If you’re longing for tender, flavorful ribs that practically melt in your mouth, this Oven-Baked Ribs with Barbecue Sauce Recipe is here to become your new go-to. It combines the richness of slow-cooked pork baby back ribs with a perfectly balanced dry rub and a sticky, smoky barbecue sauce glaze, all cooked conveniently in your oven. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these ribs deliver deep, soulful flavor without the fuss of a grill or smoker.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together to elevate the ribs into a mouthwatering feast. Each element plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture, ensuring every bite is beautifully seasoned and irresistibly juicy.
- 2 racks pork baby back ribs (about 4 pounds): Choose fresh ribs with good marbling for the best tenderness and flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the rub stick and keeps the meat moist during baking.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a beautiful caramelized crust.
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika: Imparts a smoky depth without needing a smoker.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Offers subtle aromatic notes that complement the pork perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Brings a hint of savory sweetness to balance the rub.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the ribs.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat and complexity to the seasoning.
- 1 cup barbecue sauce: Your choice of sauce provides the signature tangy, sticky finish everyone loves.
How to Make Oven-Baked Ribs with Barbecue Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Ribs
Start by preheating your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius), then line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to keep things tidy and easy to clean later. Preparing the ribs properly is crucial, so gently remove the thin membrane from the back of each rack to ensure the rub penetrates deeply and the ribs become tender without toughness. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick better.
Step 2: Make and Apply the Dry Rub
Combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This aromatic blend is the secret to layered flavor—sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy. Rub this seasoning generously over both sides of the ribs, making sure every inch is covered to create that irresistible crust once baked.
Step 3: Oil and Bake the Ribs
Place the seasoned ribs on your prepared baking sheet and brush both sides with olive oil. The oil seals in moisture and helps the ribs brown evenly. Cover the ribs tightly with foil and bake low and slow for about 2 hours. This gentle cooking time is key for breaking down connective tissue, resulting in tender, juicy meat that falls off the bone.
Step 4: Add the Barbecue Sauce and Finish Baking
After two hours, carefully remove the top foil layer and generously brush both sides of the ribs with your barbecue sauce. Return the ribs uncovered to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. This step caramelizes the sauce, creating that classic sticky, flavorful glaze that everyone will reach for first on their plate.
How to Serve Oven-Baked Ribs with Barbecue Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions adds a pop of color and a fresh bite to cut through the richness of the ribs. You can also serve with lemon wedges on the side to offer a zesty contrast for guests who love a little tang.
Side Dishes
For the perfect meal, pair your Oven-Baked Ribs with Barbecue Sauce Recipe with classic sides like creamy coleslaw, buttery cornbread, or roasted vegetables. These sides balance the richness of the ribs and add different textures and flavors to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the ribs on a rustic wooden board for a casual, family-style vibe, or arrange them neatly on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and pickles for a more elegant presentation. You can also slice the ribs into individual portions and stack them in a small pile to highlight their tenderness and saucy glaze.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping the ribs covered helps maintain moisture and prevents the barbecue sauce from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save ribs for another day, freeze them wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to two months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the ribs with foil and warm them gently in the oven at 275 degrees Fahrenheit (135 degrees Celsius) until heated through, about 20–30 minutes. This slow reheating preserves tenderness and prevents the sauce from burning.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of ribs for this Oven-Baked Ribs with Barbecue Sauce Recipe?
Absolutely! While baby back ribs are tender and cook relatively quickly, you can use spare ribs as well. Just be aware that they may take a bit longer to become tender due to their higher fat content and size.
Do I need to soak the ribs before cooking?
Soaking ribs is not necessary for this recipe. Removing the membrane and applying the dry rub directly to the pork helps infuse plenty of flavor and ensures the ribs stay juicy when baked low and slow.
What type of barbecue sauce works best?
Any good-quality barbecue sauce that you enjoy works well here—whether it’s sweet, tangy, spicy, or smoky. Feel free to experiment with your favorites or even try homemade sauces for a personal touch.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just check the labels on your barbecue sauce and spices to ensure they are gluten-free. Most basic ingredients like paprika and brown sugar are naturally gluten-free, so this recipe is very adaptable.
How can I tell when the ribs are perfectly done?
The ribs should be tender and easy to pull apart with your fingers but not falling apart completely. The meat will shrink back slightly from the ends of the bones, and the barbecue sauce will form a sticky, caramelized coating.
Final Thoughts
This Oven-Baked Ribs with Barbecue Sauce Recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy fall-off-the-bone ribs any time of year. It’s straightforward enough for weeknight cooking but impressive enough to serve at weekend gatherings. Once you try it, I’m confident it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen, perfect for sharing good food and creating great memories.
Print
Oven-Baked Ribs with Barbecue Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Tender and flavorful baby back ribs cooked low and slow in the oven, coated with a smoky, sweet spice rub and finished with a sticky caramelized barbecue sauce. This recipe delivers fall-off-the-bone ribs perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 racks pork baby back ribs (about 4 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Spice Rub
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to prepare for baking the ribs.
- Prepare Ribs: Remove the thin membrane from the back of each rack of ribs for better texture and flavor absorption, then pat the ribs dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Make and Apply Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs to coat them well.
- Oil and Bake Ribs Covered: Place the ribs on the prepared baking sheet, brush both sides with olive oil to help keep them moist, then cover with foil. Bake low and slow for 2 hours, allowing the ribs to tenderize.
- Apply Barbecue Sauce: Remove the ribs from the oven and discard the top layer of foil. Brush both sides generously with barbecue sauce to add rich flavor and moisture.
- Caramelize Sauce: Return ribs to the oven uncovered and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until the barbecue sauce becomes sticky and caramelized, perfect for serving.
- Serve: Slice the ribs between the bones and serve warm for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Removing the membrane from ribs ensures tenderness and better flavor penetration.
- Cooking at a low temperature for a long time helps break down connective tissue for juicy ribs.
- If you prefer spicier ribs, add cayenne pepper to the spice rub.
- Use foil to keep ribs moist during baking, then uncover to caramelize sauce at the end.
- Leftover ribs reheat well wrapped in foil at a low temperature to retain moisture.
