Perfectly Tender BBQ Ribs in the Oven Recipe

Introduction

These perfectly tender BBQ ribs are slow-baked in the oven to juicy, fall-off-the-bone perfection. A flavorful dry rub combined with a sticky, sweet, and tangy sauce creates a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to impress without needing a grill.

Ingredients

• 1 rack baby back ribs (membrane removed)
• 2 tbsp yellow mustard (to help the rub stick)
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (for caramelization)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (for tanginess)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
2. Step 2: Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs to allow better seasoning absorption and tenderness.
3. Step 3: Spread a thin layer of yellow mustard over both sides of the ribs to help the dry rub adhere.
4. Step 4: In a bowl, mix smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. Generously coat both sides of the ribs with this dry rub.
5. Step 5: Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Step 6: Bake in the oven for 2.5 to 3 hours until the ribs are tender and cooked through.
7. Step 7: Meanwhile, combine the BBQ sauce, honey (or maple syrup), and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl for the finishing glaze.
8. Step 8: Carefully remove the ribs from the oven and brush them generously with the BBQ sauce mixture.
9. Step 9: Place the ribs under the broiler for 5-7 minutes, watching closely, until the sauce caramelizes and bubbles.
10. Step 10: Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before slicing into portions and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra smoky flavor, add a pinch of liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce or use smoked paprika in the rub.
• Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level or omit it for a milder taste.
• Try using apple juice instead of apple cider vinegar in the sauce for a sweeter glaze.
• Wrap the ribs in foil with a splash of apple juice to keep them moist during baking.
• If you don’t have a broiler, finish the ribs under a hot grill or in a very hot oven to caramelize the sauce.

Storage

Store leftover ribs tightly wrapped in foil or airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) covered with foil to keep them moist. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the meat. For longer storage, ribs can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use baby back ribs without removing the membrane?

Removing the membrane helps seasonings penetrate better and results in more tender ribs. While not mandatory, it’s recommended for the best texture and flavor.

What if I don’t have a broiler to caramelize the sauce?

If your oven lacks a broiler, you can place the ribs in a very hot oven (around 450°F/230°C) for a few minutes or use a grill set to high heat to caramelize the sauce. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

Perfectly Tender BBQ Ribs in the Oven Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 93 reviews

• Author: Ethan
• Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Enjoy perfectly tender and flavorful baby back ribs baked slowly in the oven, coated with a smoky, sweet, and tangy BBQ sauce. This recipe ensures fall-off-the-bone ribs with a delicious caramelized glaze, achieved through slow baking and finishing under the broiler for a mouthwatering crust.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ribs and Rub

• 1 rack baby back ribs (membrane removed)
• 2 tbsp yellow mustard (to help the rub stick)
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

BBQ Sauce Glaze

• 1 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (for caramelization)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (for tanginess)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to ensure easy cleanup.
2. Prepare Ribs: Carefully remove the membrane from the back of the ribs to allow better penetration of the seasoning and improve tenderness.
3. Apply Mustard: Spread a thin layer of yellow mustard evenly over both sides of the ribs; this helps the dry rub adhere to the meat.
4. Mix and Apply Rub: In a bowl, mix smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper if using. Generously coat both sides of the ribs with this dry rub mixture.
5. Wrap Ribs: Tightly wrap the seasoned ribs in aluminum foil to lock in moisture and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake Low and Slow: Bake the ribs in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the meat is tender and pulls away easily from the bones.
7. Prepare BBQ Glaze: While the ribs bake, mix the BBQ sauce, honey or maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl to create a tangy-sweet glaze.
8. Glaze Ribs: Carefully remove the ribs from the oven and unwrap the foil. Brush the ribs generously with the BBQ glaze on all sides.
9. Broil for Caramelization: Turn your oven to broil. Place the glazed ribs under the broiler for 5-7 minutes, watching closely, until the sauce caramelizes and forms a sticky, delicious crust.
10. Rest and Serve: Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the juices redistribute. Slice between the bones and serve hot.

Notes

• Removing the membrane from the ribs is key for tender ribs and better flavor absorption.
• The yellow mustard is used solely as a binder for the rub and does not add a strong mustard flavor.
• Adjust cayenne pepper based on your preferred spice level or omit for mild ribs.
• Use homemade or your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce to customize the flavor profile.
• Broiling at the end caramelizes the sauce but watch closely to prevent burning.
• Letting the ribs rest after cooking enhances juiciness and tenderness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: BBQ ribs, oven ribs, baby back ribs, tender ribs, smoked paprika rub, caramelized ribs, baking ribs, easy BBQ recipe