Baking ribs in the oven is a tasty way to enjoy this classic barbecue fare without firing up the grill. With the right technique, oven-baked ribs can be fall-off-the-bone tender and delicious. Here’s a step-by-step guide to baking perfect ribs indoors.
Ingredients
- Pork spare ribs or baby back ribs
- Barbecue rub
- Barbecue sauce
- Aluminum foil
Instructions
Prepare the Ribs
- Choose the type of ribs you want to bake. Pork spare ribs have more fat and connective tissue so they’re ideal for low and slow oven baking. Baby back ribs are more tender and cook faster.
- Remove the thin membrane from the bone side of the ribs. This will allow the rub and sauce to penetrate the meat better.
- Generously season both sides of the ribs with a dry barbecue rub. Let them sit for 10-20 minutes so the seasoning can soak in.
Bake the Ribs
- Preheat the oven to 300°F.
- Place the seasoned ribs in a roasting pan or rimmed baking sheet. Make sure the meaty side is facing up.
- Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil. The foil will lock in moisture and steam the ribs as they bake.
- Bake for 2-3 hours until the ribs are very tender. Check them periodically and add more liquid to the pan if needed to prevent burning.
Finish the Ribs
- Carefully remove the foil cover. The ribs should be very tender and pulling away from the bone.
- Brush the ribs liberally with barbecue sauce. Use tongs to turn and coat both sides.
- Bake uncovered for 15-20 more minutes until the sauce caramelizes.
- Let the ribs rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips
- Add apple juice, beer, broth or water to the roasting pan. This will keep the ribs moist and tender.
- Finish the ribs on the grill for crispy edges and smoky flavor.
- Try different rubs like brown sugar, chili powder or Cajun seasoning.
- Vary the sauces – tomato-based, mustard-based, vinegar-based.
- Slice the ribs between the bones to serve as individual ribs.
- Leftover baked ribs make amazing sandwiches.
Baking ribs in the oven may take longer than grilling but the results are restaurant-quality tender and delicious. With the right preparation, seasonings and cooking time, oven-baked ribs are a surefire hit. Adjust the technique to suit your schedule – bake them low and slow for ultimate tenderness or finish them quickly under the broiler. In about 3 hours, you can enjoy melt-in-your-mouth ribs without any grilling required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best temperature to bake ribs in the oven?
The ideal oven temperature for baking ribs is between 250°F and 300°F. This low, slow heat gently breaks down the collagen in the ribs to make them incredibly tender.
How long does it take to bake ribs in the oven?
At 250°F-300°F, ribs take about 2-3 hours to become fork tender. Baby back ribs may only need 2 hours while meatier spare ribs can bake for up to 3 hours.
Should the ribs be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the ribs tightly with aluminum foil while they bake. This locks in moisture and allows them to steam in their own juices for maximum tenderness. Uncover at the end to crisp them up.
What liquid should be added to the baking pan?
Apple juice, beer, broth or water can all be used to keep the ribs moist. About 1-2 cups of liquid is needed for a full rack of ribs.
How do you know when the ribs are done?
Check for tenderness periodically by poking the ribs with a fork. They should be very tender and pulling away from the bone when fully cooked.
Can you finish baking ribs on the grill?
Absolutely! After oven baking, move the ribs to a hot grill to caramelize the sauce and get crispy edges. Just a few minutes per side is needed.
What sides go well with oven-baked ribs?
Baked beans, coleslaw, cornbread, mac and cheese, potato salad and cornbread are all classic rib pairings.
Can you reheat leftover baked ribs?
Yes, leftover ribs can be reheated in the oven or on the grill. Moisten them with sauce and wrap in foil to reheat gently until warm throughout.
Conclusion
Baking fall-off-the-bone tender ribs in the oven is easy with the right technique. Allow 2-3 hours of baking time, keep them moist, and finish with barbecue sauce for finger-licking results. Once you master the basics, experiment with different rubs, sauces and rib styles. Oven-baked ribs make for a great family dinner or casual backyard barbecue any time of year.