These Easy BBQ Oven Baked Ribs are tender and succulent, with a delicious homemade dry rub that is sure to be a hit at your next family gathering, Super Bowl party, or weekend dinner.
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Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, oven-baked pork ribs are sure to impress and satisfy. Perfect pork ribs are cooked low and slow which makes them so flavorful and fall off the bone tender. Deliciously served with Creamy Mashed Potatoes, Milk Boiled Corn, Baked Beans, Ciabatta garlic bread, and a Berry Cobbler for dessert!
Which cut of ribs is best?
Baby backs come from the top of the ribcage between the spine and spare ribs. They are leaner and smaller than other cuts, making them a popular choice for those who prefer a less fatty option.
St. Louis-style ribs come from the belly of the pig and are cut from the spare ribs. They have more fat than baby back ribs, which can make them more flavorful tender ribs. They are also larger and meatier than baby back ribs, which can make them a better choice for those who are looking for a heartier meal.
Why should I remove the membrane from ribs?
Well, you certainly can leave the membrane on and some ribs already have them removed for you. BUT I highly recommend it. Removing the thin outer membrane from the back of the ribs helps all the yummy dry rub get through to both sides of the ribs. Which in return makes the ribs as tender and flavorful as possible. slide a paring knife or rib skinner under the silver skin on the backside use your fingers to pull the membrane off the best you can, sometimes helps to grab it by using a paper towel. Here is a great link to show you exactly how to remove the thin membrane.
Ingredients
- Ribs: Baby back or spare ribs or my preference St Louis style.
- Brown sugar: Either dark or light is fine.
- Paprika: I prefer smoked paprika for these ribs but regular will work if that is what you have.
- Cayenne pepper: Optional but we love a little kick!
- BBQ sauce: I like to use Kinders but you can use your favorite barbecue sauce or make a homemade bbq sauce.
Tools I used to bake these ribs
How to cook ribs in the oven
- Step 1: Preheat the oven and Pat the rack of ribs dry with a paper towel and remove the membrane.
- Step 2: In a small bowl mix together the homemade spice rub.
- Step 3: Divide the rub evenly between both racks and make sure to cover both sides.
- Step 4: Wrap tightly in aluminum foil and bake the ribs.
- Step 5: Open the ribs from the foil pouch drain any extra liquid and brush on your favorite bbq sauce.
- Step 6: Broil them for a few minutes or throw them on an outdoor grill to caramelize the sauce and give them a beautiful glaze.
Why this recipe works
These are the best bbq ribs that are fantastic all year long, this is an easy recipe to teach you how to cook ribs in the oven! With these slow-cooked, flavorful, and juicy ribs, you can enjoy a tender and succulent barbecue flavor that will impress and satisfy you. Prefer to use slow cooker try my Chinese Spare Ribs!
Recipe tips
- Wrap these easy-baked ribs tightly in aluminum foil which traps the air and helps them steam, which makes them so tender!
- Piling on your favorite bbq sauce and broiling them or grilling them at the end for a couple of minutes allows them to caramelize and get some char with a little smoky flavor.
Recipe Faq's
When it comes to baking ribs, the ideal temperature is generally between 275-300°F. Both temperatures can work well, so the choice between them can depend on personal preference and the specific recipe you are following.
Sweet and Tangy: This type of barbecue sauce is typically tomato-based with a balance of sweetness from ingredients like brown sugar or honey, along with tanginess from vinegar or citrus juices. It's a versatile option that pairs well with various flavor profiles.
Spicy and Smoky: If you enjoy a bit of heat and smokiness which is my personal preference like Kinders, look for barbecue sauces with ingredients like chipotle peppers, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper. These sauces can add depth and a touch of spiciness to your ribs.
The cooking time for baking pork ribs can vary depending on the temperature, the thickness of the ribs, and personal preference for doneness. However, as a general guideline, cook ribs at a temperature of 275-300F for 2-3 hours is a common recommendation.
Yes, You can bake them and wrap them in aluminum foil until ready to serve. Then just bring them to room temperature and slather on the barbecue sauce and either broil them or throw them on the grill.
More pork recipes
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BBQ Oven Baked Ribs
Ingredients
- 2 racks pork ribs about 6 lbs
- 1 jar barbecue sauce
Dry Rub
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoon cumin
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1-2 teaspoons cayenne pepper depending on the heat level you like
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 275 degrees
- In a small bowl mix dry rub until combined and set aside
- Rinse pork ribs and pat dry with paper towels
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs, I've provided a how-to link above.
- Spread the dry rub all over the ribs making sure to cover both sides.
- Wrap ribs tightly in foil meat side up, and place on a baking sheet
- Bake for 3 hours for spare ribs, 2 hours for baby back ribs, or until fork tender
- Open the foil and drain the liquid from the ribs. Brush your favorite barbecue sauce on the ribs, and broil for 5 minutes
- Remove and let the ribs rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting. Serves 4-6
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Can I use country style ribs in this recipe? What adjustments should I make? Thank you.
Looking to make 3 racks of baby back ribs and was wondering if cook time changes and should I rotate ribs half way since I can’t fit 3 racks of ribs on 1 oven rack.
Yes, beef ribs would be different as far as the cooking time.
Is it different for beef ribs?
No, the cooking time is the same.
Hi - does the cook time change for only 1 rack of ribs?
I would definitely check the accuracy of your oven if they were overcooked. I have made this recipe several times and it's the most popular recipe on my blog never once have I had this complaint.
I have a gas oven and I don't know if it runs hot but I did over 6 lb of spare ribs and only did it for 2 hours to check and see what the temp it was and it was already way overcooked past 200, so the 275 for three hours for 6 lb is inaccurate. I hope it tastes good. I followed the rub recipe to a t.
Tried this recipe last night and WOW - the ribs were great. Super tender and amazing flavor. My family said it was the best they have had - even better than the restaurants!
I too think these are the best ribs I've ever had, and every single family member was happy with the dinner. That almost never happens. I included brown rice with furikake seasoning and roasted broccoli.