Baby Back Ribs in Oven Recipe

Baby back ribs cooked in the oven are the ultimate comfort food, delivering restaurant-quality results in the comfort of your kitchen. With a few simple ingredients and slow baking, these ribs turn out tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or just craving barbecue, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

• 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 4 pounds total)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
• 1 cup barbecue sauce

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Aluminum foil
• Small mixing bowl
• Brush for sauce application

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ribs:

• Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
• Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs by sliding a knife under it and peeling it off. This step ensures tender ribs.
• Place the ribs on a large piece of aluminum foil, meat side up.

2. Season the Ribs:

• In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper.
• Rub the spice mixture generously over both sides of the ribs, ensuring they are fully coated.

3. Wrap and Bake:

• Wrap the seasoned ribs tightly in aluminum foil, creating a sealed packet to trap moisture.
• Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake for 2.5–3 hours, or until the ribs are tender and the meat pulls away easily from the bones.

4. Add Barbecue Sauce:

• Remove the ribs from the oven and carefully unwrap the foil.
• Brush a generous layer of barbecue sauce over the ribs, coating them completely.

5. Broil for a Caramelized Finish:

• Preheat your oven’s broiler.
• Place the ribs back on the baking sheet, uncovered, and broil for 3–5 minutes, or until the barbecue sauce caramelizes and becomes slightly sticky. Watch closely to avoid burning.

6. Serve:

• Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with extra barbecue sauce on the side and your favorite sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or roasted vegetables.

Tips

• Customize the Flavor: Use your favorite barbecue sauce to tailor the taste to your liking—whether sweet, smoky, or spicy.
• Make Ahead: You can season and wrap the ribs the night before for an even deeper flavor.
• Reheating: To reheat leftover ribs, wrap them in foil and warm in a 250°F (120°C) oven for about 20 minutes.

Oven-baked baby back ribs are an easy, delicious way to enjoy barbecue without a grill. The low-and-slow cooking method ensures tender, flavorful ribs, while the caramelized barbecue sauce adds the perfect finishing touch. Try this recipe for a satisfying and crowd-pleasing meal!