There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a perfectly cooked rib: tender meat, bursting with savory flavor, easily pulling away from the bone. While grilling is often the go-to for ribs, sometimes you want that consistent, fall-off-the-bone tenderness without the outdoor fuss. That’s where these Tender Oven Baked Ribs come in! This recipe takes all the guesswork out of achieving unbelievably juicy and flavorful ribs right in your own kitchen. It’s a low and slow method that guarantees mouth-watering results every time.

Why I Love This Recipe

I’ve made a lot of ribs in my day, and this oven-baked method has become my absolute favorite for its sheer simplicity and consistent results. You don’t need a smoker, a grill, or even perfect weather – just your oven and a little patience. The low and slow cooking process ensures the ribs become incredibly tender, practically melting in your mouth.

What truly sets this recipe apart for me is the foolproof nature of it. The dry rub provides a fantastic base of flavor, allowing the spices to penetrate the meat as it slowly cooks. Then, a final brush of BBQ sauce caramelizes to perfection, adding that signature sticky, sweet, and tangy finish. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that always gets rave reviews, and it’s surprisingly hands-off once the ribs are in the oven.

---

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create your own batch of perfectly tender oven-baked ribs:

• 2 racks of baby back ribs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce of your choice

Swaps and Notes

• Ribs: While baby back ribs are fantastic for this recipe, you can also use spare ribs. Just note that spare ribs are larger and may require an additional 30-60 minutes of baking time.
• Spice Rub: Feel free to adjust the spice rub to your preference. If you like more heat, increase the cayenne. For a smokier flavor, add a touch of smoked paprika.
• BBQ Sauce: This is where you can truly personalize your ribs! Use your favorite brand, whether it’s a sweet, smoky, tangy, or spicy variety. You can even make your own if you’re feeling ambitious.
• Olive Oil: Any neutral oil will work here to help the rub adhere to the ribs.
• No Brown Sugar? You can substitute with granulated sugar, but brown sugar adds a nice molasses note that caramelizes beautifully.

---

Instructions

Getting these ribs to fall off the bone is simpler than you might think. Just follow these steps:

1. Prep the Ribs: First things first, preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). This low temperature is key for tenderness. Now, for the secret to truly tender ribs: remove the thin membrane from the bone side of the ribs. This membrane can be tough and chewy if left on. To do this, slide a small knife under the membrane at one end of the rack, lift it up, and then use a paper towel to grip it firmly and pull it off in one smooth motion. It should come off easily.
2. Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). This is your flavorful dry rub! Drizzle olive oil evenly over both sides of each rack of ribs, then generously coat the ribs with the spice mix, massaging it into the meat. Don’t be shy here!
3. Wrap and Bake: Lay out a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil (or a double layer of regular foil) on a baking sheet. Place one rack of seasoned ribs on the foil, bone side down. Wrap the ribs tightly in the foil, sealing all edges to create a steamy environment inside. Repeat with the second rack. Place the foil-wrapped ribs on the baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 2.5 to 3 hours. The ribs are ready when the meat is incredibly tender and easily pulls away from the bones.
4. Baste with BBQ Sauce: Carefully remove the ribs from the oven and open the foil packets (watch out for the steam!). Increase your oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Generously brush both sides of the ribs with your chosen BBQ sauce.
5. Caramelize and Serve: Place the sauced ribs back on the baking sheet (uncovered this time) and return them to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes. This high heat blast will caramelize the BBQ sauce, creating that delicious sticky glaze.
6. Rest and Slice: Once the sauce is caramelized, remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender and flavorful ribs. Finally, slice between the bones and serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side if desired.

---

Tips for Success

• Don’t Skip the Membrane Removal: Seriously, this step makes a huge difference in the tenderness of your ribs. It’s easy once you get the hang of it!
• Wrap Tightly: A tight foil wrap is essential for steaming the ribs and keeping them moist and tender during the long bake.
• Low and Slow is Key: Resist the urge to crank up the heat to speed up the process. The low oven temperature is crucial for breaking down the tough connective tissues in the ribs.
• Generous Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to apply a good amount of the dry rub. It’s where a lot of the flavor comes from.
• Resting Time: Just like a good steak, letting the ribs rest for a few minutes after baking ensures they stay juicy when sliced.

---

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These tender oven-baked ribs are a fantastic centerpiece for any meal, perfect for a casual dinner or a backyard gathering.

• Classic BBQ Sides: Serve them with classic cookout sides like coleslaw, potato salad, cornbread, or baked beans.
• Vegetable Sides: Roasted corn on the cob, grilled asparagus, or a simple green salad are great complements.
• Hearty Main Meal: If you’re looking for other comforting, satisfying meals, consider pairing these ribs with my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit for a truly hearty spread.
• Southern Comfort Pairing: For a full Southern comfort experience, you could even serve these alongside my This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort.

---

Storage and Leftover Tips

Leftover ribs are always a treat!

• Storage: Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, you can wrap them in foil and warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions until warm.
• Freezing: Cooked ribs can be frozen! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

---

More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed these tender oven-baked ribs, here are a few other comforting and crowd-pleasing recipes you might want to try:

• For another easy, delicious meal that’s perfect for feeding a group, check out This Walking Taco Bar Is My Favorite No-Fuss Way to Feed a Crowd.
• If you’re a fan of comforting, hearty dishes, my This Tomato Skillet With Okra And Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed With Southern Flavor is a fantastic option.
• And for another effortless baked dish, don’t miss These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food For Lazy Sundays.

---

Final Thoughts

These Tender Oven Baked Ribs are a testament to how simple techniques can yield truly spectacular results. Forget the grill for a day and let your oven do the work, creating fall-off-the-bone ribs that are juicy, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress. It’s a low-stress way to enjoy one of the ultimate comfort foods.

Have you tried any secret ingredients in your rib rub? I’d love to hear your tips and tricks in the comments below! And be sure to check out Chef Maniac for more recipes that make cooking delicious meals easy and fun.