Description
This oven-baked ribs recipe features tender, flavorful baby back ribs coated in a sweet and smoky spice rub, slow-cooked to perfection, and finished with a tangy barbecue sauce glaze. Perfectly suited for a comforting American main course, these ribs are juicy, easy to prepare, and ideal for a casual dinner or gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Ribs and Spice Rub
- 2 racks baby back ribs (about 4 pounds total)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Barbecue Sauce
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (plus more for serving)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Ribs: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs for better tenderness and pat the ribs dry with paper towels to help the rub adhere.
- Make the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, chili powder, and optional cayenne pepper to create a balanced, flavorful rub.
- Apply the Rub: Evenly rub the spice mixture over both sides of each rack of ribs, ensuring every part is coated for maximum flavor.
- Wrap and Bake: Wrap each rack tightly in aluminum foil to lock in moisture and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 2 ½ to 3 hours, or until the ribs are tender and the meat easily pulls away from the bone.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the ribs bake, warm the barbecue sauce with apple cider vinegar over low heat in a small saucepan to enhance flavor and loosen the sauce for glazing.
- Glaze the Ribs: Remove the ribs from the oven and unwrap carefully. Brush them generously with the warmed barbecue sauce to create a glossy, flavorful coating.
- Finish Under Broiler or Grill: For a caramelized finish, place the ribs under the broiler for 5–7 minutes or grill over medium heat for about 5 minutes per side, brushing with additional barbecue sauce as desired to achieve a smoky glaze and slight char.
- Serve: Slice the ribs between the bones and serve hot with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For a smokier flavor, consider using a smoker instead of an oven and cook low and slow at 225°F for 5–6 hours.
- Baby back ribs can be substituted with spare ribs; however, increase the cooking time slightly as spare ribs are larger and meatier.
- Removing the membrane on the back of the ribs allows better penetration of flavors and a more tender final result.
- Use a foil wrap to keep the ribs moist during the slow cooking process.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 rack (approximately 8 ounces)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
