If you love ribs that fall right off the bone, this easy oven-baked rib recipe is for you! With a tasty rub and slow cooking, you’ll get meat that’s juicy and flavorful.
Trust me, the smell of these ribs cooking will have everyone dreaming of dinner. I like to serve them with some tangy barbecue sauce on the side for dipping—it’s always a hit!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Ribs: Baby back ribs are my top choice for their tenderness. If you prefer more meat, spare ribs work well too. You can even use beef ribs if that’s more your style, just adjust cooking times as needed.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create a nice caramelization. You can substitute with honey or agave syrup if you’re out of brown sugar.
Spices: Paprika gives a lovely color and smokiness. If you don’t have paprika, smoked paprika or even cumin will work. Adjust the chili powder and cayenne if you want it milder or hotter based on your taste preferences.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought kind, or make your own! Try a vinegar-based sauce for a tangy kick. If you’re avoiding sugar, there are sugar-free sauces available too.
How Do I Get the Ribs Tender Without a Grill?
Getting your ribs tender when baking is all about low temperatures and wrapping them in foil. Start by slowing cooking them at 275°F. This allows the fat to render and makes the meat melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Removing the membrane from the back of the ribs is key for tenderness! This tough layer can make the ribs chewier.
- Wrap the ribs tightly in foil to trap moisture. Cooking in their own steam is what keeps them juicy.
- Let them bake for 2.5 to 3 hours until they start pulling away from the bones—this is your sign they’re ready!
- If you like crispy edges, remember to finish off under the broiler briefly to caramelize the sauce.
Tender Oven Baked Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ribs:
- 2 racks of pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs), about 2 to 3 pounds each
For the Dry Rub:
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for a bit of heat)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Other:
- Aluminum foil
- Barbecue sauce (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, then you’ll bake the ribs for 2.5 to 3 hours. So all together, you’re looking at around 3 hours and 15 minutes from start to finish, but most of that time is just waiting while they cook!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 275°F (135°C). This low and slow temperature is key to ensuring your ribs come out tender and juicy.
2. Prepare the Ribs
Take a moment to check for the thin membrane on the back of the ribs. If it’s still there, gently peel it off. Removing this membrane helps make the ribs much more tender as they cook.
3. Make the Dry Rub
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if you’re using it). This blend will give your ribs a delicious flavor!
4. Rub the Spice Mix
Coat both sides of the ribs with the spice mixture, really pressing it into the meat so all that flavor gets in there.
5. Wrap the Ribs
Now, wrap each rack tightly in aluminum foil. This step is super important because it traps moisture during cooking and lets the ribs steam, making them tender.
6. Bake the Ribs
Put the wrapped ribs on a baking sheet and place them in the oven. Let them bake for 2.5 to 3 hours. You’ll know they are done when the meat is tender and starts to pull away from the bones.
7. Time to Unwrap
Carefully take the ribs out of the oven and unwrap the foil. Be cautious of the steam! For a tasty caramelized finish, brush your favorite barbecue sauce over the ribs.
8. Broil the Ribs
Place the unwrapped ribs back on the baking sheet and broil them on high for 3 to 5 minutes. This will make the sauce bubbly and slightly crispy. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
9. Let Them Rest
After broiling, let the ribs rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle back into the meat, making them even more tender.
10. Serve and Enjoy
Cut the ribs between the bones to serve. Enjoy your mouth-watering, tender oven-baked ribs, and don’t forget to have some extra barbecue sauce on the side!
This simple method produces ribs that are incredibly tender and juicy, perfect for a delicious and easy meal without the hassle of grilling. Enjoy!
FAQ for Tender Oven Baked Ribs
Can I Use Different Types of Ribs?
Absolutely! While baby back ribs are tender and popular, you can also use spare ribs or beef ribs. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different types may need more or less time to become tender.
What if I Don’t Have Aluminum Foil?
If you don’t have aluminum foil, you can use a baking dish with a tightly fitting lid or a large oven-safe pot. Just make sure to cover it well to keep the moisture in, as that’s key to tenderness.
Can I Make the Ribs Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the ribs and apply the dry rub ahead of time. Just wrap them tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. They can also be cooked in advance and reheated later!
How Do I Store Leftover Ribs?
Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at a low temperature or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a little barbecue sauce to keep them moist.
