Tender Oven-Baked Ribs: Juicy, Flavorful, and Foolproof
When you want barbecue-style ribs without lighting up the grill, this Tender Oven-Baked Ribs recipe is your best bet. These ribs are seasoned to perfection, wrapped and slow-baked until they’re fall-off-the-bone tender, then finished with a sweet, sticky BBQ glaze that caramelizes in the oven. It’s everything you want in a rib—no smoker needed.
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s something about low-and-slow cooking that brings out the best in ribs. The brown sugar rub infuses the meat with smoky-sweet flavor, while the long oven bake makes the meat melt-in-your-mouth tender. It’s an easy, hands-off method that delivers restaurant-quality results right from your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 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)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce of your choice
Ingredient Notes & Swaps
- BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade—smoky, spicy, sweet, or tangy all work here.
- Spice It Up: Add chili powder or smoked paprika for extra depth.
- Make it Sticky: For a thick glaze, brush on extra BBQ sauce and broil for a few minutes after baking.
Instructions
1. Prep the Ribs
Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
Remove the silver skin membrane from the back of the ribs for maximum tenderness.
2. Season the Ribs
Mix together the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
Rub ribs with olive oil, then coat generously with the spice rub on all sides.
3. Wrap and Bake
Place each rack bone-side down on foil. Wrap tightly and place on a baking sheet.
Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours until the meat pulls away easily from the bones.
4. Sauce and Finish
Carefully unwrap the ribs and brush generously with BBQ sauce.
Increase oven temp to 400°F (200°C) and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes to caramelize.
5. Serve
Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before slicing between bones.
Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side and dig in.
Tips for Success
- Remove the Membrane: It makes a huge difference in texture.
- Low and Slow: Don’t rush the bake—275°F is perfect for tenderizing.
- Don’t Skip the Final Bake: This step gets you that sticky, flavorful BBQ crust.
- Foil Wrap Tightly: Keeps the ribs juicy and prevents drying out.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Round out your rib night with these fan-favorite companions:
- Beer Cheese Dip as a creamy, savory starter
- Blueberry Lemonade to balance the richness with fruity refreshment
- Easy Turkey Wings for a full-on comfort food spread
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a fun, cheesy side
- No-Bake Monster Cookie Energy Balls to end the meal on a sweet, snackable note
Storage & Leftover Tips
- Fridge: Store cooled ribs in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 300°F, covered with foil, until heated through. Add extra BBQ sauce if needed.
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Final Thoughts
These Tender Oven-Baked Ribs are proof that you don’t need a grill to enjoy juicy, BBQ-style ribs. Whether it’s game day, a backyard get-together, or just a lazy Sunday craving, this recipe brings serious flavor and comfort with very little fuss.
Give it a try and tag @chefmaniac to show off your BBQ magic. Follow for more crave-worthy dinners, comfort classics, and kitchen wins.
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