Traditional Oven-Roasted Ribs

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 3 hours
🍽 Serves: 4
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There's nothing quite like the aroma of slow-cooked ribs wafting through your home. Our Traditional Oven-Roasted Ribs are perfect for any gathering, offering tender, fall-off-the-bone meat with a sticky, caramelized barbecue glaze. Get ready to dazzle your guests with these foolproof ribs!

Ingredients for Traditional Oven-Roasted Ribs

Pork ribs are the star of the show, and their natural juiciness makes them perfect for roasting. The spice rub adds depth — brown sugar caramelizes for sweetness, while smoked paprika imparts a subtle smokiness. Garlic powder and onion powder provide savory notes, complemented by a touch of ground black pepper for warmth. A pinch of salt enhances all these flavors. Apple cider vinegar tenderizes the meat and adds a slight tang. Finally, the barbecue sauce brings everything together with its sweet and tangy glaze.

Tips & Tricks

  • For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice rub.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure your ribs reach an internal temperature of 190-203°F for ultimate tenderness.
  • Double the aluminum foil to prevent any leaks during roasting.
  • If you prefer a smokier flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the apple cider vinegar.

Serving Suggestions

These ribs pair beautifully with creamy coleslaw or buttery cornbread. A side of baked beans or roasted vegetables also complements the rich flavors. For a refreshing contrast, serve with a crisp, cold apple cider or a light beer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use beef ribs instead of pork?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time, as beef ribs may take a little longer to become tender.
How do I store leftovers?
Wrap them tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain tenderness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just ensure your barbecue sauce is gluten-free and you're good to go!

Traditional Oven-Roasted Ribs Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) to get things started. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, and salt. This will be your spice rub, which adds a ton of flavor to the ribs.

Next, take your pork ribs and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the rub stick better and creates a nice crust. Rub the spice mixture generously over both sides of the ribs, ensuring they're well coated.

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, and place the ribs bone side down. Pour the apple cider vinegar into the bottom of the baking sheet — this will keep the ribs tender and juicy as they roast. Cover the ribs tightly with another sheet of foil to trap in the moisture.

Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and let the ribs roast for 2.5 to 3 hours. You want them to be tender, with the meat easily pulling away from the bones.

Once the ribs are done, remove them from the oven and take off the top layer of foil. Brush the ribs generously on both sides with your favorite barbecue sauce. Now, increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and pop the ribs back in, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes. This will caramelize the sauce, making it sticky and irresistible.

Finally, let the ribs rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is succulent and flavorful.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfectly tender and juicy meat every time.
  • No need for a grill – ideal for any season.
  • Simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor.
  • Easy to customize with your favorite barbecue sauce.
  • Minimal prep work and cleanup, thanks to foil-lined baking.

Ingredients

2 racks pork ribs
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, and salt.
3. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels, then rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the racks.
4. Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, bone side down.
5. Pour the apple cider vinegar into the bottom of the baking sheet, then cover the ribs tightly with another sheet of aluminum foil.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the ribs are tender and the meat pulls away from the bones easily.
7. Remove the ribs from the oven and discard the top layer of foil.
8. Brush the ribs generously with barbecue sauce on both sides.
9. Return the ribs to the oven, uncovered, and increase the temperature to 375°F (190°C).
10. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is caramelized and sticky.
11. Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

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