These Baby Back Ribs In The Oven are so tender and juicy. Coated in a flavorful dry rub and then baked until they fall off the bone. Then coated in a tangy barbecue sauce and broiled to perfection.
Barbecue Ribs Ingredients
- Pork Baby Back Ribs: I like to try and find the leanest baby back ribs. Then, I will trim off the excess fat before adding the dry rub.
- White Onion: Don’t skip the onions, they really build up the flavor while baking. You can substitute with your favorite variety.
- Brown Sugar: I used dark brown but light brown will work great as well.
- Paprika: This adds beautiful color to the ribs and I prefer to use sweet and not smoked paprika.
- Salt & Pepper: You can adjust to your liking.
- Garlic Powder: I like to use garlic powder here instead of fresh garlic so it evenly coats all of the ribs.
- Ground Mustard: I used dry ground mustard. But if you really want to add some flavor to the ribs. Rub wet yellow mustard all over the ribs and let marinate in the fridge for a minimum of 2 hours.
- Cayenne Pepper: This gives the ribs a subtle kick which goes well with the other spices. If you don’t like heat you can omit this or reduce it to taste.
- Onion Powder: Onion powder is another delicious flavor addition here. It helps give it that classic flavor to the spice rub.
How To Make Baby Back Ribs In The Oven
- Preheat oven to 275°F with rack in middle position and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, set aside.
- In a medium bowl combine brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and onion powder. Whisk together until well combine and set aside.
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and discard. Rinse the ribs under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Sprinkle about half of the spice mixture over the meatier side of the ribs. Massage the rub into the ribs until evenly coated. Then turn the ribs over and repeat.
- Place the ribs with the dry rub on a piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Make sure that the meatier side is facing up. Evenly cover the top of the ribs with sliced onions. Wrap the ribs with aluminum foil and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 2 1/2 hours. Check the ribs to make sure they are tender. If they are not tender cook for an additional 20 minutes and check again. Repeat until ribs are fall of the bone tender.
- Remove from oven, and unwrap ribs; discard aluminum foil and drippings. Then place back on the foil lined baking sheet.
- Brush ribs generously with barbecue sauce. Broil or grill for 5-10 minutes until the sauce begins to bubble and caramelize.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
How Long To Cook Ribs In The Oven
Low and slow is the best rule of thumb for the most tender and juicy baby back ribs. I prefer cooking ribs in the oven at 275 degrees Fahrenheit for about 2 – 2 1/2 hours. Then, turn the oven to broil and caramelize the barbecue sauce for 5-10 minutes.
If you are looking to cook them a little faster. Here are the temps and cooking times I recommend to use.
- 275°F – 2 hours to 2 1/2 hours
- 300°F – 1 1/2 hours to 2 hours
- 350°F – 1 1/4 hours to 1/1/2 hours
If you are looking for more ways to cook ribs. You definitely need to check out our Instant Pot Ribs and Our Crockpot Ribs. They are just as tasty and pull off the bone delicious as baking them.
Do You Have To Remove The Membrane?
Yes, removing the membrane is one of the ways to guarantee that you have the most flavorful and juicy ribs. You may ask why a little piece of skin can make such a big difference in the texture and flavor.
The membrane also known as the silver skin is not like the cartilage or connective tissue around the ribs. No matter how long the membrane is cooked. It does not become soft like the rest of the meat. The longer that it is cooked makes it tougher and chewier. It also keeps the dry rub and BBQ sauce from absorbing into the ribs. This will make them less flavorful and give them a tough texture.
What To Serve With Oven Baked BBQ Ribs
These are just a few of my favorite side dishes to serve with ribs. But this is such a versatile meal and can be served with just about anything.
- Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges
- Garlic Roasted Potatoes With Bacon
- Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes
- Homemade Baked Beans
Baby Back Ribs In The Oven
Ingredients
Ribs
- 3 pounds baby back ribs (2 slabs)
- 1 medium white onion (sliced)
Sweet BBQ Rub
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp coarse sea salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp ground mustard
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 275°F with rack in middle position and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, set aside.
- In a medium bowl combine brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and onion powder. Whisk together until well combine and set aside.
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and discard. Rinse the ribs under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Sprinkle about half of the spice mixture over the meatier side of the ribs. Massage the rub into the ribs until evenly coated. Then turn the ribs over and repeat.
- Place the ribs with the dry rub on a piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Make sure that the meatier side is facing up. Evenly cover the top of the ribs with sliced onions. Wrap the ribs with aluminum foil and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 2 1/2 hours. Check the ribs to make sure they are tender. If they are not tender cook for an additional 20 minutes and check again. Repeat until ribs are fall of the bone tender.
- Remove from oven, and unwrap ribs; discard aluminum foil and drippings. Then place back on the foil lined baking sheet.
- Brush ribs generously with barbecue sauce. Broil or grill for 5-10 minutes until the sauce begins to bubble and caramelize.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Have you tried this recipe?
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My new favourite way to make ribs! Such a delicious and easy recipe, thank you!
I’m happy to hear that you liked it!!
Looks absolutely delicious! I want this for dinner right now!
They are our favorite!
Mouth Watering ! I am making this I guess this weekend is it! Thanks for sharing looks A-M-A-Z-I-N-G
I can’t wait to hear how you like them!
These look heavenly and so delicious! My daughter and her boyfriend are going to love this recipe! So excited to share this with them!
I hope that they love it.
These ribs looks absolutely delicious and perfect for the warmer weather. Thanks for sharing!
They definitely are the perfect summer bbq food.
I have used this recipe multiple time now and it is by far my favorite way to make ribs! The rub is fantastic and the cooking method couldn’t be easier.
I’m so glad you have loved the recipe. Thank you for sharing.
One of the easiest, best tasting, rib recipe I have tried. I double wrap the rack and cook on a cookie sheet.
So glad you love it.
perfection! made 5 times now
Glad you love it so much.
Fixed these for a different Christmas dinner. Husband is particular about his meat and he loved these ribs! A keeper recipe for sure and cleanup was a snap!
I’m so glad you loved them.
My husband could not stop saying awesome, awesome, awesome. Definitely a keeper.