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These oven baked bbq ribs are tender, juicy, loaded with flavor, fall off the bone goodness! They’re prepared with a homemade bbq sauce but feel free to use store-bought sauce instead.
I love serving these with Southern mac and cheese and coleslaw, but serve them with whatever sides you prefer!
Table of Contents
These ribs took about 4 hours to cook, but if you want an easier and quicker recipe, check out these instant pot ribs.
INGREDIENT NOTES
See the recipe card below for ingredient quantities and complete instructions.
- Ribs – I used loin back ribs aka baby back ribs but feel free to use St. Louis style ribs instead.
- BBQ Sauce – I like making my own bbq sauce but sweet baby rays is a great store-bought brand.
- Spice Rub – Homemade is best, but of course, you can use any type of spice rub you have on hand.
TOP TIPS
- For even more flavor, let the ribs sit with the spice rub on them in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight before baking.
- Feel free to customize the spice rub to your taste. Adding a pinch of ground cumin or mustard powder can add an extra layer of flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the BBQ sauce by playing with the amounts of brown sugar and apple cider vinegar. Add a splash of bourbon for a smoky twist.
- For the best results, make sure that the ribs are cooked low and slow. This method breaks down the connective tissues, making the ribs incredibly tender.
- Remove the membrane from the back of the pork ribs by sliding a knife under it and pulling it off with a paper towel for better grip.
STORAGE
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the ribs in foil and warm them in a 300°F oven until heated through.
You can freeze the cooked ribs for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tried this recipe? Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. And consider following me on Facebook or Pinterest!
Oven Baked BBQ Ribs
Ingredients
- 4-5 lbs 2 slabs baby back pork ribs
- yellow mustard , for coating ribs
Spice Rub
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- ¼ cup dijon mustard
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs by sliding a knife under it and pulling it off with a paper towel for better grip.
- In a bowl, combine ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional). Mix well to create the spice rub.
- Rub yellow mustard all over the ribs. This will help the spice rub adhere to the ribs and you won't be able to taste the mustard, so no worries. Generously coat both sides of the ribs with the spice rub, pressing it into the meat.
- Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil, ensuring no steam can escape. Place the wrapped ribs on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 3 1/2 hours, or until the ribs are tender.
- While the ribs are baking, prepare the BBQ sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup ketchup, ¼ cup dijon mustard, ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional). Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. Remove from heat and set aside.
- After baking, remove the ribs from the oven and carefully unwrap them. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
- Brush a generous amount of BBQ sauce on both sides of the ribs. Place the ribs back on the baking sheet (unwrapped) and return to the oven for 15-20 minutes. Repeat this process 2 or 3 times or until the bbq sauce is caramelized and slightly charred.
- Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with additional BBQ sauce on the side. Enjoy!
Notes
- For even more flavor, let the ribs sit with the spice rub on them in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight before baking.
- Feel free to customize the spice rub to your taste. Adding a pinch of ground cumin or mustard powder can add an extra layer of flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the BBQ sauce by playing with the amounts of brown sugar and apple cider vinegar. Add a splash of bourbon for a smoky twist.
- For the best results, make sure that the ribs are cooked low and slow. This method breaks down the connective tissues, making the ribs incredibly tender.
- Remove the membrane!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
this recipe is delicious!
making it for the 2nd time as we speak. Thanks