Traditional Baked Pork Ribs

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 3 hours
🍽 Serves: 4
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There's something magical about perfectly baked pork ribs. This recipe captures the essence of tender, flavorful ribs with a delightful homemade spice rub and a sticky BBQ glaze. Perfect for any occasion, these ribs are a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients for Traditional Baked Pork Ribs

Pork ribs are the star of the show, bringing rich flavor and natural juiciness. The BBQ sauce adds a layer of sweet and smoky flavor, which caramelizes perfectly. Brown sugar helps create a sweet crust, balancing the spices. Paprika delivers depth and a touch of color, while garlic powder and onion powder add savory notes. Salt enhances all the flavors, and black pepper contributes a mild heat. A pinch of cayenne pepper brings a subtle kick, while apple cider vinegar tenderizes the meat and adds tanginess. Finally, olive oil keeps the ribs moist during baking.

Tips & Tricks

  • For the best flavor, let the ribs sit with the rub on them for at least an hour before baking. Overnight is even better.
  • If you like a bit more heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ glaze.
  • Use a good quality BBQ sauce for the glaze. It makes a big difference in the final flavor.
  • To ensure even cooking, choose ribs of similar size and thickness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these ribs with classic sides like coleslaw and cornbread for a Southern-style feast. A fresh green salad or roasted vegetables also pair well, balancing the rich flavors of the ribs. If you're feeling adventurous, try a tangy potato salad or corn on the cob brushed with garlic butter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use baby back ribs instead of pork ribs?
Absolutely! Baby back ribs will work perfectly, just remember they might cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on them.
What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?
White vinegar or even lemon juice can be used as a substitute, although they will alter the flavor slightly.
How can I tell if the ribs are done?
The meat should be tender and pulling away from the bone easily. A meat thermometer can also be used, with an ideal internal temperature of around 190°F (88°C).

Traditional Baked Pork Ribs Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, set your oven to preheat at 300°F (150°C). While it's warming up, grab a small bowl and mix up your dry rub. Combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Once that's ready, pat the ribs dry with a paper towel, then rub the spice mixture all over them. Make sure they're evenly coated — don’t be shy!

Next, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place the spiced ribs on top, and sprinkle them with apple cider vinegar for that extra tenderness. A light drizzle of olive oil over the top will keep them from drying out. Wrap the ribs tightly with foil, making sure they're completely sealed. Pop them in the oven and let them bake for 2.5 to 3 hours. This is when the magic happens, as they become beautifully tender.

After the initial bake, take the ribs out and carefully unwrap them. Crank up your oven to 425°F (220°C). Now, slather the ribs with your favorite BBQ sauce. Be generous — you want a nice thick coat. Slide them back into the oven for 15-20 minutes. This extra time will let that sauce turn into a sticky, caramelized glaze. Once they're done, let them rest for about 10 minutes before slicing them up. This resting time helps the juices redistribute, making each bite succulent.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time.
  • Uses simple ingredients you probably have at home.
  • Produces fall-off-the-bone tenderness every time.
  • Customizable spice level to suit your taste.
  • Perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

3 lbs pork ribs
1 cup BBQ sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the ribs, ensuring an even coat.
4. Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and sprinkle with apple cider vinegar.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the ribs to enhance moisture.
6. Wrap the ribs tightly with the foil and bake in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours until tender.
7. Remove the ribs from the oven, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C).
8. Unwrap the ribs and brush generously with BBQ sauce.
9. Return the ribs to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes for a caramelized glaze.
10. Allow the ribs to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

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