Oven-Baked Ribs

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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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 3

Total Time 3 10

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings People

Calories 236 kcal

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

To make your oven-baked ribs stand out, here are a few handy tips to ensure they turn out perfect every time:

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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 236kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 16gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 54mgSodium: 320mgPotassium: 385mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 982IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 55mgIron: 3mg

A Note on Nutritional Information

Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.

Keyword Easy Oven Ribs, Homemade BBQ Ribs, Oven Baked Ribs