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.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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:

4. 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.
5. 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:

6. 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.
7. 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:

8. 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.