch dressing.

3. Corn on the Cob (Grilled or Boiled)

Corn on the cob is a BBQ classic that pairs beautifully with ribs. You can prepare it in more ways than one:

• Grilled Corn with Butter: Brush the corn with butter and sprinkle with smoked paprika or chilli powder for extra flavour.
• Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Add a layer of mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice for a zesty, creamy, and ever-so-slightly spicy side. Its tanginess complements the richness of the ribs perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Recreating Shake Shack’s BBQ Ribs Sandwich at home might take a bit of effort, but the payoff is more than worth it. Every bite is a symphony of tender ribs, smoky BBQ sauce, crunchy coleslaw, and soft, buttery buns.

More Sandwich Recipes:

• Copycat Arby’s Meat Mountain Sandwich Recipe
• Homemade Jeff Daniels Sandwich Recipe