This recipe transforms a rack of pork ribs into a tender, flavorful main course with minimal hands-on time, perfect for a cozy dinner or weekend gathering. Achieving a fall-off-the-bone texture is simple.
Easy Oven-Baked Ribs
This recipe transforms a rack of pork ribs into a tender, flavorful main course with minimal hands-on time, perfect for a cozy dinner or weekend gathering. Achieving a fall-off-the-bone texture is simple.
Ingredients
- 1 rack pork spare ribs (about 3-4 lbs)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 0.5 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for serving)
- 0.5 cup apple cider vinegar (for moisture)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with heavy-duty aluminum foil, then placing a wire rack on top.
- If present, remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. To do this, slide a knife under the membrane at one end of the rack, then grip with a paper towel and pull it off. This step is crucial for tender ribs.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) to create your homemade dry rub.
- Generously rub the spice mixture all over both sides of the ribs, ensuring full coverage.
- Place the seasoned ribs on the prepared wire rack. Carefully pour apple cider vinegar into the bottom of the foil-lined baking sheet, under the rack, being careful not to wet the ribs. This creates steam, helping to keep the ribs moist and tender.
- Cover the ribs tightly with another sheet of aluminum foil, creating a sealed packet to trap the moisture.
- Bake for 2.5 hours, or until the ribs are very tender and the meat pulls away easily from the bone.
- Remove the top foil. Generously brush both sides of the ribs with your favorite BBQ sauce.
- Increase oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is caramelized and slightly sticky.
- Let the ribs rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing into individual ribs and serving with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
Notes
For extra crispiness and a beautiful glaze, broil the ribs for the last 5-10 minutes after applying the final BBQ sauce, watching carefully to prevent burning. Experiment with different dry rubs and BBQ sauces to customize the flavor to your liking. Serve these delicious ribs with classic sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
