These oven-baked ribs are super tender and full of flavor. With a touch of spice and a yummy glaze, they practically fall off the bone with every bite!
You can enjoy making these ribs without the grill mess! Just pop them in the oven, and you’ll soon have a delicious meal that makes everyone smile. Who’s ready for some napkins? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Back Pork Ribs: These are preferred for their tenderness. If you can’t find baby back ribs, St. Louis style ribs or spare ribs will work, but the cooking times may vary slightly.
Olive Oil: This helps the rub stick to the meat. You can swap it out for vegetable oil or even melted butter if you like a richer flavor.
Spices: The combination of spices creates a balanced flavor. You can adjust the chili powder and cayenne pepper for your heat preference or use smoked paprika for an extra kick.
Barbecue Sauce: Store-bought is perfectly fine, but making your own adds a personal touch. Try mixing flavors like honey, mustard, or apple cider vinegar to customize it!
How Do You Get That Perfect Tenderness in Ribs?
To achieve that fall-off-the-bone texture, patience is key! The slow and low method at 275°F helps break down the meat’s connective tissues. Here’s how you can nail it:
- Make sure you remove the silver skin from the ribs; this thin membrane prevents seasonings from penetrating.
- Wrap the ribs tightly in foil to lock in moisture during cooking—this is crucial for tenderness!
- Baking at a low temperature for 2.5 to 3 hours allows the meat to become fork-tender.
Finish by increasing the oven temperature at the end to caramelize the barbecue sauce. This adds a lovely sticky layer that enhances both flavor and texture! Enjoy making your ribs!
Easy Fall-Off-the-Bone Oven Baked Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 racks of baby back pork ribs (about 2 to 2.5 pounds each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and then 2.5 to 3 hours of cooking time in the oven. After that, a quick broil for about 15-20 minutes will give your ribs that perfect caramelized finish. So, you’ll be enjoying these delicious ribs in about 3 hours and 15 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 275°F (135°C). This low temperature is ideal for tenderizing the ribs as they cook slowly.
2. Preparing the Ribs:
Remove the silver skin membrane on the back of each rib rack. This thin layer can toughen the meat, so take your time to peel it off. Using a sharp knife can help!
3. Mixing the Spice Rub:
In a small bowl, combine the paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper if you like a little heat. This mix will give your ribs a fantastic flavor.
4. Seasoning the Ribs:
Drizzle olive oil over the ribs, smoothing it out to cover them evenly. Then, take your spice mix and rub it all over both sides of the ribs. Be generous with the coating to ensure every bite is seasoned.
5. Wrapping It Up:
Wrap each rack tightly in aluminum foil. This helps to keep all the moisture in as the ribs cook, so they come out juicy and tender.
6. Baking the Ribs:
Place the wrapped ribs on a baking sheet and pop them into your preheated oven. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the meat is fork-tender and pulling away from the bone.
7. Unwrapping and Finishing:
Carefully remove the ribs from the oven. Be cautious of the hot steam when unwrapping the foil! Now, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C).
8. Adding the Barbecue Sauce:
Brush a generous layer of barbecue sauce over both sides of the ribs. This will create a delicious glaze as they bake.
9. Final Baking:
Return the ribs to the oven, uncovered this time, and bake for another 15-20 minutes. This will caramelize the sauce and give the ribs a sticky, tasty finish.
10. Serving:
Let the ribs rest for about 5 minutes after removing them from the oven before cutting them between the bones. Serve hot with extra barbecue sauce if desired.
Now, dig into your tasty, tender ribs and enjoy every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Ribs?
Absolutely! If baby back ribs are unavailable, you can use St. Louis ribs or spare ribs as a substitute. Just remember that cooking times might vary slightly; spare ribs may take a bit longer to achieve that tender result.
What Can I Substitute for Barbecue Sauce?
If you want to change up the flavor, you can use a mix of honey and mustard for a sweet glaze or a homemade marinade with soy sauce and brown sugar. Feel free to experiment based on your taste preferences!
How Should I Store Leftover Ribs?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, or microwave them for a quick option. Adding a splash of barbecue sauce during reheating can help maintain moisture.
Can I Make These Ribs Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the ribs and apply the spice rub a day in advance, then refrigerate them overnight. Just allow them to come to room temperature before baking, and they’ll still taste amazing!
