These oven-baked beef back ribs are sure to impress! They are juicy, tender, and packed with flavor, making them perfect for family dinners or weekend gatherings.
The smell of these ribs while they cook is just heavenly. I like to serve them with some homemade barbecue sauce—it’s a crowd favorite, and you’ll definitely want seconds! 😋
Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Back Ribs: Look for well-marbled beef back ribs for great flavor. If they’re not available, spare ribs are a good substitute, but keep in mind they cook a bit differently.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite sauce, whether sweet, spicy, or tangy. If you’re avoiding sugar, a sugar-free or homemade version works well too. You can even mix two different sauces for a unique flavor.
Brown Sugar: If you don’t have brown sugar, granulated sugar combined with a little molasses or honey can replicate its sweetness and moisture. You can also use coconut sugar for a healthier option.
Paprika: Regular paprika works great, but if you want a little kick, use hot paprika instead. Smoked paprika adds a fabulous smoky flavor, but if you don’t have it, just skip it or use a bit of cumin for a different twist.
How Do I Remove the Membrane from Ribs?
Removing the membrane is crucial for making tender ribs. It prevents seasoning from reaching the meat and can lead to chewy ribs. Here’s a simple way to do it:
- Look for the thin film on the back of the ribs. It often appears shiny.
- Get a butter knife or a spoon to gently lift one edge of the membrane off the rib bone.
- Once you have a bit lifted, grab it with a paper towel to get a better grip and pull it off in one smooth motion.
It might take some practice, but once you have it, your ribs will soak up that delicious rub much better!
Easy Oven Baked Beef Back Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ribs:
- 4 lbs beef back ribs
For the Dry Rub:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your choice)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional for seasoning)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 3 hours to cook, making a total of about 3 hours and 15 minutes. You’ll spend some time getting the dry rub ready and prepping the ribs, then just let the oven do its work!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low temperature is perfect for slow-cooking the ribs until they are tender!
2. Make the Dry Rub:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika if you’re using it. This will become your tasty dry rub for the beef ribs.
3. Prepare the Ribs:
Take a look at the back of the ribs. If there’s a thin membrane, carefully remove it; this helps the flavors get into the meat better. Now, take your dry rub and coat the ribs thoroughly on all sides. If you like, you can drizzle some olive oil on top for extra flavor.
4. Bake the Ribs:
Place your seasoned ribs on a large baking sheet or in a roasting pan. Cover them tightly with aluminum foil to keep all the juicy goodness in. Bake the ribs in the preheated oven for about 2.5 to 3 hours, until they’re nice and tender.
5. Apply the Barbecue Sauce:
Once the time is up, carefully take the ribs out of the oven and remove the foil. Now, brush your favorite barbecue sauce all over the top of the ribs to give them a delicious glaze.
6. Finish Baking for Caramelization:
Increase your oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Put the ribs back in the oven for another 20-30 minutes. Make sure to baste them with more barbecue sauce halfway through this step. This gives the ribs a nice caramelized finish!
7. Rest and Serve:
When the ribs are done, take them out and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle in. After resting, cut them into pieces and serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side if you’d like. Enjoy your scrumptious oven-baked beef back ribs!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Ribs?
Absolutely! While this recipe is for beef back ribs, you can also use beef short ribs or even pork ribs. Just note that cooking times may vary slightly; short ribs may take a bit longer due to their thicker meat.
What If I Don’t Have Barbecue Sauce?
No worries! You can make your own barbecue sauce using ketchup, apple cider vinegar, honey or brown sugar, and spices like cayenne pepper and mustard. Mix together 1 cup of ketchup with 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and a teaspoon of garlic powder for a quick alternative!
How to Store Leftover Ribs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep them moist, wrap them in aluminum foil before placing them in the container. When you’re ready to reheat, wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through.
Can I Marinate the Ribs Overnight?
Definitely! Marinating the ribs overnight in the dry rub or in a barbecue sauce can enhance the flavors even more. Just make sure to keep them covered in the refrigerator. If you choose a liquid marinade, let them drain off excess liquid before baking.
