Baked ribs are a tender and flavorful dish that brings the taste of barbecue indoors, allowing you to enjoy this classic favorite year-round. Slow-cooked in the oven, these ribs are seasoned with a delicious dry rub, then slathered with a smoky barbecue sauce that caramelizes beautifully as they bake. The result is a mouthwatering combination of juicy meat that falls off the bone, enveloped in a sticky, savory glaze. Perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends, baked ribs are a satisfying and impressive dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare, ensuring you’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 4-5 pounds total)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Dry Rub:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For the Barbecue Sauce:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the ribs:
- Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs by sliding a knife under it and pulling it off with your fingers or a paper towel for grip.
- Rub both sides of the ribs with olive oil to help the seasoning stick.
- Make the dry rub:
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper.
- Generously apply the dry rub to both sides of the ribs, pressing it into the meat.
- Bake the ribs:
- Place the ribs on the prepared baking sheet, bone-side down. Cover the ribs with another piece of foil, sealing the edges tightly to create a packet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the ribs are tender and the meat is pulling away from the bones.
- Prepare the barbecue sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine the barbecue sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer over low heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened.
- Broil the ribs:
- Preheat your oven’s broiler. Remove the foil from the ribs and brush a generous amount of the barbecue sauce over the top.
- Return the ribs to the oven and broil for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and caramelized, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Serve:
- Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before slicing them between the bones. Serve with additional barbecue sauce on the side.
Enjoy your Baked Ribs as a flavorful and tender dish that captures the essence of outdoor barbecue, perfect for any occasion!
