Tender, fall-off-the-bone, Oven-Baked Ribs, covered in a spiced dry rub and drenched in barbecue sauce are weekend ready. These ribs are simple to prepare and perfect for gatherings at home or tailgating for games.
If you’re entertaining for a crowd then try this game day chili or this easy slow cooker pulled pork.
Oven-Baked Ribs
Backyard barbecues and big games are moments made for enjoying juicy and tender baby back ribs. This oven-baked version condenses the time and skill needed for smoking, without compromising the flavor.
How to Make a Dry Rub
In a small bowl mix the ingredients below together and use as a rub to gently press into the meat. For this recipe, you’ll have a little leftover, but not much.
- 1/2 cup Dark Brown Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Chili Powder
- 2 tablespoons Smoked Paprika
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 teaspoons Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Dry Mustard Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne
- 1/4 teaspoon Cumin
The leftover rub can be stored in a spice jar with a lid or air-tight container in your pantry.
How to Prepare Oven-Baked Ribs
Prep:
- Rinse the ribs in cold water and pat dry. Place them bone-side-up on a cutting board or clean surface.
- Trim away in excess fat, but not too much as you’ll want most to stay put for intense flavor.
- Remove the silver skin that runs alongside the bones. Using a knife, start at the wide end of the meat and pry the skin up. Pull away with your fingers or use a paper towel if the skin is too slippery.
Season:
- Brush the liquid smoke on both sides of the ribs.
- Prepare the rub and generously sprinkle onto both sides of the meat. Use your fingers to gently press some of the seasonings in.
- Tightly wrap the ribs, meat-side down, into heavy-duty aluminum foil. You can use two pieces of foil and roll all the edges tightly together.
Cook:
- Place the ribs on a rimmed baking sheet and cook at 275℉ for 2 hours to 2 1/2 hours.
- Remove from the oven and let sit for 15 minutes before opening the foil.
- Set the oven to BROIL and brush the ribs with barbecue sauce. Let cook for 2 to 4 minutes, or until the sauce begins to bubble.
What Sides to Serve with Ribs
Oven-Baked Ribs Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 lbs Baby Back Ribs 2 racks
- 1/4 cup Liquid Smoke
- 1 cup Barbecue Sauce
Dry Rub
- ½ cup Brown Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Chili Powder
- 2 tablespoons Paprika
- 1 tablespoons Salt
- 2 teaspoons Ground Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Mustard Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon Cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 275℉.
Prep
- Rinse the ribs in cold water and pat dry. Place them bone-side-up on a cutting board or clean surface. Trim away in excess fat, but not too much as you'll want most to stay put for intense flavor.
- Remove the silver skin that runs alongside the bones. Using a knife, start at the wide end of the meat and pry the skin up. Pull away with your fingers or use a paper towel if the skin is too slippery.
Season
- Brush the liquid smoke on both sides of the ribs.
- In a small bowl combine the dry rub ingredients and generously sprinkle onto both sides of the meat. Use your fingers to gently press some of the seasonings in.
- Tightly wrap the ribs, meat-side down, into heavy-duty aluminum foil. You can use two pieces of foil and roll all the edges tightly together to form a packet.
Cook
- Place the ribs on a rimmed baking sheet and cook at 275℉ for 2 hours to 2 1/2 hours. Remove from the oven and let sit for 15 minutes before opening the foil.
- Set the oven to BROIL and brush the ribs with barbecue sauce. Let cook for 2 to 4 minutes, or until the sauce begins to bubble.
The flavors in the dry rub make this mouth-watering, delicious. Good tip letting these rest in the foil outside the oven for 15 minutes before adding the sauce and broiling for just a couple minutes. Great idea – came out delicious. My kids were begging for more.