Indulge in the rich flavors of these Oven Baked Ribs—a dish that transforms tender meat into a barbecue lover’s dream! Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home, this recipe combines a sweet and spicy dry rub with the irresistible tang of barbecue sauce, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor. Whether you’re a grilling aficionado or a novice in the kitchen, these ribs are easy to prepare and yield mouthwatering results that will impress everyone at the table.
Every family has that one dish that brings everyone together, and for ours, it’s definitely these oven-baked ribs. I still remember the first time I made them—my husband walked in from work, and the moment he caught a whiff of those sweet and smoky aromas wafting from the oven, his eyes lit up. Our little one, always curious, kept asking, “Are they ready yet?” When the ribs finally emerged, they were so tender they practically fell off the bone. We sat around the dinner table that night, devouring the ribs and laughing at my son’s delightfully messy face. Since then, they’ve become a staple for our family gatherings, and we love nothing more than enjoying them together with a side of homemade coleslaw and cornbread.
Why This Oven Baked Ribs
These Oven Baked Ribs are not just a meal; they’re an experience.
- Tender and Flavorful: The slow baking process ensures the ribs are incredibly tender, with meat that falls right off the bone.
- Sweet and Spicy Rub: The dry rub combines brown sugar, smoked paprika, and spices to create a balanced flavor profile that delights your taste buds.
- Versatile Sauce Options: You can use your favorite barbecue sauce to customize the ribs to your taste, whether you prefer sweet, tangy, or spicy!
- Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps and minimal hands-on time, you can have these delicious ribs in the oven with ease.
Ingredients
- 2 racks of baby back ribs (or St. Louis-style ribs) (approximately 1.8 kg or 4 lbs)
- 60 g brown sugar (1/4 cup)
- 15 g smoked paprika (1 tbsp)
- 5 g garlic powder (1 tsp)
- 5 g onion powder (1 tsp)
- 5 g chili powder (1 tsp)
- 5 g black pepper (1 tsp)
- 1.5 g cayenne pepper (optional for heat) (1/2 tsp)
- 5 g salt (1 tsp)
- 120 ml barbecue sauce (1/2 cup; your favorite brand)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 275°F (135°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Ribs: Carefully remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs to enhance tenderness. Pat the ribs dry using paper towels.
- Make the Dry Rub: In a small mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt.
- Season the Ribs: Generously apply the spice mixture over both sides of the ribs, ensuring they are evenly coated. Wrap each rack of ribs tightly in aluminum foil and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the Ribs: Place the ribs in the preheated oven and bake for 2 ½ to 3 hours, or until they are tender and the meat easily pulls away from the bones.
- Add the Barbecue Sauce: Carefully remove the ribs from the oven and unwrap the foil. Brush your favorite barbecue sauce generously over the top of the ribs.
- Broil for a Finish (Optional): Set your oven to broil and place the ribs back in the oven without the foil for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the barbecue sauce to caramelize and create a sticky crust.
- Serve: Let the ribs rest for about 5 minutes before slicing them into portions. Serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Substitutions: Feel free to substitute the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile. You can also switch up the spices based on your preferences.
- Cooking Tips: If you prefer a more intense flavor, consider marinating the ribs overnight with the dry rub before baking.
- Storage: Leftover ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
- Nutritional Information: This recipe serves approximately 4-6 people. Each serving is rich in protein and can be paired with vegetables or salads for a balanced meal.
These Oven Baked Ribs are sure to be a hit in your household just like they are in mine! Enjoy!