Oven baked ribs are so tender and juicy; they’re like a warm hug on a plate! Coated in a tasty barbecue sauce, they’ll make your mouth water with every bite.
Honestly, watching them slowly bake while filling the house with delicious smells is almost as fun as eating them! 😋 Just pop them in the oven, relax, and enjoy a plate of happiness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Back Ribs: These are the star of the dish! If you’re unable to find baby back ribs, you can substitute with spare ribs or St. Louis style ribs. Just note that they may require a bit more cooking time.
Olive Oil: A little olive oil enhances the rub’s ability to stick to the ribs. You can use melted butter or canola oil instead if you prefer. Both work well for adding flavor.
Brown Sugar: This gives a lovely sweetness and helps with caramelization. If you’re looking for a sugar substitute, coconut sugar is a great option. You can also skip it for a low-sugar version.
Spice Blend: The spices like chili powder and smoked paprika add depth and smokiness, but feel free to adjust the amounts to match your taste. If you want a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper!
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought sauce, or make your own if you’re up for it! Homemade sauces can be tailored to your taste. A mix of ketchup, vinegar, and spices can create a quick version.
How Do I Remove the Silverskin from Ribs?
Removing the silverskin is key to ensuring juicy, flavorful ribs. This thin membrane can toughen during cooking, so it’s best to take it off. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a knife to lift a corner of the silverskin to get a grip.
- Once you get a piece up, use a paper towel to grip it (it can be slippery!).
- Slowly pull it off, working your way down the rack.
- It might take some effort, but this helps the flavors penetrate the meat better.
Always take your time with this step. It makes a big difference in the tenderness of your ribs!
How to Make Oven Baked Ribs?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Ribs:
- 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 3-4 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: additional barbecue sauce for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and 2.5 to 3 hours to bake. After baking, you’ll finish it off with a quick grill or broil for about 5 to 10 minutes. So, get ready for some delicious ribs in about 3 hours total—well worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 275°F (135°C). This low and slow cooking is what makes the ribs tender and flavorful!
2. Prepare the Ribs:
Take your ribs and flip them meat side down. Find the silverskin, a thin layer of membrane on the back, and gently peel it off. This helps the ribs cook better and soak up all those delicious flavors.
3. Make the Spice Rub:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, and salt. This spice mixture will give your ribs a fantastic flavor!
4. Rub the Ribs:
Take the spice mixture and rub it all over the ribs. Make sure every part gets a nice coating, both on the front and back sides. You want flavor in every bite!
5. Wrap the Ribs:
Next, wrap each rack of ribs tightly in aluminum foil. This helps keep them moist while they bake. Place the wrapped ribs on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
6. Bake the Ribs:
Put the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Bake the ribs for about 2.5 to 3 hours. They are done when the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone—yum!
7. Unwrap the Ribs:
Carefully take the ribs out of the oven and unwrap them from the foil. Be cautious of the hot steam that escapes!
8. Preheat the Grill or Broiler:
While you let the ribs cool for a minute, preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high heat. This will give the finishing touch to your ribs!
9. Brush with Barbecue Sauce:
Using a brush, apply barbecue sauce generously on both sides of the ribs. Get creative—make sure to cover them well!
10. Grill or Broil the Ribs:
Once your grill is hot, place the ribs on it or under the broiler. Cook them for about 5 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with more barbecue sauce. You want it to get caramelized and slightly charred. So good!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
After grilling, take the ribs off the heat and let them rest for a few minutes. Then, slice them between the bones and serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side. Enjoy your smoky, melt-in-your-mouth ribs!
Can I Use Other Cuts 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 usually need a little longer due to their larger size and fat content.
What if I Don’t Have All the Spices Listed?
No worries! You can substitute spices based on what you have at home. For instance, you can use a premade barbecue rub instead of making your own. If you’re missing smoked paprika, regular paprika will work, just without the smoky flavor. Feel free to get creative!
How Should I Store Leftover Ribs?
Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and cover the ribs with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
How Can I Make These Ribs Spicier?
If you like a kick, consider adding more chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper to the rub. You can also experiment with incorporating hot sauce into the barbecue sauce before applying it to the ribs during the grilling step. Just adjust to your spice preference!
