These oven-baked BBQ ribs are tender, flavorful, and easy to prepare at home. With a simple dry rub and your favorite barbecue sauce, you can achieve deliciously sticky and juicy ribs without the need for a grill.
This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a weekend gathering. The cooking process allows the meat to absorb all the flavors, resulting in a satisfying dish.
Preparation of Oven-Baked BBQ Ribs
Creating the perfect oven-baked BBQ ribs begins with a few essential steps that set the foundation for flavor and tenderness.
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low temperature is key to ensuring the ribs cook evenly and become tender over time.
Next, prepare the ribs by removing the membrane from the back. This helps the flavors penetrate the meat more effectively. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure the seasoning adheres well.
Crafting the Dry Rub
The dry rub is an integral part of the flavor profile for these ribs. Combine paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a bowl.
This mixture creates a balance of sweetness and spice that enhances the natural flavor of the ribs. Rub the mixture generously over both sides of the ribs, ensuring every inch is coated.
Baking Process for Tender Ribs
Once seasoned, it’s time to bake the ribs. Place them on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Wrap the ribs tightly in the foil to lock in moisture and flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for about 2.5 to 3 hours. This slow cooking method allows the meat to become incredibly tender, practically falling off the bone.
Adding the BBQ Sauce
After the baking time, carefully unwrap the foil to reveal the beautifully cooked ribs. Brush your favorite barbecue sauce generously over the top.
This step is crucial for achieving that sticky, caramelized finish. Once coated, place the ribs under the broiler for 5-10 minutes, keeping a close watch to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
After broiling, let the ribs rest for a few minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.
Serve the ribs with additional barbecue sauce on the side for those who enjoy an extra kick. Pairing them with coleslaw and cornbread adds a delightful contrast to the richness of the ribs.
Nutritional Information
These oven-baked BBQ ribs not only satisfy cravings but also provide a hearty meal. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, with 20g of fat and 30g of protein.
This dish serves four, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. The combination of flavors and textures is sure to impress anyone at your table.
Easy Oven-Baked Ribs Recipe
These ribs are seasoned with a homemade dry rub and baked low and slow in the oven until they are fall-off-the-bone tender. The recipe takes about 3 hours from start to finish and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 2 racks of baby back ribs
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (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 for better flavor absorption. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels.
- Make the Dry Rub: In a small bowl, mix together paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Season the Ribs: Rub the dry mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs.
- Wrap and Bake: Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Wrap the ribs tightly in foil and bake in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Add BBQ Sauce: After baking, remove the ribs from the oven and carefully unwrap the foil. Brush your favorite barbecue sauce generously over the ribs.
- Broil for Finish: Place the ribs under the broiler for 5-10 minutes, watching closely to caramelize the sauce without burning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, let rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve with additional barbecue sauce on the side.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 10g