These oven-baked ribs are tender and flavorful, packed with your favorite spices. They get all nice and sticky with a delicious barbecue sauce that you can’t resist!
Who doesn’t love the smell of ribs cooking? I usually make extra because everyone wants seconds—and trust me, they’re always worth it! 🥳
I enjoy serving them with some coleslaw or cornbread on the side. It makes the meal feel like a real treat, and guess what? They’re super easy to whip up in the oven!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Back Ribs: These are my go-to for ribs because they’re tender and flavorful. If you can’t find baby back ribs, spare ribs are a great alternative. They have a bit more fat and can still be incredibly tasty.
Olive Oil: I recommend olive oil for its healthy fats and good flavor. You could also use vegetable oil or avocado oil if that’s what you have. They will work just as well in helping the seasoning stick.
Spices: Paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder are key for flavor. If you want to switch it up, try smoked paprika for a deeper taste. If you don’t have garlic powder, fresh minced garlic does the trick too—just use about one clove for every teaspoon of powder.
Barbecue Sauce: Using your favorite store-bought sauce is perfectly fine for convenience. If you’re adventurous, you can make your own! A mix of ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices can whip up a homemade sauce in no time.
Cayenne Pepper: This is optional, but if you like a little heat, toss it in. If cayenne isn’t on hand, a dash of hot sauce or some crushed red pepper flakes can work, too.
How Do I Remove the Membrane from Ribs?
Removing the membrane from the back of the ribs is crucial for tenderness and flavor. It can be tricky, but here’s how to do it easily:
- First, locate the thin, white membrane on the bone side of the ribs.
- Use a paper towel to grip the edge of the membrane and gently pull it off. It should come off in one piece.
- If it tears, just grab another edge and keep pulling until it’s fully removed.
Taking this extra step makes a big difference in how tender your ribs will be. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Oven Baked Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ribs:
- 2 to 3 pounds of baby back ribs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 2.5 to 3 hours to bake. You’ll have some time to relax while the ribs are cooking, making it a great dish for easy entertaining or family dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This lower temperature will help bake the ribs slowly, making them tender and juicy.
2. Prepare the Ribs:
To get your ribs ready, remove the thin membrane from the back. This will help them cook better and be more tender. After that, pat the ribs dry with paper towels so the seasoning sticks well.
3. Season the Ribs:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if you’re using it). Use your hands to rub this flavorful spice mix all over the ribs, making sure to cover them generously.
4. Wrap the Ribs:
Take a large piece of aluminum foil and place the seasoned ribs on it, bone side down. Fold the foil around the ribs to create a snug packet. Make sure it’s sealed so that the juices stay inside while they bake.
5. Bake the Ribs:
Place the foil-wrapped ribs on a baking sheet and put them in the preheated oven. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the ribs are really tender. The longer they bake, the more tender they become!
6. Apply Barbecue Sauce:
After baking, carefully take the ribs out and unwrap the foil. The ribs will be hot, so watch out! Use a brush to generously coat the top of the ribs with your favorite barbecue sauce.
7. Broil for Finish:
Increase your oven temperature to broil. Put the ribs back in the oven, uncovered, and broil for about 5 to 7 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You want the sauce to get bubbly and caramelized but not burnt.
8. Serve:
Once done, let the ribs rest for a few minutes before slicing between the bones. Serve them up with some extra barbecue sauce on the side if you like. Enjoy your delicious oven-baked ribs!
Can I Use Other Types of Ribs?
Absolutely! While baby back ribs are ideal for this recipe, you can also use spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly. Spare ribs typically need a bit more time due to their size and thickness, so check for tenderness during the baking process.
Can I Make My Own Barbecue Sauce?
Yes, homemade barbecue sauce is a delicious option! Combine ingredients like ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and spices to create your perfect blend. Feel free to adjust the sweetness or heat level according to your taste!
What Should I Do if My Ribs Are Still Tough After Baking?
If your ribs aren’t as tender as you’d like after baking, simply wrap them back in the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes. You can also add a splash of apple juice or water inside the foil to create steam, which helps tenderize the meat further.
How to Store Leftover Ribs?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven at 250°F (120°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but take care not to dry them out!
