Introduction
Barbecue ribs are a classic summer delicacy enjoyed by backyard grill masters and professional pitmasters alike. When done right, ribs have fall-off-the-bone tender meat with a smoky, slightly charred bark. Baking ribs in the oven is an easy and delicious cooking method that produces juicy, flavorful results every time. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to bake mouthwatering bbq ribs right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- Pork spare ribs or baby back ribs
- BBQ rub of your choice
- BBQ sauce of your choice
- Aluminum foil
- Cooking spray or oil
Steps
Prepare the Ribs
- Rinse the ribs under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs by sliding a spoon underneath to loosen it. Pull it off slowly. This allows the seasonings and smoke to penetrate the meat better.
- Apply a generous layer of BBQ rub all over the ribs, ensuring they are evenly coated on both sides. Rub it into the meat.
- Let the ribs sit for 15-30 minutes to allow the rub to penetrate the meat. This develops flavor.
Bake the Ribs
- Preheat the oven to 300°F.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease it.
- Place the ribs meaty side up on the foil. Try not to overlap ribs.
- Create a rim by folding the aluminum foil around the edges to prevent juices from leaking.
- Bake for 2 hours, or until tender.
Finish on the Grill (Optional)
- For enhanced flavor, move the ribs to a hot grill for 5-10 minutes per side after baking. This allows the sugars in the rub to caramelize.
- Baste frequently with BBQ sauce during last few minutes on each side.
Baste and Serve
- During the last 10-15 minutes of baking, coat the ribs generously with BBQ sauce.
- Once done, let the ribs rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting into individual ribs.
- Serve warm with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
Tips
- Choose meaty, well-marbled ribs for best results.
- Remove silverskin membrane for tenderness.
- Apply rub generously and let penetrate meat before cooking.
- Use indirect heat on grill to avoid burning.
- Baste ribs with sauce at very end to prevent burning.
- Let ribs rest before cutting for juicier meat.
- Store leftovers for up to 4 days refrigerated. Reheat gently.
FAQs
What is the best oven temperature for baking ribs?
Between 250°F and 300°F is ideal. Low, indirect heat allows the ribs to cook slowly while remaining moist and tender. Avoid high temperatures which can dry out the meat.
How long should you bake ribs in the oven?
Most rib recipes call for baking 2-3 hours. Meaty spare ribs take longer than thinner back ribs. Check for tenderness periodically and continue baking if needed.
Should ribs be baked fat side up or down?
For even cooking and moisture, place the ribs meat or bone side down in a baking dish. The fat will baste the meat as it renders.
Can you bake ribs without foil?
It’s best to cover ribs with foil while baking to retain moisture. Uncover for the last 15-30 minutes if you want to crisp or char the exterior.
Should you wrap ribs in foil when baking?
Yes, wrapping ribs in foil while baking helps them steam and tenderize faster. The foil also prevents the ribs from drying out in the oven.
What barbecue sauce is best for baked ribs?
Choose a thick, sticky sweet and tangy sauce that will adhere well to ribs once baked. KC Masterpiece and Sweet Baby Ray’s are popular options.
Conclusion
Baking barbecue ribs in the oven produces finger-licking results every home cook will love. With the right ingredients, temperature, and cook time, you can enjoy juicy, smokey, fall-off-the-bone ribs without ever firing up the grill. Coat ribs generously with spice rub before baking, and finish with sticky barbecue sauce for added flavor. In just a few easy steps, you can be the star of your next backyard cookout.