Irresistibly Tender Oven-Baked Baby Back Ribs Recipe

Tender, succulent baby back ribs with a smoky oven-baked baby back ribs recipe promise to tantalize your taste buds.

Slow-cooked to perfection, these ribs deliver a mouthwatering experience that rivals any barbecue joint.

The secret lies in a perfect blend of spices and a low, steady temperature that breaks down tough connective tissues.

Each bite melts with rich, savory flavors that dance across your palate.

The caramelized exterior gives way to juicy, fall-off-the-bone meat that will have everyone asking for seconds.

No grill needed, just your trusty oven and a few simple ingredients transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary feast.

Prepare to savor a dish that brings comfort and joy to your dinner table.

Baby Back Ribs in the Oven: Recipe Highlights

• Perfect for home cooks wanting delicious results without complex techniques.
• Requires few ingredients and basic kitchen tools, making it super accessible.
• Great for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or casual get-togethers with friends.
• Guaranteed to impress guests with restaurant-quality flavor and tender meat texture.

Ingredients for Oven-Baked Baby Back Ribs

• Baby Back Ribs: Tender and flavorful cut of pork from the top of the rib cage.

• Olive Oil, BBQ Seasoning: Helps create a delicious, even coating and enhances the flavor of the ribs.
• BBQ Sauce, Honey: Adds sweetness and caramelization to the surface of the ribs.

• Paper Towel: Assists in removing the membrane from the back of the ribs.
• Wire Rack, Baking Tray: Provides proper air circulation and catches drippings during cooking.

Equipment for Easy Rib Roasting

• Baking Tray: Large, sturdy sheet to catch drips and support cooking process.
• Wire Rack: Essential for elevating ribs and allowing even air circulation during baking.
• Large Bowl: Used for coating ribs with olive oil and seasoning.
• Paper Towel: Helpful for gripping and removing membrane from ribs.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for trimming fat and separating ribs between bones.
• Meat Thermometer: Critical for checking internal temperature accurately.
• Pastry Brush: Perfect for applying BBQ sauce and honey evenly on ribs.
• Cutting Board: Provides stable surface for preparing and trimming ribs.

Instructions for Tender Oven-Baked Ribs

Step 1: Trim and Clean Ribs

Carefully inspect the rack of ribs.

Remove any visible fat, bone fragments, or tough sections using a sharp knife.

Pat the ribs dry with paper towels to ensure perfect seasoning absorption.

Step 2: Remove Protective Membrane

Slide your fingers under the tough membrane on the back of the ribs.

Grip with a paper towel and gently pull to remove the entire membrane, allowing seasonings to penetrate deeply.

Step 3: Portion the Rack

Use a sharp knife to separate the ribs between the bones.

This ensures even cooking and creates individual portions that are easy to serve and eat.

Step 4: Season with Flavor

• Olive oil
• BBQ seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Drizzle olive oil over the ribs in a large mixing bowl.

Sprinkle generously with BBQ seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

Massage the seasonings into every nook and cranny of the meat.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Position an oven-safe wire rack inside a baking sheet.

Arrange the seasoned ribs on the rack, ensuring they are not overcrowded.

This setup allows hot air to circulate around the ribs, creating an even, crispy exterior.

Step 6: Initial Roasting

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Place the ribs in the center of the oven and roast for approximately 90 minutes.

Flip the ribs halfway through cooking to ensure uniform browning and tenderness.

Step 7: Check Internal Temperature

Use a meat thermometer to monitor the ribs’ internal temperature.

You’re aiming for the thickest part of the meat to reach between 175-185°F for perfect doneness.

Step 8: Glaze with Sauce

• BBQ sauce
• Honey

Remove the ribs from the oven.

Brush both sides generously with BBQ sauce.

Drizzle a light layer of honey for added sweetness and caramelization.

Step 9: Broil to Perfection

Switch the oven to broil.

Return the ribs to the oven, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Broil for 2-3 minutes on each side until the sauce becomes sticky and slightly charred.

Step 10: Final Temperature Check

Ensure the internal temperature reaches 200°F for ultimate tenderness.

The meat should be pulling away from the bones and incredibly juicy.

Step 11: Rest and Serve

Let the ribs rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting.

This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.

Slice between the bones and serve hot.

Pro Tips for Juicy, Fall-Off-the-Bone Ribs

• Always remove the tough silver skin for more tender, flavorful ribs that easily pull apart.
• Generously coat ribs with dry rub at least 30 minutes before cooking to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure ribs reach the perfect internal temperature without overcooking.
• Apply BBQ sauce during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking to prevent burning and create a sticky, caramelized glaze.
• Allow ribs to rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices and maximize tenderness.

Tasty Rib Variations for the Oven

• Smoky Spice Variation: Replace BBQ seasoning with chipotle-based spice rub for intense smoky flavor and added heat.
• Herb Infused Ribs: Swap olive oil with herb-infused olive oil and add fresh rosemary and thyme for Mediterranean-style seasoning.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Use sugar-free BBQ sauce and replace honey with sugar-free maple syrup alternative to maintain keto compatibility.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Verify BBQ seasoning and sauce are certified gluten-free, use tamari instead of traditional soy-based marinades for safe preparation.

Sides to Serve with Oven-Baked Ribs

• Backyard BBQ Bash: Perfect for summer gatherings with friends and family.
• Family Feast Night: Pair with classic sides like coleslaw, cornbread, and baked beans for a hearty meal.
• Game Day Delight: Serve during sports events with cold beer and crispy potato wedges for ultimate crowd-pleasing experience.
• Picnic Perfection: Pack cooled ribs in foil for outdoor events, adding extra BBQ sauce for dipping.

Storing Leftover Ribs for Later

• Wrap leftover ribs tightly in aluminum foil or store in airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before refrigerating to prevent bacterial growth.
• Place cooled ribs in freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date for tracking.
• Place ribs on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and turning occasionally to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 250F. Wrap ribs in foil with splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.

FAQs

• What type of ribs work best for this recipe?

Baby back ribs are ideal because they’re tender, lean, and cook more quickly compared to spare ribs, making them perfect for home cooking.

• Do I need special equipment to make these ribs?

A wire rack, baking tray, and standard oven are all you need. No specialized cooking tools are required for this simple method.

• How can I ensure my ribs aren't dry?

Follow the recipe closely, monitor internal temperature, and avoid overcooking. Brushing with BBQ sauce and honey helps keep the meat moist and adds flavor.

• Can I prepare the ribs ahead of time?

You can season the ribs and let them sit in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking, which allows the seasonings to penetrate the meat more deeply.

Oven-Baked Baby Back Ribs Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Succulent oven-baked baby back ribs promise a flavor journey through smoky Southern barbecue traditions. Tender meat falls effortlessly from the bone, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of this classic comfort dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 rack baby back ribs

Seasonings and Spices:

• 3 tablespoons BBQ seasoning

Liquids and Sauces:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) BBQ sauce
• 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) honey

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Instructions

1. Meticulously examine ribs, removing any stray bone fragments or excessive fatty sections using sharp kitchen shears.
2. Strip the tough back membrane using paper towel for secure grip, ensuring clean removal from rack.
3. Slice rack into individual rib portions to guarantee uniform heat distribution and consistent cooking.
4. Massage ribs with olive oil, ensuring complete surface coverage, then generously coat with BBQ seasoning for robust flavor profile.
5. Position seasoned ribs strategically on wire rack positioned above rimmed baking sheet, allowing optimal air circulation.
6. Slide tray into preheated 350°F oven, roasting approximately 75-90 minutes, rotating midway through cooking process.
7. Track internal temperature using meat thermometer, targeting 175-185°F in thickest meat sections for ideal doneness.
8. Extract ribs from oven, lavishly brush with tangy BBQ sauce and drizzle honey for caramelized glaze effect.
9. Activate broiler, returning ribs briefly to create crisp exterior, rotating carefully to prevent burning.
10. Continue cooking until internal temperature reaches precisely 200°F, ensuring maximum meat tenderness.
11. Allow ribs to rest momentarily, permitting juice redistribution before serving for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Select high-quality ribs with marbling for maximum flavor and tenderness.
• Ensure consistent cooking by using meat thermometer instead of relying solely on time estimates.
• Prevent burning during broiling by keeping close watch and moving rack lower in oven.
• Create gluten-free version by using certified gluten-free BBQ sauce and checking seasoning ingredients.
• Add moisture during cooking by placing small water pan underneath ribs to prevent drying out.
• Consider low and slow cooking method for even more tender results, reducing temperature to 300F and extending cooking time to 2-3 hours.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg