Oven-Baked Barbecue Ribs
These Oven-Baked Barbecue Ribs are juicy, fall-off-the-bone tender, and bursting with smoky, tangy barbecue flavor. Perfect for any occasion, this simple oven recipe requires no grill and delivers consistently tender ribs with a balanced dry rub and a glossy barbecue sauce finish.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 rack Baby Back Ribs (fresh or thawed)
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 cup Barbecue Sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- Apple Cider Vinegar (optional, for spritzing)
- Prep the Ribs: Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs. This ensures the ribs will be tender and allows the rub and sauce to penetrate deeply for better flavor.
- Make the Dry Rub: In a bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create an aromatic and balanced seasoning.
- Apply the Rub: Generously coat both sides of the ribs with the dry rub, pressing it firmly into the meat to maximize absorption of flavors.
- Wrap and Bake: Place the ribs on a large piece of aluminum foil and seal tightly to lock in moisture. Bake in a preheated oven at 275°F (135°C) for 2.5 to 3 hours until the meat is tender and juicy.
- Brush with Barbecue Sauce and Broil: Carefully unwrap the ribs and brush a thick layer of barbecue sauce evenly over both sides. Broil under high heat for 3-5 minutes until the sauce caramelizes and forms a sticky, flavorful crust.
- Rest and Serve: Let the ribs rest for a few minutes so the juices redistribute. Slice between the bones and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Remove the membrane for tender ribs and better seasoning penetration.
- Cook low and slow at 275°F for optimal tenderness.
- Wrapping in foil traps steam and keeps ribs moist.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure ribs reach around 195°F internal temperature for perfect tenderness.
- Allow ribs to rest after cooking to lock in juices.
- Optionally spritz ribs with apple cider vinegar during baking to maintain moisture.
- For gluten-free, use gluten-free barbecue sauce and verify seasoning ingredients.
- Marinating overnight is optional but adds complexity.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 rack (about 4 ribs)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: oven baked ribs, barbecue ribs, tender ribs, fall-off-the-bone ribs, no grill ribs, easy ribs recipe, gluten-free ribs