How to Make Tender Oven-Baked Ribs

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Serve:
    • Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before cutting into individual ribs. Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
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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

  • Preheat the Oven:
  • Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
  • Prepare the Ribs:
  • 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.
  • Pat the ribs dry with paper towels.
  • Apply the Dry Rub:
  • In a small bowl, mix together all the ingredients for the dry rub.
  • Rub the olive oil over both sides of the ribs.
  • Generously sprinkle the dry rub over both sides of the ribs, pressing it into the meat with your fingers.
  • Wrap the Ribs:
  • 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.
  • Place the wrapped ribs on a baking sheet.
  • Bake the Ribs:
  • 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.
  • Apply the Barbecue Sauce:
  • Remove the ribs from the oven and carefully unwrap them.
  • Increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C).
  • Brush the ribs generously with barbecue sauce on both sides.
  • Place the ribs back on the baking sheet, uncovered.
  • Finish the Ribs:
  • 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.
  • Serve:
  • Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before cutting into individual ribs.
  • Serve with additional barbecue sauce on the side, if desired.

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