Oven Baked Ribs

These Oven Baked Ribs are perfect for any gathering, offering a deliciously smoky flavor and tender meat that practically falls off the bone. With just 5 minutes of prep time, they are an easy choice for weeknight dinners or weekend barbecues. The homemade dry rub adds a unique twist to traditional recipes, making them a standout dish at any table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Prep Time: Just 5 minutes to get these ribs ready for the oven.
• Fall-Off-The-Bone Tenderness: Slow baking ensures that the meat becomes incredibly tender and juicy.
• Flavorful Dry Rub: A blend of spices enhances the natural flavors of the ribs without overpowering them.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as a main course, or slice them up for appetizers at your next party.
• Easy Cleanup: Wrapping in foil simplifies cleanup, leaving you more time to enjoy your meal.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready makes the preparation smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Aluminum foil
• Mixing bowl
• Basting brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Provides a stable surface for baking and collects any drippings.
• Aluminum foil: Helps retain moisture and flavor while cooking, ensuring tender ribs.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining the dry rub ingredients evenly.
• Basting brush: Perfect for applying barbecue sauce evenly over the cooked ribs.

Ingredients

To make these mouth-watering Oven Baked Ribs, you will need:

For the Ribs

• 3-4 pounds baby back ribs (membrane removed)

For the Dry Rub

• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 teaspoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons seasoning salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For Serving

• ½ cup barbecue sauce

How to Make Oven Baked Ribs

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F. This low temperature is perfect for slow cooking and allows the flavors to develop fully.

Step 2: Prepare the Ribs

Trim the membrane from the back of the ribs. This step is crucial as it allows seasonings to penetrate better and helps in achieving tenderness.

Step 3: Combine Seasoning

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. Brown sugar
2. Chili powder
3. Seasoning salt
4. Garlic powder
5. Onion powder
6. Black pepper

Step 4: Apply Seasoning

Rub the seasoning mixture all over both sides of the ribs. Ensure an even coating for maximum flavor.

Step 5: Wrap in Foil

Wrap each rack of ribs completely in aluminum foil. This method locks in steam, keeping your ribs moist during baking.

Step 6: Bake

Place wrapped ribs on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 2-3 hours. Check at:
– 2 hours for ribs weighing 2-3 pounds.
– 2.5 hours for ribs weighing 3-4 pounds.

The ribs are done when they easily pull away from the bone.

Step 7: Finish with BBQ Sauce

Remove from oven and brush with barbecue sauce. If desired, broil at 475 degrees F for an additional 3-4 minutes to crisp up the top slightly before serving. Enjoy!

How to Serve Oven Baked Ribs

Oven Baked Ribs are a delicious main course that can be paired with various sides and garnishes to enhance the meal. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

With Classic Coleslaw

• Crisp and Creamy: A fresh coleslaw adds crunch and a creamy texture that complements the tender ribs perfectly.

Pair with Cornbread

• Sweet and Savory: Moist cornbread is a delightful addition, providing a slightly sweet contrast to the savory flavors of the ribs.

Serve with Grilled Vegetables

• Colorful and Healthy: Grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn add vibrant colors and nutrients to your plate.

Accompany with Potato Salad

• Hearty and Filling: A creamy potato salad balances the richness of the ribs and makes for a satisfying side dish.

How to Perfect Oven Baked Ribs

For perfectly tender and flavorful Oven Baked Ribs, follow these tips to ensure they turn out great every time.

• Start with Quality Ribs: Choose fresh baby back ribs from a reputable source for the best flavor and tenderness.
• Remove the Membrane: Always remove the tough membrane from the back of the ribs for better seasoning absorption and tenderness.
• Use a Generous Rub: Don’t be shy with your dry rub; apply it liberally on all sides for maximum flavor.
• Low and Slow Cooking: Bake at a low temperature (300°F) for several hours to allow the meat to become tender without drying out.
• Broil for Finish: For an extra crispy layer, broil the ribs for a few minutes after adding BBQ sauce to achieve that caramelized finish.

Best Side Dishes for Oven Baked Ribs

Complement your Oven Baked Ribs with these delicious side dishes that enhance the overall meal experience.

1. Baked Beans: Rich and hearty, baked beans bring a sweet and smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with savory ribs.
2. Macaroni Salad: Creamy macaroni salad offers a comforting side that’s perfect for soaking up any extra BBQ sauce.
3. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned grilled asparagus provides a fresh, crunchy contrast to rich, meaty ribs.
4. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob is always a favorite; grill it for added flavor or boil it for simplicity.
5. Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread is perfect for mopping up sauce while adding buttery goodness to your meal.
6. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with spices make an excellent finger food alongside your ribs.
7. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad brings crisp romaine with creamy dressing, offering brightness against hearty ribs.
8. Sweet Potato Fries: These provide a sweet touch along with crunchiness that nicely contrasts with savory meat flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Oven Baked Ribs turn out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.

• Skipping the membrane removal: Failing to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs can result in chewy and tough meat. Always peel this thin layer away for tender ribs.
• Not seasoning enough: Many people make the mistake of under-seasoning their ribs. Be generous with your dry rub to maximize flavor. Don’t be shy; cover every inch!
• Incorrect cooking time: Overcooking or undercooking can lead to undesirable results. Follow the recommended cooking times based on the weight of your ribs to achieve that fall-off-the-bone texture.
• Forgetting to baste: If you skip basting with BBQ sauce before broiling, you might miss out on a rich, caramelized coating. Brush on sauce for that perfect finish!
• Using the wrong oven temperature: Cooking at too high a temperature can dry out the meat. Stick to 300 degrees F for optimal tenderness and juiciness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover ribs in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Oven Baked Ribs

• Wrap ribs tightly in foil or plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Frozen ribs are best used within 2-3 months for optimal taste and texture.

Reheating Oven Baked Ribs

• Oven: Preheat to 250 degrees F, cover with foil, and reheat for about 20-30 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place ribs in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low, covered, for about 10-15 minutes, adding a splash of broth if necessary to keep them moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Oven Baked Ribs.

How do I know when my Oven Baked Ribs are done?

The ribs are ready when they pull easily away from the bone. This indicates they are tender and fully cooked.

Can I use different types of meat for this recipe?

Yes! While this recipe is for baby back ribs, you can also use beef or lamb ribs. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on thickness.

What can I serve with Oven Baked Ribs?

Oven Baked Ribs pair well with sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread to complete your meal.

How long do Oven Baked Ribs take to cook?

Cooking time varies based on rib size. Typically, they take between 2-3 hours at 300 degrees F.

Can I make my own BBQ sauce?

Absolutely! Homemade BBQ sauce can enhance flavor. Experiment with various ingredients like honey or fruit juices for unique tastes.

Final Thoughts

These Oven Baked Ribs are not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them by experimenting with different spices and sauces. Whether it’s a family dinner or a backyard gathering, these flavorful ribs are sure to impress. Try them today!

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Oven Baked Ribs

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• Author: Dian
• Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

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Description

Indulge in the savory delight of Oven Baked Ribs, a dish that brings together tender, juicy meat and a smoky flavor profile that everyone will love. Perfect for gatherings or casual weeknight dinners, these ribs are coated with a homemade dry rub that enhances their natural goodness without overwhelming it. With only five minutes of prep time and easy cleanup thanks to aluminum foil, you’ll have more time to enjoy your meal. Whether served as a main dish or sliced into bite-sized appetizers, these flavorful ribs are sure to impress.

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Ingredients

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• 3–4 pounds baby back ribs (membrane removed)
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 teaspoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons seasoning salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup barbecue sauce

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F.
2. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for better tenderness.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, chili powder, seasoning salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
4. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly on both sides of the ribs.
5. Wrap each rack tightly in aluminum foil to lock in moisture.
6. Place wrapped ribs on a baking sheet and bake for 2-3 hours based on weight.
7. After baking, brush with barbecue sauce and broil at 475 degrees F for an extra crispy finish.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 150 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 rib (about 150g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 80mg