Oven Baked Ribs

Fall off the bone pork Oven Baked Ribs are a family favorite and perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a weekend barbecue, a cozy family dinner, or a casual gathering with friends, these ribs will impress everyone at the table. With just 5 minutes of prep time and simple ingredients, you can create tender and flavorful ribs that are slathered in your favorite BBQ sauce. The unique combination of spices ensures a mouthwatering experience that keeps you coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With only 5 minutes of prep time, you can quickly get these ribs in the oven and enjoy more time with your loved ones.
• Fall-off-the-Bone Tenderness: The slow baking process makes these ribs incredibly tender, allowing the meat to easily pull away from the bone.
• Flavor-Packed: A delicious blend of spices and BBQ sauce gives these ribs an irresistible flavor that everyone will love.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for summer cookouts or winter dinners, these oven-baked ribs fit any occasion.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice levels by modifying the rub or BBQ sauce to suit your taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, make sure you have the right tools on hand. Having the essential equipment ready will make the cooking process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet pan
• Aluminum foil
• Small mixing bowl
• Basting brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet pan: Provides a sturdy base for cooking the ribs evenly while catching any drippings.
• Aluminum foil: Helps retain moisture during baking, resulting in tender, juicy ribs.
• Small mixing bowl: Perfect for blending your rub ingredients without making a mess.
• Basting brush: Ensures an even coating of olive oil and BBQ sauce for maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Fall off the bone pork Oven Baked Ribs are the easiest dinner you will ever make and they take just 5-minutes to prep. Slathered in rub and BBQ sauce.

For the Ribs

• 1 slab Pork Ribs (Baby back)
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

For the Rub

• ¼ cup paprika (4 Tablespoons)
• 2.5 Tablespoons chili powder
• 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 Tablespoons black pepper, ground
• 2 Tablespoons kosher salt
• 1.5 Tablespoons garlic powder
• 1.5 teaspoons dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dry mustard
• ¼ teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• pinch cayenne

For Serving

• 8 ounces BBQ sauce of choice (more if needed)

How to Make Oven Baked Ribs

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 275° F. Line a baking sheet pan with aluminum foil to catch drippings and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Prepare the Ribs

1. Rinse the rack of ribs under cold water and pat dry.
2. Pull off the thin membrane from the back of the ribs if desired; this is optional but recommended for better flavor absorption.

Step 3: Make the Rub

Blend all rub ingredients in a small bowl until well combined.

Step 4: Apply Olive Oil and Rub

1. Lay the rack of ribs on the foil-lined baking pan.
2. Brush with olive oil.
3. Generously smear the rub all over the ribs (bottom, sides, and top).

Step 5: Cover and Bake

Tightly cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil, ensuring that meat-side is up. Bake for about 2.5 hours for baby back ribs or 3-3.5 hours for St. Louis style ribs.

Step 6: Check for Tenderness

Uncover after baking time has elapsed. Check if the ribs are fork-tender and pulling away from bones.

Step 7: Coat with BBQ Sauce

Remove ribs from oven, drain any accumulated liquid from pan, then coat generously with BBQ sauce.

Step 8: Finishing Touches

Return to oven uncovered at 350° F for an additional 20 minutes. For caramelized BBQ sauce, broil on low for about 2 minutes at the end.

Step 9: Rest Before Serving

Let your finished ribs rest for about 10 minutes before cutting them into portions and serving them up hot!

How to Serve Oven Baked Ribs

Serving your delicious Oven Baked Ribs can elevate the dining experience. Here are some creative ways to present and enjoy them.

With Classic BBQ Sides

• Coleslaw – A refreshing side that balances the richness of the ribs.
• Cornbread – Sweet and crumbly, cornbread makes a perfect companion.
• Baked Beans – Hearty and flavorful, they complement the smoky flavors well.

As Part of a BBQ Feast

• Grilled Vegetables – Colorful veggies enhance your plate while adding nutrition.
• Potato Salad – Creamy and savory, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser.
• Macaroni and Cheese – Cheesy comfort food that pairs wonderfully with ribs.

On a Charcuterie Board

• Pickles and Olives – Add tangy bites for contrast against the rich meat.
• Cheese Selection – Include a mix of sharp and creamy cheeses for variety.

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How to Perfect Oven Baked Ribs

To ensure your ribs come out perfectly every time, consider these essential tips.

• Use Quality Ribs – Start with fresh, high-quality pork ribs for the best flavor.
• Remove the Membrane – This helps the rub penetrate better and makes eating easier.
• Low and Slow Cooking – Bake at a low temperature to achieve tender, fall-off-the-bone results.
• Rest Before Serving – Allowing the ribs to rest helps retain their juices for optimal flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Oven Baked Ribs

Pairing sides with your Oven Baked Ribs can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread – Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside; great for soaking up BBQ sauce.
2. Sweet Potato Fries – Sweet and savory, they add a crunchy texture to your plate.
3. Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine with a creamy dressing provides a refreshing contrast.
4. Roasted Potatoes – Seasoned and golden brown, these are simple yet satisfying.
5. Corn on the Cob – Grilled or boiled, corn is sweet and complements BBQ flavors well.
6. Fried Green Tomatoes – A Southern classic that brings tanginess to balance the meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Oven Baked Ribs, avoiding common pitfalls can ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

• Skipping the membrane removal: Not removing the thin membrane on the back of the ribs can lead to tough textures. Always pull it off for better flavor absorption.
• Using too much spice: Overdoing the rub can overwhelm the meat’s natural flavors. Start with a moderate amount and adjust according to your taste.
• Not covering while baking: Leaving the ribs uncovered can dry them out. Ensure you tightly cover them with foil during the initial cooking phase for moisture retention.
• Ignoring cooking times: Each type of rib cooks differently. Stick to the recommended times for Baby Back or St. Louis style ribs to avoid undercooking or overcooking.
• Rushing the resting period: Cutting into ribs right after cooking can release juices, making them dry. Allow at least 10 minutes for resting before slicing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Make sure ribs are completely cooled before sealing them.

Freezing Oven Baked Ribs

• Wrap ribs tightly in aluminum foil or freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
• Label with the date so you remember when they were frozen.

Reheating Oven Baked Ribs

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place ribs in a covered dish, and heat for about 20 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place ribs on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, add a splash of BBQ sauce, and cover until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Oven Baked Ribs:

How long do Oven Baked Ribs take to cook?

Oven Baked Ribs typically take between 2.5 to 3.5 hours depending on the type of rib you are using.

Can I use other sauces besides BBQ?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different marinades or glazes to customize your Oven Baked Ribs.

What type of ribs are best for this recipe?

Baby back ribs and St. Louis style ribs both work well for this Oven Baked Ribs recipe.

How do I know when my ribs are done?

Look for meat pulling away from the bone and fork-tender texture. This indicates that your Oven Baked Ribs are ready.

Can I make these ribs spicy?

Yes! Adjusting the amount of chili powder in your rib rub will allow you to control the spiciness level of your Oven Baked Ribs.

Final Thoughts

Oven Baked Ribs are not only easy to prepare but also incredibly flavorful and satisfying. These tender ribs fall off the bone and can be customized with various sauces and spices, making them perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy delicious homemade BBQ at its finest!