If you're craving tender, juicy ribs with a smoky BBQ flavor, you're in the right place. These Heritage Oven-Baked BBQ Ribs bring the countryside essence to your kitchen, perfect for any occasion that calls for comfort food.
Pork ribs are the star here, providing a luscious, meaty base. For the BBQ sauce, the combination of ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar forms a classic sweet and tangy base. Worcestershire sauce adds depth and umami, while smoked paprika gives a lovely smoky undertone without needing a smoker. Garlic powder and onion powder bring in savory depth, and a touch of cayenne pepper provides a subtle kick. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
These ribs pair beautifully with creamy coleslaw, cornbread, or even a fresh green salad. For a true BBQ feast, serve alongside grilled corn on the cob or baked beans.
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low and slow method ensures the ribs cook tenderly. In a medium bowl, mix together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to create your BBQ sauce. This is the heart of your ribs, so get it well combined.
Season your pork ribs generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. This simple step helps the meat absorb flavors and enhances the taste. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place your seasoned ribs on it. This makes cleanup easier and helps in even cooking.
Brush a generous amount of the prepared BBQ sauce over both sides of the ribs. You want to make sure they're well coated. Cover the ribs with another layer of foil, sealing the edges together to trap steam. This step is crucial as it keeps the ribs moist during baking.
Place the ribs in the preheated oven and let them bake for 2.5 to 3 hours. You’re aiming for tenderness, so check them at the 2.5-hour mark. Once tender, remove the top foil and brush on more BBQ sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and bake the ribs uncovered for an additional 15 minutes. This allows the sauce to caramelize, giving your ribs that sticky, irresistible glaze. Finally, let the ribs rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, keeping them juicy.