How to Cook BBQ Ribs in the Oven

Cooking delicious barbecue ribs in the oven is easier than you think! With the right techniques, seasonings and cooking times, you can make tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs in your own oven. Here is our complete guide on how to cook bbq ribs in oven for finger-licking results.

Introduction

Barbecue ribs are a classic summertime favorite. The tender, juicy meat slathered in sticky-sweet barbecue sauce is an irresistible treat. While grilling and smoking are traditional preparation methods, you can also make amazing oven-baked ribs right in your own kitchen.

Cooking ribs in the oven has several advantages:

• It’s more convenient than monitoring a grill or smoker for hours. Simply pop the ribs in the oven and check on them occasionally.
• Oven cooking allows you to braise the ribs in liquid for extra moisture and flavor.
• You have more control over the temperature and cook times. This lets you perfect the tenderness of the meat.
• There’s less mess and cleanup than outdoor cooking methods.

With the right seasonings, sauce and cooking technique, oven ribs can be just as mouthwateringly delicious. Follow the steps below for tender, fall-off-the-bone bbq ribs you’ll love.

How to Choose the Best Ribs for Oven Cooking

Choosing the right type of ribs is the first step for oven success:

Baby Back Ribs

• From the upper ribs near the spine.
• Typically more tender and lean.
• Shorter cooking time.
• Can be pricier than spare ribs.

Spare Ribs

• From the belly/side section.
• More fat and connective tissue.
• Need longer cooking to get tender.
• More affordable.

Other Cuts

• Beef short ribs: Marbled with fat; braise for tenderness.
• Country-style ribs: Meatier; can be cooked like spare ribs.

For oven ribs, we recommend baby backs for their tenderness or spare ribs for their rich flavor. You can also mix it up and try different cuts to see which you prefer!

How to Prepare Ribs for Oven Cooking

Proper prep is important for oven ribs with great texture:

• Remove membrane: The thin membrane on the back of the ribs can shrink and curl them when cooking. Use a knife to loosen it, then pull it off.
• Season generously: Rub spice blends or dry rubs all over the meat for flavor.
• Rest for 30 minutes: Letting the ribs sit allows the spices and salt to penetrate the meat.
• Coat with sauce (optional): Quickly coating the ribs in sauce helps the flavors set in before cooking.

Now the ribs are ready for the oven!

How to Cook Ribs in the Oven

Oven cooking is done in two stages:

Stage 1) Low and slow cooking to tenderize the meat.

Stage 2) Quickly glazing them with sauce under the broiler.

Follow these steps for finger-licking oven bbq ribs:

Stage 1 – Braise the Ribs

• Heat oven to 300°F. Place ribs meaty side up in a roasting pan or baking dish.
• For baby backs – Add 1⁄2 cup water or broth to the bottom of the pan.
• For spare ribs – Add 1 cup of water or broth.
• Tightly cover pan with foil. The liquid will steam the ribs as they cook.
• Cook for 1 1⁄2 – 2 hours for baby backs, or 2 1⁄2 – 3 hours for spare ribs. Check tenderness periodically by poking the meat with tongs. The ribs are done when very tender but not quite falling off the bone.
• Carefully remove the foil and drain or blot any excess liquid. Keep ribs in the pan.

Stage 2 – Broil the Ribs

• Increase oven heat to broil on high. Position oven rack 6 inches from heating element.
• Brush ribs all over with barbecue sauce. For extra flavor, try adding spices to the sauce.
• Broil ribs until sauce caramelizes and chars slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
• For extra saucy ribs, brush with a second layer of sauce in the last 2 minutes of broiling.
• Let ribs rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Then dig in!

The two-stage cooking method ensures the ribs become completely tender and take on delicious charred flavor from the broiler.

Seasonings and Sauces for Oven Ribs

One of the great things about oven ribs is you can flavor them any way you like.

Dry Rubs

Coat ribs with dry spice blends before cooking for tasty bark and flavor that permeates the meat. Good rubs for ribs:

• Brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, garlic and onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper.
• Memphis style – Lots of brown sugar and paprika.
• Texas style – Chili powder, cumin, black pepper, garlic, cayenne.
• Kansas City style – Brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic, mustard, cumin.

Wet Mops and Sauces

Basting ribs as they cook keeps the meat moist and adds sauce flavor. Good mop “sauces”:

• Apple juice, vinegar, oil, garlic, onion, herbs.
• Beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup.

For glazing at the end, use your favorite barbecue sauce or make your own. Sauce ideas:

• KC Classic – Molasses, ketchup, brown sugar, garlic, spices.
• Carolina Mustard – Yellow mustard, vinegar, brown sugar, spices.
• Asian – Hoisin, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger.

Experiment to find your perfect oven rib flavors!

Oven Rib Cooking Times

Rib type and thickness determine the oven cooking times needed. Check for doneness periodically to avoid over or undercooking.

• Baby back ribs – 1.5 to 2.5 hours
• 1.5 lbs – 1.5 to 2 hours
• 2 – 2.5 lbs – 1.75 to 2.25 hours
• Spare ribs – 2.5 to 3.5 hours
• 3 lbs – 2.5 to 3 hours
• 4 lbs – 3 to 3.5 hours
• Beef short ribs – 2.5 to 3.5 hours

Use a meat thermometer for the most accurate doneness – ribs are perfect around 195°F to 205°F.

If the ribs aren’t getting tender enough, tent them with foil and cook for 15-30 minutes longer. This traps steam and finishes the cooking process.

Oven Rib Cooking Tips

• Cook times can vary based on rib thickness, marbling and your oven. Get to know your oven’s hot and cold spots for the best results.
• Add apple juice, beer, cola or broth to the baking pan for extra moisture.
• Flip ribs halfway during braising for even cooking.
• Let ribs rest after cooking for best flavor.
• Leftover ribs keep well refrigerated for 4-5 days. Reheat gently or use for dishes like rib sandwiches.
• Oven ribs can come out a little less crispy than grilled. For crispy texture, baste with sauce then broil until caramelized.
• If ribs are done but sauce needs more time to caramelize, remove ribs and keep warm while sauce broils 2-3 minutes more.
• Burnt sauce from broiling? Mop it up with some reserved sauce, apple juice or stock before serving.

Oven BBQ Rib Recipes to Try

The basic oven rib method above lets you flavor the ribs any way you like. Here are some yummy recipe ideas:

Sweet Chili Ribs

• Rub – Brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder
• Glaze – Chili sauce, honey, lime juice, cilantro

Memphis Dry Rub Oven Ribs

• Rub – Brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, dry mustard
• Sauce – Ketchup, vinegar, Worcestershire, mustard, brown sugar

Korean BBQ Short Ribs

• Marinade – Soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, gochujang
• Glaze – Gochujang, honey, garlic, sesame seeds

Guava BBQ Spare Ribs

• Rub – Salt, brown sugar, cumin, oregano, garlic powder
• Baste – Guava juice, oil, cilantro, lime juice
• Glaze – Guava jelly, ketchup, vinegar, garlic powder

Mix and match your favorite flavors to create your signature oven ribs!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Ribs in the Oven

Should ribs be cooked covered or uncovered in the oven?

It’s best to cover oven ribs with foil when braising in the first stage. The foil traps steam from the liquid to tenderize the meat and keep it moist. Remove foil before broiling to allow sauce to caramelize.

Do you put water in the pan when cooking ribs in the oven?

Yes, adding water, broth, juice or even beer to the baking pan is recommended. Around 1⁄2 – 1 cup of liquid steams the ribs from below as they cook, ensuring tender and juicy results.

Should oven ribs be cooked fat side up or down?

For best results, place ribs meaty side up in the oven. This shields the leaner meat from drying out. The fat will naturally baste the meat as it renders.

How can you tell when oven ribs are done?

Check for tenderness by poking the ribs with tongs or a fork. They should start to tear apart slightly. Use a meat thermometer for the most accuracy – ribs are perfect around 195°F to 205°F.

Is it better to bake ribs at a higher or lower temp?

Lower oven temps of 250°F to 300°F are best for braising ribs. The slow cooking tenderizes the meat and collagen without drying it out. You can finish at a higher broil temp to caramelize the sauce.

How long does it take to cook ribs at 350 degrees?

At 350°F, baby back ribs take about 1.5 to 2 hours to become tender, while spare ribs take 2 to 2.5 hours. Check frequently and reduce temp if ribs start drying out.

Should you wrap ribs in foil when baking?

Wrapping ribs in foil halfway through braising helps speed up cooking, as the foil traps steam. But ribs will come out more tender if the foil is removed in the second stage for sauce caramelizing.

Can you cook ribs from frozen?

It’s best to thaw ribs fully before cooking for food safety, moisture retention and even cooking. If needed, frozen ribs can be baked at a lower 250°F for 1-2 hours until thawed, then continue oven cooking.

Get Perfectly Cooked Oven Barbecue Ribs

BBQ ribs don’t have to be left to the grill – you can make them easily in your own oven. With the right prep, seasoning, sauce and cooking technique, oven ribs come out incredibly moist, tender and full of finger-licking flavor. Once you master the method, you can adapt your favorite flavors for ribs everyone will devour. Fire up the oven and enjoy juicy, barbecue goodness anytime!