Oven-Baked Ribs Recipe

Oven-baked ribs are the perfect way to enjoy fall-off-the-bone, tender, and juicy ribs without the need for a grill or smoker. These ribs are seasoned with a flavorful dry rub, baked slowly to perfection, and slathered in your favorite barbecue sauce for a mouthwatering meal. This recipe is easy to follow, ensuring delicious ribs every time, ideal for family gatherings or weekend dinners.

Ingredients

• 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 4-5 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for coating)
• 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

For the Dry Rub:

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a spicy kick)
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for a tangy sauce)
• ½ teaspoon liquid smoke (for a smoky flavor)

For Serving:

• Extra barbecue sauce for dipping
• Fresh coleslaw, potato salad, or cornbread on the side

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ribs

1. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. Prepare the ribs by removing the membrane from the back (bone side) of the ribs. Use a knife to lift a corner of the membrane, then grip it with a paper towel and pull it off. This helps the ribs become more tender and flavorful.
3. Rub the ribs with a thin coat of olive oil on both sides to help the dry rub stick.

Step 2: Make the Dry Rub

1. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, salt, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and mustard powder (if using).
2. Generously sprinkle the dry rub on both sides of the ribs, pressing it into the meat with your hands to make sure it adheres.

Step 3: Wrap the Ribs

1. Place each rack of ribs on a large piece of aluminum foil. Wrap the ribs tightly in the foil, creating a sealed packet to keep in the moisture as the ribs bake.
2. Place the wrapped ribs on a baking sheet lined with foil for easy cleanup.

Step 4: Bake the Ribs

1. Bake the ribs in the preheated oven for 2 ½ to 3 hours, or until the ribs are tender and easily pull away from the bone. The low and slow cooking ensures juicy, fall-off-the-bone ribs.

Step 5: Add Barbecue Sauce and Broil

1. Once the ribs are done baking, carefully unwrap them and discard the foil.
2. Brush the ribs generously with your favorite barbecue sauce on both sides.
3. Place the ribs back on the baking sheet, bone side down, and turn the oven to broil.
4. Broil the ribs for about 3-5 minutes or until the barbecue sauce is caramelized and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Step 6: Serve

1. Let the ribs rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing them between the bones.
2. Serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side and enjoy with classic sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or cornbread.

Cooking Notes

• Rib Types: This recipe works for baby back ribs or St. Louis-style ribs. If using St. Louis ribs, adjust the baking time slightly, as they are thicker and may require an additional 30 minutes in the oven.
• Dry Rub: Feel free to adjust the spices in the dry rub to your liking. Add more cayenne for extra heat or reduce the sugar for a less sweet rub.

Variations

1. Spicy BBQ Ribs

For a spicy version, add 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper to the dry rub and use a spicy barbecue sauce or add a few dashes of hot sauce to your favorite BBQ sauce.

2. Honey-Glazed Ribs

For a sweeter glaze, mix ¼ cup of honey with the barbecue sauce before brushing it on the ribs. The honey will caramelize beautifully under the broiler.

3. Smoky Oven-Baked Ribs

If you want a smoky flavor without a smoker, add ½ teaspoon of liquid smoke to the barbecue sauce. You can also use smoked paprika in the dry rub for a deeper smoky taste.

4. Tangy Ribs

For a tangier flavor, brush the ribs with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and barbecue sauce (equal parts) before broiling. This adds a zesty twist to the traditional BBQ flavor.

Keto Version and Low-Carb Adjustments

For a keto-friendly version:

• Use a sugar-free or low-carb barbecue sauce.
• Replace the brown sugar in the dry rub with a keto-approved sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol.
• Serve with cauliflower mash or keto-friendly coleslaw instead of traditional sides.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make the ribs ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the ribs ahead of time, then cool and refrigerate them (without the sauce) for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, brush with barbecue sauce and broil them for a few minutes until heated through and caramelized.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to keep them moist.

Q: Can I freeze oven-baked ribs?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked ribs. Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Q: Can I use boneless ribs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless pork ribs for this recipe. Just reduce the cooking time to 1 ½ to 2 hours, as they cook faster than bone-in ribs.

Q: Can I cook the ribs at a higher temperature to speed up the process?
It’s best to bake the ribs at a low temperature (275°F) for tender, fall-off-the-bone results. If you raise the temperature, the ribs may not be as tender.

These Oven-Baked Ribs are tender, juicy, and full of flavor, perfect for enjoying any time of year. With a flavorful dry rub and a caramelized barbecue sauce, they’re sure to be a hit at your next family dinner or gathering. Whether you like them sweet, spicy, or smoky, this easy method will give you delicious, fall-off-the-bone ribs with minimal effort. Pair them with your favorite sides for a truly mouthwatering meal!