In a bowl, combine the paprika, onion powder, ground cumin, and chili flakes, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
1 tbsp. smoked paprika, 1 tbsp. onion powder, 2 tsp. ground cumin, ½ tsp. ground chili flakes, Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Rub the ribs evenly with the paprika mixture, place in a marinating container, and refrigerate for 2 to 12 hours.
4 lb. pork back ribs
Preheat your oven to 300 F.
Wrap the ribs with aluminum foil, place in the oven on a baking sheet, and bake for about 2 hours or until the meat is falling off the bone.
In a saucepan, melt the cooking fat over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until translucent.
½ tbsp. onion powder, Cooking fat, 2 garlic cloves
Add all the remaining ingredients to the sauce and cook for 15 to 20 minutes. You can also add hot pepper sauce at this point if you like a spicier BBQ sauce.
Once the ribs are ready, baste them with the maple BBQ sauce. Increase the heat to 400F. Return the ribs to the oven and cook for another 15 to 20 minutes, basting with more sauce every 5 to 6 minutes.
1 cup homemade ketchup, 1 cup apple juice, ⅓ cup maple syrup, ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, 1 onion
Brown the ribs on each side for 4 to 5 minutes under the broiler or on a grill just before serving.