This Easy Baby Back Ribs recipe is just what you need for tender and juicy meat. With a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, it’s a crowd-pleaser for sure!
You’ll love how simple it is to make these ribs! Just rub, bake, and glaze. No fancy techniques here—just delicious food that makes you want to keep coming back for more!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Back Ribs: The star of the show! These are tender and lean. If you can’t find baby back ribs, St. Louis-style ribs are a good alternative as they offer a bit more meat and flavor but may take longer to cook.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create a caramelized crust. If you’re looking for a lower sugar option, coconut sugar or maple syrup also work well.
Smoked Paprika: It brings a lovely smoky flavor. For a milder taste, regular paprika is great. If you want to enhance the smokiness, consider adding a touch of liquid smoke to the barbecue sauce.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought one or make it from scratch. A Kansas City style sauce is sweet and thick, while a vinegar-based sauce is tangy and lighter—choose based on your preference!
What’s the Best Way to Prepare Ribs for Tenderness?
Removing the silver skin from the ribs is crucial for tenderness. This thin membrane can make the meat tough and chewy. Here’s how to do it:
- Using a sharp knife, gently slide it under the silver skin at one end of the rack.
- Loosen it until you can grab it with a paper towel for a better grip.
- Pull it off slowly and carefully—it should come off in one piece!
This step, along with cooking low and slow, is key to deliciously tender ribs!
How Can I Get a Nice Glaze on My Ribs?
For that beautiful glaze, you will want to follow these steps after baking:
- After the initial cooking, carefully unwrap the foil and drain the excess liquid.
- Keep the oven hot and brush a generous amount of barbecue sauce on the ribs.
- Bake them uncovered for 15-20 minutes. This helps create that sticky, caramelized layer.
- If you’re feeling extra, baste with more sauce halfway through for even more flavor!
The glaze is what makes these ribs truly irresistible. Get ready to enjoy a delicious meal!
Easy Oven Baked Baby Back Ribs for Tender, Juicy Meat
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 2 to 3 pounds each)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and around 3 hours of baking time. You’ll spend 2.5 to 3 hours slow cooking the ribs and then 15-20 minutes for caramelizing the barbecue sauce. This means you can kick back and relax while these delicious ribs cook!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 275°F (135°C). This low temperature is perfect for making the ribs tender.
2. Prepare the Ribs:
Next, get the ribs ready. You’ll need to remove the silver skin membrane from the back side. This helps keep the meat tender. You can slide a knife under it and pull it off, using a paper towel for grip if needed.
3. Make the Dry Rub:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you like a kick. This spice mix will give your ribs lots of flavor!
4. Rub the Spice Mixture:
Generously rub the spice mixture all over both sides of the ribs, making sure every bite will be flavorful.
5. Wrap and Bake:
Wrap each rack of ribs tightly in aluminum foil, placing them on a baking sheet. This helps retain moisture during baking. Now, pop them into your preheated oven!
6. Slow Cook the Ribs:
Bake the ribs for about 2.5 to 3 hours. The meat should be tender and pulling away from the bone easily when they’re done.
7. Unwrap and Drain:
Carefully remove the ribs from the oven and unwrap the foil. Watch out for steam! Drain off any excess liquid that collects in the foil.
8. Increase the Oven Temperature:
Turn the oven up to 425°F (220°C). This higher heat will help caramelize the sauce.
9. Brush on Barbecue Sauce:
Brush barbecue sauce generously over both sides of the ribs. Make sure they’re nicely coated, but save some for basting later!
10. Bake to Caramelize:
Place the ribs back on the baking sheet (uncovered) and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. You can baste them again halfway through if you’d like an extra layer of sauce!
11. Rest and Slice:
Once done, remove the ribs from the oven. Let them rest for about 5 minutes before slicing them between the bones.
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your tender, juicy ribs hot along with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy every delicious bite!
These Easy Oven Baked Baby Back Ribs are perfect for gatherings or just a cozy night in. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Types of Ribs?
Absolutely! If you can’t find baby back ribs, St. Louis-style ribs are a great alternative. They have more meat and a bit more fat, which can make them even juicier, though they may need slightly more cooking time.
Can I Prepare the Ribs Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can rub the spice mixture onto the ribs a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly. Just bring them to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.
What Should I Do with Leftover Ribs?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through, adding a bit more barbecue sauce to keep them moist.
Can I Cook the Ribs on a Grill Instead?
Yes! If you’re in the mood for grilling, you can follow the same steps but finish the ribs on a preheated grill over indirect heat for about 30 minutes, basting with barbecue sauce frequently, until they’ve reached your desired level of caramelization.
