Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe
Perfectly tender and flavor-packed, these Oven Baked Ribs just fall off the bone! Cooked low and slow, this ribs recipe is your secret weapon for wowing your taste buds and guests alike. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just looking for a comforting meal, these oven-baked ribs will not disappoint.
Why You Will Love Making Oven Baked Ribs
Making oven-baked ribs at home is so much better than eating out! Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:
- Effortlessly Tender: Slow baking in the oven guarantees ribs that are so tender, they practically melt in your mouth.
- Flavor Packed: With a blend of spices like cumin and smoked paprika, plus a homemade BBQ sauce, these ribs are bursting with flavor.
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses common pantry staples, making it accessible any day of the week.
- Cheaper: Making your own ribs at home is much cheaper than ordering them at a restaurant (and they taste better too!).
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a larger gathering, these ribs fit right in.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the ribs ahead of time and just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to cook.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to Make Oven-Baked Ribs with Step-By-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Creating mouth-watering oven-baked baby back ribs at home is easier than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step guide to achieving perfectly tender ribs right in your own kitchen.
Preparing Your Ribs
Start by heating your oven to 160ºC (320ºF). This low and slow approach is key to tender ribs. Next, in a small bowl, combine cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Take your baby back pork ribs and carefully remove the membrane from the lower part using a knife. This step ensures that your ribs will be extra tender. Coat the ribs evenly with your dry rub spice mix, making sure to cover all sides.
Baking Your Ribs
Place the ribs in a roasting tray or baking sheet and add ½ cup of water. This helps to keep them moist during the cooking process. Wrap the tray tightly in foil to lock in the moisture, and bake for 3 hours.
Make the Barbecue Sauce
While the rack of ribs is baking, mix ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder in a bowl. This homemade sauce will add a rich, tangy flavor to your ribs.
Brush and Broil
After 3 hours, remove the ribs from the oven and increase the temperature to 220ºC (425ºF). Brush the ribs generously with your BBQ sauce, then bake uncovered for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and caramelized.
Finishing Touches
After removing the ribs from the oven, let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making your ribs even more tender. Serve them with your favorite sides, and get ready to enjoy a delicious, comforting meal.
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
To make your oven-baked ribs an absolute hit, here are some tried-and-true tips and notes to keep in mind:
- Removing the Membrane: Don’t skip this step! Removing the membrane from the back of the baby back or spare ribs ensures they become super tender.
- Water in the Pan: Adding water to the roasting tray helps to keep the ribs moist during the long cooking process.
- Checking for Doneness: The ribs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145ºF (63ºC), and they’re tender enough to easily pull apart with a fork. If they’re not there yet, give them a bit more time.
- Broiling for Finish: The final broil or high-heat bake caramelizes the sauce and gives the ribs a deliciously crispy exterior. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Rest Before Serving: Letting the ribs rest for a few minutes after taking them out of the oven allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite juicy and flavorful.
- Customize Your Spice Rub: Feel free to adjust the spices in your rub to match your taste preferences. More garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a nice kick of heat.
- BBQ Sauce Variations: Experiment with your BBQ sauce by adding liquid smoke for a smoky flavor, honey for sweetness, chili powder for heat, or a splash of bourbon for depth. You can also use your favorite BBQ sauce from the grocery store instead if desired.
- Can I use beef ribs instead of pork? Yes, you can use beef ribs, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary due to differences in fat content and thickness. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Meal Prep: You can rub the spices on the ribs and keep them in the fridge overnight. This can even enhance the flavor as the spices have more time to infuse into the meat.
How to Store Leftover Oven Baked Ribs
Leftover oven-baked ribs can be a delicious treat for the next day, if stored properly. Here’s how to keep them tasting great:
- Cool & Airtight: Allow the ribs to cool to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container. You can also wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate or Freeze: You can keep the ribs in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the ribs for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat the ribs covered in foil in the oven at a low temperature to warm through gradually. You can also brush a little extra BBQ sauce on top to add moisture and flavor.
Our Top 3 Money-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Making oven-baked ribs doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are three ways to enjoy this delicious meal while keeping your budget in check:
- Buy Ribs in Bulk: Often, buying a larger quantity of ribs can save you money. You can cook what you need and freeze the rest for later.
- Serve with Affordable Sides: Complement your ribs with cost-effective sides like homemade coleslaw, potato salad, or corn on the cob.
- Repurpose Leftovers: Get creative with leftover ribs by using them in sandwiches, salads, or as pizza toppings.
What to Serve with Oven Baked Ribs
Here are some of our favorite side dishes that complement the rich flavors of the one-the-bone oven-baked ribs, for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Classic Coleslaw
A crunchy, creamy coleslaw not only adds a fresh contrast to the savory ribs but also offers a delicious textural balance. Its tangy flavor cuts through the richness of the meat, making each bite of rib even more enjoyable.
Cornbread
Soft, buttery cornbread offers a slightly sweet and comforting side that pairs perfectly with the spicy and tangy flavors of the ribs. It’s great for soaking up any extra sauce and adding a different texture to your meal.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy garlic mashed potatoes serve as a smooth and flavorful base for the ribs. The garlic adds a nice bite that pairs well with the meat’s richness, providing a comforting and hearty side dish.
More Restaurant Recipes To Try At Home
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- Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara
- Homemade KFC Zinger Recipe
- Cheesecake Factory Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta
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Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe
Ingredients
- 500 grams baby back pork ribs
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper
- 4 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons light brown soft sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 160ºC (320ºF).
- In a small bowl, combine cumin, paprika, salt and pepper.1 tablespoon cumin, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, Salt and pepper
- Remove the membrane from the lower part of the ribs and trim any excess fat. Rub the spices all over the ribs and place in a roasting tray with ½ cup of water.500 grams baby back pork ribs
- Cover with foil and bake for 3 hours.
- In a bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder and mix well.4 tablespoons ketchup, 2 tablespoons light brown soft sugar, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Remove the ribs from the oven and brush them with the sauce. Bring the oven temperature to 220ºC (425ºF) and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
- Removing the Membrane: Don’t skip this step! Removing the membrane from the back of the baby back or spare ribs ensures they become super tender.
- Water in the Pan: Adding water to the roasting tray helps to keep the ribs moist during the long cooking process.
- Checking for Doneness: The ribs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145ºF (63ºC), and they’re tender enough to easily pull apart with a fork. If they’re not there yet, give them a bit more time.
- Broiling for Finish: The final broil or high-heat bake caramelizes the sauce and gives the ribs a deliciously crispy exterior. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Rest Before Serving: Letting the ribs rest for a few minutes after taking them out of the oven allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite juicy and flavorful.
- Customize Your Spice Rub: Feel free to adjust the spices in your rub to match your taste preferences. More garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a nice kick of heat.
- BBQ Sauce Variations: Experiment with your BBQ sauce by adding liquid smoke for a smoky flavor, honey for sweetness, chili powder for heat, or a splash of bourbon for depth. You can also use your favorite BBQ sauce from the grocery store instead if desired.
- Can I use beef ribs instead of pork? Yes, you can use beef ribs, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary due to differences in fat content and thickness. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Meal Prep: You can rub the spices on the ribs and keep them in the fridge overnight. This can even enhance the flavor as the spices have more time to infuse into the meat.
Storage & Reheating
- Cool & Airtight: Allow the ribs to cool to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container. You can also wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate or Freeze: You can keep the ribs in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the ribs for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat the ribs covered in foil in the oven at a low temperature to warm through gradually. You can also brush a little extra BBQ sauce on top to add moisture and flavor.
