Tender Oven-Baked Ribs are the perfect solution for enjoying mouthwatering, juicy ribs without a grill. This simple recipe delivers fall-off-the-bone tender ribs, cooked slowly in the oven with a flavorful dry rub and finished with a rich BBQ sauce. The slow cooking method ensures the ribs are tender and full of flavor, while the sauce adds the perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Whether you’re preparing these for a weekend family dinner or a special occasion, Tender Oven-Baked Ribs will become your go-to recipe for delicious ribs year-round.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Ingredients:
For the dry rub:
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
For the ribs:
- 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 2 lbs each)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
Directions:
Prepare the ribs:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet.
- Remove the membrane: Use a paper towel to grip the thin membrane on the back of the ribs and peel it off. This helps the rub penetrate the meat and results in more tender ribs.
- Apply the dry rub: Mix all the ingredients for the dry rub in a small bowl. Rub the mixture generously onto both sides of the ribs, ensuring the ribs are evenly coated. Let the ribs sit for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Bake the ribs:
- Wrap the ribs: Place the ribs on the wire rack, bone side down. Cover the ribs tightly with aluminum foil. This traps moisture and helps the ribs cook slowly, making them tender.
- Bake the ribs: Bake the ribs in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the thickness of the ribs, until they are tender and the meat starts pulling away from the bones.
Add the BBQ sauce:
- Finish with sauce: Remove the ribs from the oven and discard the foil. Brush a generous amount of BBQ sauce over the top of the ribs.
- Broil for finish: Return the ribs to the oven, under the broiler, for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is caramelized and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
Serve:
- Slice and serve: Remove the ribs from the oven, let them rest for 5-10 minutes, then slice them between the bones. Serve hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
Notes:
- BBQ Sauce Options: You can use any BBQ sauce you prefer. For a homemade version, mix ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, mustard, and seasonings to taste.
- Rib Variations: If you prefer spare ribs, you can use those instead of baby back ribs. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as spare ribs tend to be larger.
- Make-Ahead: The ribs can be seasoned and refrigerated overnight before baking, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat even more.
Conclusion:
Tender Oven-Baked Ribs are the perfect way to enjoy juicy, flavorful ribs without needing a grill. With a flavorful dry rub and a perfect finish of BBQ sauce, these ribs are tender, juicy, and full of savory flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or preparing a meal for the family, this oven-baked rib recipe is simple, delicious, and sure to satisfy your cravings for barbecue. Serve them with your favorite sides for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the ribs ahead of time, and if so, how far in advance?
Yes, you can definitely prepare the ribs ahead of time. You can apply the dry rub and refrigerate the ribs, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply, resulting in even more flavorful ribs. Alternatively, you can bake the ribs completely, cool them, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, then add the BBQ sauce and broil as directed.
What if I don’t have baby back ribs; can I use a different type of rib?
Yes, you can substitute spare ribs for baby back ribs. Spare ribs are larger and have more meat, so you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Expect spare ribs to take approximately 3.5 to 4 hours in the oven at 300°F (150°C) before adding the BBQ sauce. Always check for tenderness by pulling the meat away from the bone before adding the sauce. The meat should easily pull away.
How do I know when the ribs are perfectly cooked and tender?
The ribs are perfectly cooked when the meat is tender and pulls away from the bone easily. You should be able to gently twist a bone, and the meat should separate. Visually, the meat will have shrunk back from the bone ends. You can also check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; the ribs are typically done around 190-200°F (88-93°C). Another good test is to gently poke the ribs with a fork; they should feel very tender, almost falling apart.
Can I double or triple this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, you can easily scale up this recipe. If doubling the recipe, you’ll likely need to use two baking sheets or cook the ribs in batches. If tripling, three baking sheets will be needed. Increase the dry rub ingredients proportionally. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly depending on the thickness of the ribs and the oven’s performance; check for tenderness starting at the recommended time and add more time as needed.
What are the nutritional benefits of this oven-baked ribs recipe?
This recipe provides a good source of protein from the ribs, essential for muscle building and repair. The dry rub spices contribute antioxidants and potential anti-inflammatory properties. While the recipe contains some fat, choosing leaner cuts of ribs and using a moderate amount of BBQ sauce can help manage the overall fat content. Consider serving with a side of vegetables for added vitamins and minerals.
Tender Oven-Baked Ribs
Deliciously tender ribs baked in the oven and perfected with a savory spice rub and BBQ sauce glaze.
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs pork ribs baby back ribs recommended
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup BBQ sauce choose your favorite
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C).
- Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub the blend over the ribs.
- Brush the ribs with olive oil, then wrap tightly in aluminum foil.
- Place the ribs on a baking tray and bake for 3 hours until tender.
- Remove the ribs from the oven, brush with BBQ sauce, and broil on high for 5-7 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
Notes
For best results, let the coated ribs marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
