If you are wondering how to make the best, most tender oven ribs, then you have come to the right place. Creating the ultimate baked pork ribs takes a few steps and a bit of planning but in the end, it's worth the effort. Follow the directions below and make your own tender, fall off the bone ribs.
![BBQ oven ribs on a white plate](https://thymeofseason.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/pork-bbq-ribs.jpg)
Ingredients for the Best Baked Ribs:
You will need the following ingredients. Pork ribs and all the seasonings and spices are for the flavorful rub.
- 4 pounds of pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon of black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1 cup of barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
How to Cook Ribs in the Oven
1. Selecting and Preparing the Pork Ribs:
Choose ribs that have an even layer of meat and a good amount of fat. The fat will add to tenderness and flavor of the meat. Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs. Carefully slide a sharp knife under the membrane and pull it away with your hands. Cut the ribs into smaller sections, around 3-4 ribs per piece. Smaller pieces will cook more evenly.
2. Seasoning Mix for Ribs:
In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and chili powder. The spices creates a flavorful rub that makes the pork ribs amazing. Rub the mixture generously over the ribs, evenly coating them. Drizzle olive oil over the ribs to help the seasoning adhere to the ribs.
3. Marinating Pork Ribs:
Allow the ribs to marinate at least 2 hours in the refrigerator, or ideally, overnight. Marinating allows the spices to penetrate the meat. Cover the ribs with plastic wrap or place them in a sealed container so they don't dry out.
4. Baked in the Oven Ribs:
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Low and slow cooking is necessary if you want tender ribs. Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Aluminum foil served two purposes, it's an easy cleanup and provides even heat distribution. Cover the ribs tightly with another layer of aluminum foil to trap in moisture, it will keep the ribs juicy.
Bake the ribs covered for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. After about 2.5 hours, carefully remove the foil from the ribs. You can add your favorite store bough barbecue sauce or easily make your own Homemade BBQ Sauce. Just generously brush the BBQ sauce over the ribs for flavor and a caramelized crust. Increase the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake the ribs uncovered for another 30 to 45 minutes. This additional baking time will create a caramelized and slightly crispy crust.
Finally, check to see if the ribs are done. Simply, insert a fork or a knife into the thickest part of the meat. The ribs should be tender, and the meat should easily pull away from the bone. If the meat is not tender yet, cover it again and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, checking often. Enjoy!!
What to Serve with Baked Pork Ribs
Serve the Following Side Dishes with BBQ Pork Ribs:
Guy Fieri's Mac Daddy Mac n' Cheese
Pioneer Woman Inspired Baked Beans with Bacon
Creamy Coleslaw with Secret Ingredient
Refreshing Cucumber and Tomato Salad with Creamy Dill Dressing
When it comes to serving baked pork ribs, presentation and pairing are key. Consider serving the ribs with classic side dishes such as coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread. These sides complement the rich flavors of the ribs and provide a balanced meal. For garnishing, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions adds a touch of freshness and color to the dish. When carving the ribs, use a sharp knife to cut between the bones, ensuring each rib is evenly portioned.
![BBQ oven ribs on a white plate](https://thymeofseason.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/pork-bbq-ribs-720x720.jpg)
Ribs in the Oven
If you are wondering how to make the best, most tender oven ribs, then you have come to the right place. Creating the ultimate baked pork ribs takes a few steps and a bit of planning but in the end, it's worth the effort.
Ingredients
- 4 pounds of pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon of black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1 cup of barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
1. SELECTING AND PREPARING THE PORK RIBS:
Choose ribs that have an even layer of meat and a good amount of fat. The fat will add to tenderness and flavor of the meat. Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs. Carefully slide a sharp knife under the membrane and pull it away with your hands. Cut the ribs into smaller sections, around 3-4 ribs per piece. Smaller pieces will cook more evenly.
2. SEASONING MIX FOR RIBS:
In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and chili powder. The spices creates a flavorful rub that makes the pork ribs amazing. Rub the mixture generously over the ribs, evenly coating them. Drizzle olive oil over the ribs to help the seasoning adhere to the ribs.
3. MARINATING PORK RIBS:
Allow the ribs to marinate at least 2 hours in the refrigerator, or ideally, overnight. Marinating allows the spices to penetrate the meat. Cover the ribs with plastic wrap or place them in a sealed container so they don't dry out.
4. BAKED IN THE OVEN RIBS:
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Low and slow cooking is necessary if you want tender ribs. Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Aluminum foil served two purposes, it's an easy cleanup and provides even heat distribution. Cover the ribs tightly with another layer of aluminum foil to trap in moisture, it will keep the ribs juicy.
Bake the ribs covered for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. After about 2.5 hours, carefully remove the foil from the ribs. You can add your favorite store bough barbecue sauce or easily make your own Homemade BBQ Sauce. Just generously brush the BBQ sauce over the ribs for flavor and a caramelized crust. Increase the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake the ribs uncovered for another 30 to 45 minutes. This additional baking time will create a caramelized and slightly crispy crust.
Finally, check to see if the ribs are done. Simply, insert a fork or a knife into the thickest part of the meat. The ribs should be tender, and the meat should easily pull away from the bone. If the meat is not tender yet, cover it again and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, checking often. Enjoy!!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 615Total Fat: 49gSaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 23gCholesterol: 159mgSodium: 702mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 1gSugar: 8gProtein: 32g
Calories are estimated and may vary.