These oven baked ribs are tender and full of flavor! You’ll love how they cook low and slow, soaking up all the delicious spices and sauce.
Who doesn’t enjoy a good rib? I like to serve mine with some coleslaw and cornbread. Trust me, everyone will be reaching for seconds! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Back Ribs: These are tender and meaty cuts, perfect for baking. If you’re looking for alternatives, spare ribs are a good choice, though they may take longer to cook.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps to caramelize the ribs. You can substitute with coconut sugar or honey if needed, but adjust the amount to taste.
Spices: Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and cumin create a balanced flavor. If you want a kick, add cayenne pepper. For a milder flavor, reduce the chili powder.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought sauce for convenience, but making your own allows you to customize flavors. If you’re low on sauce, a mix of ketchup with some spices can work in a pinch!
How Do I Remove the Silver Skin from Ribs?
The silver skin can toughen ribs during cooking, so removing it is helpful. Here’s how to do it:
- Turn the ribs meat-side down and locate the thin, silvery membrane.
- Use a sharp knife to gently lift a corner of the membrane.
- Once you have a grip, pull it off slowly. If it tears, use the knife to help.
Taking this step ensures your ribs will turn out tender and delicious!
How to Make Oven Baked Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ribs:
- 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 3-4 lbs)
For the Spice Rub:
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
For the BBQ:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: additional barbecue sauce for basting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and about 3 hours of cooking. After seasoning the ribs and wrapping them up, they’ll bake low and slow in the oven until tender, followed by a quick high-heat finish to get them nice and sticky. Perfect for a cozy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low temperature will help make the ribs tender and juicy as they cook.
2. Prepare the Ribs:
Next, prepare the ribs by removing the silver skin (the thin membrane) from the back of the ribs. This will help them cook more evenly and become more tender. After that, pat the ribs dry with some paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
3. Make the Spice Rub:
In a small bowl, mix your brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, chili powder, and cumin together until well combined. This spice rub is what will give your ribs a delicious flavor!
4. Rub the Spice Mixture:
Take the spice mixture and rub it evenly onto both sides of the ribs. Make sure every inch is coated to maximize the flavor!
5. Prepare for Baking:
Place the ribs on a large baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. This makes for easier cleanup! Then, cover the ribs tightly with another piece of aluminum foil, creating a nice little package that helps trap moisture while they cook.
6. Bake the Ribs:
Now it’s time to bake! Put the ribs in your preheated oven and let them cook for about 2.5 to 3 hours. You’ll know they’re ready when the meat is nice and tender, and it’s starting to pull away from the bones.
7. Add BBQ Sauce:
Once the ribs are done baking, carefully remove them from the oven and take off the top layer of foil. Be careful of the steam! Generously brush barbecue sauce over the top of the ribs for a tasty glaze.
8. Increase the Temperature:
Now, turn up the oven to 400°F (200°C) and return the ribs to the oven without the foil. Bake them uncovered for another 20-30 minutes. If desired, baste the ribs with more barbecue sauce halfway through this time for an extra-caramelized finish.
9. Rest the Ribs:
When the ribs are caramelized and the sauce is sticky and delicious, take them out of the oven. Let them rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute for even more tenderness!
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Finally, slice the ribs between the bones and serve with any additional barbecue sauce on the side. Enjoy your homemade oven-baked ribs—delicious and full of flavor!
Can I Use Different Types of Ribs for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While baby back ribs are recommended for their tenderness, you can also use spare ribs or St. Louis style ribs. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly—spare ribs might take a bit longer to become tender, so check for doneness at around the 3-hour mark.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you’d like to add some heat, consider increasing the chili powder or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix. You can also finish the ribs with a spicy barbecue sauce or serve with hot sauce on the side for those who love a kick!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Ribs?
Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them for longer, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option.
Can I Make the BBQ Sauce at Home?
Of course! Homemade barbecue sauce usually contains ingredients like ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices. You can adjust the flavor to your liking, whether you prefer tangy, smoky, or sweet. Just remember to allow it to simmer for a bit to meld the flavors before using it on your ribs!
