These oven-baked BBQ ribs are tender, flavorful, and perfect for a family gathering or a weekend treat. Slow-cooked in the oven, they develop a rich, smoky flavor that rivals any grill.
This recipe is simple and requires minimal ingredients, making it accessible for home cooks. You can customize the BBQ sauce to your liking, whether you prefer sweet, tangy, or spicy flavors.
Preparation of Oven-Baked BBQ Ribs
Creating the perfect oven-baked BBQ ribs starts with careful preparation. Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low and slow cooking method is essential for achieving tender, juicy ribs.
Next, remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors of the rub and sauce to penetrate the meat more effectively. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels to ensure the seasoning sticks well.
Creating the Dry Rub
The dry rub is where the flavor begins. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you enjoy a bit of heat. This blend will enhance the natural taste of the ribs while adding a delicious crust.
Once mixed, rub olive oil over the ribs to help the dry rub adhere. Generously apply the spice mixture on both sides of the ribs, ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor.
Baking the Ribs
After seasoning, place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. This not only makes for easy cleanup but also helps retain moisture during cooking. Cover the ribs tightly with another piece of foil to create a steaming effect.
Bake the ribs in the preheated oven for 2.5 hours. This slow cooking process allows the meat to become tender and flavorful, ensuring it will fall off the bone when done.
Adding the BBQ Sauce
Once the initial baking time is complete, remove the top layer of foil and brush the ribs generously with your favorite BBQ sauce. This is where the magic happens, as the sauce caramelizes during the final baking stage.
Return the ribs to the oven uncovered for an additional 30 minutes. This step not only enhances the flavor but also gives the ribs a beautiful, sticky glaze that is visually appealing.
Serving Suggestions
After baking, let the ribs rest for a few minutes before slicing between the bones. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is as juicy as possible.
For a complete meal, serve the ribs alongside coleslaw and cornbread. The crunch of the coleslaw pairs perfectly with the tender meat, while cornbread adds a delightful sweetness to the plate.
Nutrition and Enjoyment
These oven-baked BBQ ribs serve four people, making them ideal for family gatherings or casual get-togethers. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, with a good balance of protein and fat.
Enjoying this dish is not just about the flavors; it’s about the experience of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. The combination of tender meat, rich sauce, and delightful sides creates a memorable dining experience that everyone will appreciate.
Delicious Oven-Baked Ribs Recipe
These BBQ ribs are seasoned with a dry rub and baked slowly in the oven until they are fall-off-the-bone tender. The total cooking time is about 3 hours, and the recipe serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 2 racks of baby back ribs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce of your choice
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Prepare the Ribs: Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Make the Dry Rub: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Season the Ribs: Rub the olive oil over the ribs and then apply the dry rub evenly on both sides.
- Bake the Ribs: Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, meat side up. Cover the ribs tightly with another piece of foil and bake for 2.5 hours.
- Add BBQ Sauce: After 2.5 hours, remove the top foil and brush the ribs generously with BBQ sauce. Bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize.
- Serve: Remove the ribs from the oven, let them rest for a few minutes, then cut between the bones and serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Servings: 4 people
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 10g