Savory Oven-Baked Barbecue Ribs
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Savory Oven-Baked Barbecue Ribs. Perfectly tender and infused with rich flavors, these ribs are a family favorite that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you choose baby back or regular pork ribs, the slow baking process ensures that each bite melts in your mouth. The homemade rub combines light brown sugar, hickory smoked salt, and spices to create a sweet and smoky flavor that harmonizes beautifully with your favorite barbecue sauce. Just imagine, a tender rack of ribs coated in a sticky glaze, broiled to perfection or grilled for that classic BBQ finish. This recipe is not just about food; it’s about creating cherished memories with your family around the table. Your loved ones will keep asking for more, and you’ll be proud to serve this delicious dish for every gathering, celebration, or weeknight dinner.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork Ribs
4 lbs (Membrane removed)
Light Brown Sugar
3/4 cup
Hickory Smoke Salt
1 teaspoon (or 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons liquid smoke if unavailable)
Paprika
1 tablespoon
Garlic Powder
1 tablespoon
Ground Red Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (optional)
Barbecue Sauce
2 cups (Your favorite variety (Sweet Baby Ray's recommended))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Line a large baking sheet with two layers of aluminum foil, shiny side out.
2
Carefully peel off the tough membrane covering the bony side of the ribs. This helps to make the ribs more tender and flavorful.
3
Season both sides of the ribs liberally with salt and pepper. If you are using liquid smoke, drizzle it evenly over the ribs for enhanced flavor.
4
In a medium bowl, combine the light brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and ground red pepper (if using). Mix well to create a spice rub.
5
Apply the spice rub generously to all sides of the ribs, ensuring they are well-coated.
6
Place the ribs meaty side down on the prepared baking sheet, with the bone side facing up, to protect the meat while it cooks.
7
Cover the ribs with two layers of foil, sealing the edges tightly to keep all the moisture in during the baking process.
8
Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the meat has begun to pull away from the ends of the bones.
9
Once baked, remove the ribs from the oven and preheat your broiler on high.
10
Carefully cut the ribs into serving-sized portions of 2 or 3 ribs and place them on a broiler pan, with the bony side facing up.
11
Generously brush your favorite barbecue sauce over the ribs, covering them thoroughly.
12
Broil the ribs for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and caramelized. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
13
Carefully flip the ribs, brush with more sauce, and broil for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
14
For a smoky alternative, you can finish the ribs on the grill, cooking them on each side until the sauce is deeply caramelized and the flavors are well-developed.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recommended oven temperature for these ribs?
Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
How should I prepare the baking sheet for the ribs?
Line a large baking sheet with two layers of aluminum foil, shiny side out.
Do I need to remove the membrane from the pork ribs?
Yes, carefully peel off the tough membrane covering the bony side to make the ribs more tender and flavorful.
What is the first step in seasoning the ribs?
Season both sides of the ribs liberally with salt and pepper.
Can I add a smoky flavor without hickory smoke salt?
Yes, you can drizzle 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons of liquid smoke evenly over the ribs instead.
What ingredients are in the spice rub?
The rub consists of light brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and optional ground red pepper.
How should I apply the spice rub?
Apply the spice rub generously to all sides of the ribs, ensuring they are well-coated.
Which side of the ribs should face down during baking?
Place the ribs meaty side down on the prepared baking sheet with the bone side facing up.
How should I cover the ribs before putting them in the oven?
Cover the ribs with two layers of foil, sealing the edges tightly to keep all the moisture in.
How long do the ribs need to bake?
Bake the ribs in the oven for 2 to 2.5 hours.
How do I know when the ribs are finished baking?
The meat will begin to pull away from the ends of the bones.
What setting should I use to finish the ribs after baking?
Remove the ribs from the oven and preheat your broiler on high.
How should the ribs be cut before broiling?
Carefully cut the ribs into serving-sized portions of 2 or 3 ribs.
How do I prepare the ribs for the broiler?
Place them on a broiler pan with the bony side up and generously brush with barbecue sauce.
How long should I broil the ribs?
Broil for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and caramelized, then flip and repeat.
Is there an alternative to using the broiler?
Yes, you can finish the ribs on the grill until the sauce is deeply caramelized.
What type of ribs can be used for this recipe?
You can use either baby back or regular pork ribs.
How many pounds of ribs does this recipe require?
This recipe requires 4 lbs of pork ribs.
How much light brown sugar is used in the rub?
The rub requires 3/4 cup of light brown sugar.
How much barbecue sauce is needed?
You will need 2 cups of your favorite barbecue sauce.
Is there a specific brand of barbecue sauce recommended?
Sweet Baby Ray's is a recommended variety for this recipe.
How much paprika is included in the spice mix?
The spice rub uses 1 tablespoon of paprika.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of garlic powder.
Is the ground red pepper mandatory?
No, the 1/2 teaspoon of ground red pepper is optional.
How much hickory smoke salt is required?
Use 1 teaspoon of hickory smoke salt.
What is the purpose of the foil layers?
They protect the meat, seal in moisture, and help the ribs become tender during the slow bake.
What is the flavor profile of this rib recipe?
The recipe creates a sweet and smoky flavor that harmonizes with the sticky glaze.
Why should I watch the ribs closely during broiling?
The high heat can quickly burn the barbecue sauce if left too long.
Can these ribs be served for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, they are a great option for a delicious weeknight dinner, gathering, or celebration.
What makes these ribs a family favorite?
The combination of tender meat and a rich, savory homemade rub makes them highly enjoyable.