Oven-Baked BBQ Ribs

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 3 hours
🍽 Serves: 4
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Get ready to sink your teeth into some seriously tender and flavorful oven-baked BBQ ribs. This foolproof recipe transforms humble pork ribs into a finger-licking feast that's perfect for any occasion. Let's dive right in!

Ingredients for Oven-Baked BBQ Ribs

The secret to these ribs lies in a carefully crafted spice rub and a tangy sauce.
Brown sugar is the base of our rub, adding sweetness and helping to create a caramelized crust. Smoked paprika brings a rich, smoky depth that mimics that barbecue pit taste. Garlic powder and onion powder form the aromatic backbone, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Black pepper and salt balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors. Finally, the BBQ sauce mixed with apple cider vinegar gives the ribs a tangy glaze that’s absolutely irresistible.

Tips & Tricks

  • For even more flavor, let the ribs sit with the rub on them overnight in the fridge.
  • If you're in a pinch and need to cut down on cooking time, consider parboiling the ribs for about 30 minutes before applying the rub.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; it should read around 190°F (88°C) for perfectly tender ribs.

Serving Suggestions

These ribs pair beautifully with creamy coleslaw for a refreshing contrast. You might also consider serving them with cornbread or baked beans to keep the barbecue theme going. A side of grilled corn on the cob is never a bad idea either!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use beef ribs instead of pork?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that beef ribs may require a slightly longer cooking time.
Can I make these ribs on the grill?
Yes, you can start them in the oven and finish them on the grill for that classic barbecue char.
How do I store leftovers?
Wrap them tightly in foil or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Oven-Baked BBQ Ribs Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). While that's warming up, let's tackle the rub. In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix it all together until it's well-blended.

Now, take your 2 racks of pork ribs and lay them out on a clean surface. Generously sprinkle the spice mix over both sides of the ribs, rubbing it in to ensure every inch is covered. This is where the flavor magic happens!

Grab a baking sheet and line it with aluminum foil. Place the ribs bone-side down on the sheet. Cover them with another sheet of foil, creating a sealed pouch. This step is key to locking in moisture while they cook.

Pop the ribs in the oven and let them bake for 2.5 to 3 hours. You'll know they're ready when they're tender and the meat is just about falling off the bone.

Once they're done, take them out and crank up the oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, mix together your BBQ sauce and apple cider vinegar. Brush this tangy concoction generously over both sides of the ribs.

Return the ribs to the oven, uncovered this time, and let them bake for another 20-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you're looking for that beautiful caramelization on the sauce.

Finally, let those ribs rest for about 5 minutes before slicing them up. This helps the juices redistribute, making every bite as juicy as possible.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Amazing smoky flavor without a grill.
  • Perfectly tender meat that falls off the bone.
  • Easy preparation with minimal hands-on time.
  • Uses simple pantry ingredients.
  • Customizable with your favorite BBQ sauce.

Ingredients

2 racks of pork ribs
1 cup of brown sugar
2 tablespoons smoked paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups BBQ sauce
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a bowl, mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
3. Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs.
4. Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, bone-side down.
5. Cover the ribs with another sheet of aluminum foil, sealing the edges to create a pouch.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the ribs are tender.
7. Remove the ribs from the oven and increase the temperature to 350°F (175°C).
8. Mix BBQ sauce with apple cider vinegar and brush generously over both sides of the ribs.
9. Return the ribs to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes until the sauce is caramelized.
10. Let the ribs rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

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