These oven-baked sticky pork ribs are a true treat! With a sweet and tangy sauce, they melt in your mouth. Plus, they’re easy to make right in your kitchen!
There’s nothing like the smell of ribs cooking to get everyone excited for dinner. I always make extra sauce for dipping—no one can resist! 🍖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Ribs: I suggest using baby back ribs for their tenderness, but spare ribs work too. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can try pork loin ribs. Both will be delicious!
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite brand, or you can whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar for a quick homemade version. I love a tangy barbecue sauce, so sometimes I mix in a bit of mustard as well!
Honey: This adds sweetness that balances the savory flavors. You can substitute it with maple syrup or agave nectar if you prefer. Just keep the same quantity for the perfect sticky glaze.
Spices: Smoked paprika is fantastic for that smoky flavor. If you can’t find it, regular paprika is fine. Adding a touch of cayenne pepper can give it some heat if you like a little kick!
How Do I Make Sure My Ribs are Tender?
One key to melt-off-the-bone ribs is to remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs. This tough membrane can make ribs chewy, so just slide a knife under it and pull it off gently. After that, rub your spice mix thoroughly over the ribs.
- Cook the ribs low and slow at 300°F for 2.5 to 3 hours covered with foil. This helps them become tender.
- Brush on the sticky sauce during the last baking time at a higher temperature. This caramelizes the sauce so it gets that sweet, gooey finish!
Don’t rush the process; good ribs take time, but the results are so worth it!
Easy Oven Baked Sticky Pork Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ribs:
- 2 racks of pork ribs (about 2-3 pounds each)
For the Sticky Sauce:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
For the Spice Mix:
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes for prep and then 2.5 to 3 hours of baking time, followed by an additional 10-15 minutes at a higher temperature to caramelize the sauce. This means you can enjoy delicious, sticky pork ribs in about 3 hours for total cooking time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. This setup allows the heat to circulate around the ribs as they cook.
2. Prep the Ribs:
Carefully remove the silver skin (the thin membrane) from the back of the ribs. This step is key for ensuring your ribs turn out tender and juicy. Just slide a butter knife under it to loosen and pull it off gently.
3. Make the Spice Rub:
In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir them together until well mixed. This spice mix will add lots of flavor to the ribs!
4. Season the Ribs:
Now, rub the spice mix evenly all over both sides of the ribs. This means getting into all the nooks and crannies for a fantastic flavor!
5. Bake the Ribs:
Place the ribs bone-side down on the wire rack of your baking sheet. Cover them tightly with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in. Bake them in your preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours. You want the ribs to be nice and tender when they’re finished.
6. Prepare the Sticky Sauce:
While the ribs are baking, it’s time to make that delicious sauce! In a small saucepan, whisk together the barbecue sauce, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Heat it over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Then, reduce the heat and let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is sticky and slightly thickened. Then, take it off the heat!
7. Glaze the Ribs:
After making sure the ribs are tender, carefully remove the foil from the pan. Brush a generous layer of your sticky sauce over the ribs. Make sure to cover them well!
8. Final Bake:
Raise your oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and bake the ribs uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes. Baste them again with sauce once or twice during this time so they get that nice caramelized finish.
9. Serving the Ribs:
Once they’re done, pull the ribs out of the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes. If you like, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and add a fresh touch!
10. Dig In!
Cut between the bones to separate the ribs and serve them warm. Don’t forget to have some extra sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious, sticky, oven-baked pork ribs!
FAQ for Easy Oven Baked Sticky Pork Ribs
Can I Use Other Cuts of Ribs?
Absolutely! Baby back ribs are great for tenderness, but you can also use spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs. Just keep in mind the cooking time may vary slightly, with spare ribs taking a bit longer due to their thickness.
How to Store Leftover Ribs?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat them, wrap the ribs in aluminum foil and heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals to avoid drying them out.
Can I Marinate the Ribs Overnight?
Yes! If you want even more flavor, feel free to marinate the ribs in the spice rub and some sauce overnight in the fridge. Just remember to bring them to room temperature before baking for even cooking.
Is It Possible to Cook Ribs at a Higher Temperature?
While this recipe is designed for low and slow cooking at 300°F, you can cook them at 350°F (175°C) for a shorter time. However, they may not be as tender. If you choose this method, check them after 2 hours to ensure they don’t overcook!
