These oven-baked mustard pork ribs are super simple and packed with flavor! The mustard gives a yummy tang, and the ribs turn out tender and juicy.
Trust me, when you smell them cooking, you’ll be counting the minutes! I love pairing them with coleslaw—it adds a nice crunch to the meal. Enjoy the mess and the deliciousness! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Ribs: Use baby back ribs for tenderness, or spare ribs if you prefer a meatier texture. If you’re on a budget, country-style ribs are a great alternative.
Dijon Mustard: Dijon adds a sharp tang. You can substitute it with yellow mustard for a milder flavor or even spicy brown mustard for a kick!
Spices: The spice blend adds depth. Feel free to swap smoked paprika for regular paprika if you don’t have it or increase garlic/ onion powder for more flavor. Add other spices you love, like cumin or rosemary.
Cayenne Pepper: This is optional if you prefer a milder dish. For more heat, try crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce instead.
How Do I Get the Ribs Extra Tender?
For super tender ribs, the key is low and slow cooking! Here’s how to do it right:
- First, remove the silver skin from the ribs; this thin membrane can toughen the meat.
- Keep the oven temperature low at 300°F (150°C). This slow cooking allows the collagen to break down and makes the ribs juicy.
- Covering the ribs with foil during baking keeps in moisture, preventing drying.
- Once they’re tender, increase the heat to 425°F (220°C) for a nice caramelized crust.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have tender, drool-worthy ribs every time! Enjoy the delicious results!
Easy Oven-Baked Mustard Pork Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 racks of pork ribs (about 3-4 pounds total)
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for light sweetness)
- Aluminum foil (for covering the ribs while baking)
- Cooking spray or a little oil (to grease the baking dish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 2.5 to 3 hours to bake, plus a little extra time for resting. You’ll be rewarded with tender, flavorful ribs that are sure to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low heat is perfect for cooking the ribs slowly and making them tender.
2. Prepare the Ribs:
Take the ribs and flip them over to the bone side. If there’s a silvery membrane on the back, gently remove it. This helps the ribs to be more tender and absorb the spices better.
3. Mix the Spices:
In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, cayenne pepper (if you want a kick), and brown sugar. This will create a flavorful spice mixture for your ribs!
4. Coat the Ribs:
Lay the ribs bone-side down on a large baking sheet or glass baking dish that you’ve sprayed with cooking oil. Spread a generous layer of Dijon mustard over the top side of the ribs to help the spices stick.
5. Add the Spice Mix:
Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the mustard-coated ribs. Make sure to press down gently so that the spices adhere well to the ribs.
6. Cover and Bake:
Wrap the ribs tightly with aluminum foil, ensuring they are sealed to keep the moisture in while baking. Place them in the preheated oven and let them cook for 2.5 to 3 hours until the meat is tender and pulls away from the bone easily.
7. Crisp the Ribs:
Once the ribs are tender, carefully remove the foil (watch out for hot steam!). Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and return the ribs to the oven. Bake them uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes to get a nice caramelized crust on top.
8. Rest and Serve:
After baking, take the ribs out of the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. Then, slice between the bones to serve them up. Enjoy these tasty ribs with your favorite sides!
Enjoy your easy oven-baked mustard pork ribs with your favorite sides!
FAQ for Easy Oven-Baked Mustard Pork Ribs
Can I Use Different Types of Ribs?
Absolutely! You can use baby back ribs for tenderness, spare ribs for a meatier texture, or country-style ribs if that’s what you have on hand. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as thicker cuts may require a bit longer.
How Do I Store Leftover Ribs?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which helps retain their tenderness and flavor.
Can I Make These Ribs Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the ribs with the mustard and spice rub, cover them, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to adjust the baking time as they’ll go into the oven cold.
What Can I Serve with These Ribs?
These ribs pair wonderfully with coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve them with a refreshing salad or your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor!
