Description
Tender and flavorful oven-baked baby back ribs coated with a smoky, sweet spice rub and finished with a sticky barbecue sauce glaze. Perfectly slow-cooked for juicy, fall-off-the-bone meat.
Ingredients
Scale
Ribs and Rub
- 2 racks pork baby back ribs (about 4 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and set it aside to prepare for the ribs.
- Remove Membrane and Dry Ribs: Carefully remove the thin membrane from the back side of each rack of ribs using a knife or your fingers, then pat the ribs dry thoroughly with paper towels. This step helps seasoning absorption and tenderness.
- Make and Apply Rub: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly on both sides of the ribs, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
- Oven Bake Covered: Place the ribs meat-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Brush both sides with olive oil, then cover the ribs securely with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours, allowing the ribs to cook slowly and become tender.
- Apply Barbecue Sauce: After baking, remove the top piece of foil and discard it. Brush both sides of the ribs generously with barbecue sauce to add a flavorful glaze.
- Final Bake Uncovered: Return the ribs to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. This step caramelizes the barbecue sauce, creating a sticky and delicious coating. Once done, slice the ribs and serve warm.
Notes
- Removing the membrane improves texture and allows seasonings to penetrate better.
- Covering the ribs while baking traps moisture for tenderness.
- Use your favorite barbecue sauce or homemade sauce for customization.
- Let ribs rest for a few minutes after baking for juices to redistribute.
- To add extra smoky flavor, consider finishing on a grill for a few minutes if desired.
