Savor the deliciousness of “Perfectly Tender: Oven-Baked Ribs” for an effortless way to enjoy fall-off-the-bone ribs without needing a grill. Slow-cooked in the oven, these ribs are seasoned with a flavorful dry rub and finished with a sticky, sweet, and smoky BBQ sauce. Ideal for any occasion, these ribs are sure to satisfy your BBQ cravings.
Why You’ll Love Oven-Baked Ribs:
- Tender and Juicy: Slow-cooked for ultimate tenderness.
- Flavorful: Rich in BBQ flavor with a perfect blend of spices.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps for a delicious result.
- Indoor Cooking: Enjoy BBQ ribs year-round, regardless of the weather
Ingredients Notes For Oven-Baked Ribs:
- Pork Ribs: Baby back ribs or St. Louis-style ribs.
- Dry Rub: A mix of brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne for heat.
- BBQ Sauce: Your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds moisture and a slight tanginess.
- Honey: Optional, for added sweetness and caramelization.
- Foil: For wrapping the ribs during cooking.
Recipe Steps:
- Prepare the Ribs:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for better texture. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels.
- Apply the Dry Rub:
- In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (if using). Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs.
- Wrap and Cook the Ribs:
- Place each rack of ribs on a large piece of aluminum foil. Drizzle 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar over the ribs. Wrap the ribs tightly in the foil to create a sealed packet.
- Place the foil-wrapped ribs on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the ribs are tender and easily pull away from the bone.
- Glaze with BBQ Sauce:
- Carefully unwrap the ribs and discard the foil. Brush a generous amount of your favorite BBQ sauce over both sides of the ribs.
- Finish in the Oven:
- Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Place the ribs back on the baking sheet, uncovered. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, brushing with more BBQ sauce halfway through, until the sauce is bubbly and caramelized.
- Serve:
- Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before cutting into individual ribs. Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Freeze: Wrap the cooked ribs tightly in aluminum foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.
Ingredients
- 2 racks of baby back ribs or St. Louis-style ribs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Dry Rub:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- Barbecue Sauce:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce store-bought or homemade
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven:
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Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
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Prepare the Ribs:
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Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. Slide a knife under the membrane at one end of the ribs and use a paper towel to grip and pull it off.
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Pat the ribs dry with paper towels.
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Apply the Dry Rub:
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In a small bowl, mix together all the ingredients for the dry rub.
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Rub the olive oil over both sides of the ribs.
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Generously sprinkle the dry rub over both sides of the ribs, pressing it into the meat with your fingers.
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Wrap the Ribs:
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Place each rack of ribs on a large piece of aluminum foil, meat side up. Wrap the ribs tightly in the foil, ensuring they are completely sealed.
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Place the wrapped ribs on a baking sheet.
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Bake the Ribs:
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Bake in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the ribs are tender and the meat is pulling away from the bones.
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Apply the Barbecue Sauce:
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Remove the ribs from the oven and carefully unwrap them.
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Increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C).
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Brush the ribs generously with barbecue sauce on both sides.
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Place the ribs back on the baking sheet, uncovered.
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Finish the Ribs:
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Return the ribs to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the barbecue sauce is caramelized and bubbly. Watch closely to prevent burning.
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Serve:
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Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before cutting into individual ribs.
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Serve with additional barbecue sauce on the side, if desired.