If you're looking for a way to elevate your rib game without firing up the grill, these Smoky Honey-Chili Oven-Baked Ribs are the answer. With a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy, this dish is sure to become a family favorite for any occasion.
Baby back pork ribs are the star of the show, offering a tender and meaty texture. Honey adds a natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Soy sauce brings a savory depth to the marinade, while apple cider vinegar adds a subtle tang that balances the flavors. Smoked paprika and chili powder provide the smoky, spicy backbone, complemented by garlic powder and onion powder for a savory undertone. A touch of black pepper and cayenne pepper gives the ribs a mild heat kick. Brown sugar helps to enhance the sweetness and aids in caramelization, while ketchup adds a touch of tomato-y richness. Finally, olive oil helps to bind the marinade together, and salt is used to season the ribs before baking.
These ribs pair wonderfully with a fresh coleslaw or a crisp green salad to balance the rich flavors. Cornbread or roasted potatoes make excellent side dishes to round out the meal. For a refreshing beverage, try serving with iced tea or a light lager.
First, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low and slow cooking method ensures that your ribs become tender and juicy. While the oven is heating, let's get the marinade ready. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, ketchup, and olive oil until they're well combined. It might look like quite the list, but trust me, each ingredient brings something special to the table.
Before applying the marinade, you'll want to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and helps in achieving that fall-off-the-bone tenderness. Season the ribs lightly with salt, lay them on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, and brush them generously with the marinade on both sides.
Next, wrap the ribs tightly with foil, ensuring there's no room for air to escape. This keeps them moist while they bake. Place them in the oven and let them cook for about 2.5 hours. This is the perfect time to catch up on a favorite book or show, as your oven does all the heavy lifting.
Once the ribs have cooked to tender perfection, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Carefully unwrap the foil (watch out for the steam!), brush the ribs with more of that delicious marinade, and pop them back in the oven for an additional 15 minutes. This final step caramelizes the glaze, giving the ribs a beautiful, sticky finish.
After they're done, let the ribs rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period is key, as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Finally, slice the ribs between the bones and get ready to serve.
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