There’s something about the smell of slow-cooked ribs that makes any day feel special. In the South, we know that good ribs take time, patience and a lot of love. This Oven-Baked Ribs recipe is perfect for those who want that fall-off-the-bone tenderness without firing up the grill.
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The combination of spices and sauce creates a mouthwatering flavor that will have you coming back for seconds. Let me share with you why these ribs are such a beloved dish in my home.
A Southern food classic
Southern food has always been about bringing people together. Ribs remind me of family gatherings where the aroma of cooking filled the house, and we would sit together, sharing stories and laughter. There’s nothing quite like a plate of sticky, smoky ribs, paired with your favorite Southern sides like cornbread and slaw.
Cooking ribs in the oven brings back those memories while making the process simple and approachable for any home cook. Every bite feels like a celebration of tradition and comfort, the kind of meal that makes you feel at home no matter where you are.
Ingredients
How to make Oven-Baked Ribs
To make these tender, flavorful ribs, start by seasoning them with a simple but smoky blend of cumin, paprika, salt and pepper. Rub the spices generously over the meat, ensuring every part is coated. This creates a deep, rich flavor that will infuse the ribs as they cook. Next, cover the ribs with foil and place them in a preheated oven for a long, slow bake. Cooking at a low temperature makes the meat soft and succulent, ensuring it falls off the bone when ready.
While the ribs bake, you’ll have plenty of time to whip up the sauce. In a bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar and garlic powder. Combining these ingredients gives the sauce a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, complementing the smoky spices. After three hours, the ribs will be tender, and it’s time to take them out for the final touch.
Brush the ribs generously with the sauce, making sure to coat every part. Then, increase the oven temperature and return the ribs to bake without the foil. This final step allows the sauce to caramelize, creating a sticky, flavorful glaze. After 12-15 minutes, the ribs will be golden brown and ready to serve. The result? Perfectly tender, fall-apart ribs with a rich, smoky, and sweet flavor.
Serving suggestions
Serve these ribs with classic Southern sides to complete the meal. I love to pair them with buttery cornbread and creamy coleslaw, two staples that balance the rich, smoky flavor of the ribs. If you’re feeling adventurous, add some baked mac and cheese to the table or roasted vegetables for a comforting Sunday dinner.
The ribs also make a great addition to any summer picnic or family barbecue. Just make sure to have plenty of napkins on hand!
Storage tips
If you have any leftovers (though I doubt you will), store the ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat the ribs in the oven at 350ºF (180ºC) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also brush a bit more sauce on them before reheating to bring back their juicy goodness.
Southern farewell
Oven-Baked Ribs hold a special place in my heart because they bring back memories of family gatherings and Southern hospitality. There’s something about a plate of ribs that just feels like home.
I hope you try this recipe and share it with your loved ones. These ribs are easy to make and even easier to enjoy, making them a perfect addition to any Southern-inspired meal.
Oven-Baked Ribs
Equipment
- Baking Sheet or Roasting Pan
- Aluminum Foil
- Rack (Optional)
- Meat Thermometer
- Basting brush
Ingredients
- 500 grams baby back pork ribs
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 4 tablespoons ketchup
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons light brown soft sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 320ºF (160ºC). This low temperature is key for slow cooking the ribs and making them tender.
- In a small bowl, combine cumin, paprika, salt and pepper. This mixture will form the flavorful base of your ribs.
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and trim off any extra fat. Rub the spice mixture all over the ribs, making sure to cover every inch.
- Place the ribs in a roasting tray with ½ cup of water. Cover the tray tightly with foil and bake for 3 hours. The water will help keep the ribs moist while they cook.
- While the ribs are in the oven, mix the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar and garlic powder in a bowl. This sauce will add a sweet and tangy flavor to the ribs.
- After 3 hours, take the ribs out of the oven. Remove the foil and brush the ribs generously with the sauce. Increase the oven temperature to 425ºF (220ºC) and return the ribs to the oven. Bake for another 12-15 minutes, or until the ribs are golden brown and caramelized.
- Take the ribs out of the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them hot, with extra sauce on the side if desired.
Notes
- Don’t Skip the Membrane: Removing the membrane from the back of the ribs is key to achieving that fall-apart tenderness. It allows the seasoning to really seep in and prevents the ribs from becoming chewy.
- Keep Them Moist: Adding a bit of water to the roasting tray is a great trick. The steam helps keep the ribs moist as they slow-cook in the oven, ensuring they stay juicy throughout the process.
- Check for Tenderness: While ribs are safe to eat at an internal temperature of 145ºF (63ºC), you’ll know they’re done when you can easily pull them apart with a fork. If they’re still a bit tough, let them cook longer until you get that perfect texture.
- Caramelize for Flavor: The final high-heat bake or broil step is what gives the ribs their irresistible caramelized glaze. Be sure to watch them closely during this step to avoid burning, as the sugars in the sauce can brown quickly.
- Let Them Rest: After removing the ribs from the oven, allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, making each bite even more flavorful and juicy.
- Customize the Rub: Feel free to make the spice rub your own! You can add a little more garlic powder, a sprinkle of onion powder, or even some cayenne pepper if you like a bit of heat.
- Play with the Sauce: If you want to elevate your BBQ sauce, try mixing in ingredients like honey for sweetness, chili powder for some heat, or a splash of bourbon for added depth. You can also use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce for convenience.
- Beef Ribs Alternative: You can also use beef ribs in place of pork, but remember that the cooking time may vary since beef ribs are often thicker and fattier. Just keep an eye on them and adjust as needed.
- Plan Ahead: For deeper flavor, you can rub the spice mixture on the ribs the night before and let them sit in the fridge. This gives the seasoning extra time to penetrate the meat, making your ribs even more flavorful when they hit the oven.
