Perfect Ribs in the Oven

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Learn how to make ribs in the oven! First, dry rub your baby back ribs, bake them to perfection, and finally slather them with a delicious BBQ sauce.

This oven baked ribs recipe is seriously the best on the internet. Your ribs will turn out so tender and the flavors are unreal all thanks to a dry rub and bbq sauce.

Ribs in a pan.

There is seriously nothing better than saucy, perfectly cooked ribs with a big fluffy baked potato on the side. Today we are sharing one of our favorite oven baked ribs recipes. They’re slow-cooked in the oven and come out so yummy.

The Tastiest Ribs in Oven Recipe

There are so many different ways to prepare ribs. Ribs on the grill in the summer, ribs in the sous vide when you’re feeling fancy, and ribs in the oven for a classic, yet foolproof variation.

These perfectly cooked ribs come out so flavorful all thanks to a dry rub and homemade bbq sauce recipe.

In this post, we’ll teach you how to make the most perfect oven baked ribs every time with just a few simple steps. You’ll be wowing your guests with the texture and flavor of these incredible pork ribs!

Why We Love these baked Ribs

  • So flavorful: The flavor is pretty unbelievable because there is a tasty dry rub AND homemade BBQ sauce.
  • Amazing texture: These ribs in the oven leave you with tender ribs that are juicy, but not quite fall all the bone. And the skin on the outside is so crispy and delicious.
  • Versatile: You can serve these ribs for a weeknight dinner or at a dinner party!

A slab of ribs on a baking sheet.

Ingredients You Need

  • Baby back ribs (~3 lbs.)
  • Spices- garlic powder, brown sugar, dried thyme, chili powder, paprika, black pepper
  • Kosher salt 
  • Olive oil
  • Tomato sauce
  • White onion
  • Garlic
  • Worcestershire 
  • Ketchup
  • Molasses 
  • Brown sugar
  • Butter 
  • Apple cider vinegar

Missing some of these spices? Other spices that would be delicious are cumin, dried mustard, or even cayenne pepper! You can even try using our homemade pork rub.

Removing the membrane from the ribs.

Ribs in the Oven 101

What kind of ribs should I use for oven baked ribs?

We suggest using baby back pork ribs for this recipe. We do not suggest using spare ribs for this recipe.

What is the best temperature to cook pork ribs in the oven?

We cook the baby back ribs at two different temperatures in this recipe. We suggest baking the ribs at a low temperature (300ºF) and then at a high temperature for the last 15 minutes (400ºF) to caramelize the ribs!

How do I get my ribs to caramelize?

Making sure you have a little sugar (we used brown sugar and molasses) that you brush over the ribs is important because when you turn the temperature up in the oven it will caramelize that sugar!

How do I know when ribs are done?

These ribs in the oven are done when they reach an internal temperature of 195ºF but you can also tell when ribs are done because they will start to expose the bone or if they start to fall off the bone.

#1 Tip Cook low and slow!

Trust us when we suggest cooking these ribs low and slow. It’s similar to our slow-roasted pork shoulder or smoked pork shoulder in that they come out similar to smoked meat – tender, but with a bite.

Then, in the end, up the temp to caramelize that delicious bbq sauce!

Ribs with dry rub on them.

At a Glance: How to Cook Ribs in the Oven

  1. Remove the membrane. Start by removing the membrane from the ribs and discard.
  2. Salt Salt Salt. Massage kosher salt into toe ribs and set aside. This will start to draw the juices out of the ribs and begin to tenderize the ribs.
  3. Add the Dry Rub. We use a combination of delicious spices. Mix the spices together and then shake them over the ribs. Massage the spices into the ribs and the wrap the ribs in plastic wraps. Place them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  4. Bake. Place the ribs on a greased baking sheet and cover with tin foil. Bake at 300ºF for 2.5 hours.
  5. Make barbecue sauce. When the ribs are almost done prepare the bbq sauce by adding all the ingredients for the sauce to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Turn heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat.
  6. Broil. Remove the aluminum foil from the ribs and turn the heat up to 400ºF. Slather the ribs in bbq sauce and then place them in the oven to caramelize for 10-15 minutes.
  7. Enjoy. When the ribs are caramelized remove them from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes.

How To Remove The Membrane

The membrane of the ribs holds the ribs together and if you’re looking for tender ribs that are easy to eat, we suggest removing the membrane.

To remove the membrane you slide a knife under the membrane on the backside of a rack of ribs and then pull the membrane off with your fingers.

A rack of ribs drizzled in oil.
Covering ribs with tin foil.

What to Serve with Slow Cooked Oven Ribs

Ribs in the oven go with so many delicious side dishes. Choose from one of the side dishes below and you won’t be disappointed.

Couscous Salad- This Mediterranean couscous salad is the perfect addition to any summer meal. Serve this veggie-packed salad as a delicious side dish or a colorful main dish. Enjoy

Grilled Corn in Foil- Grilled corn on the cob is a summer staple! Get perfectly cooked corn every time with this easy Grilled Corn in Foil recipe. Enjoy!

Smoked Baked Potatoes- Smoked baked potatoes are such an easy way to complete any meal. They come out perfectly slow-cooked and are so easy to make!

Grilled Cauliflower- This grilled cauliflower is steamed for 10 minutes and then perfectly grilled for an amazing side for any meal!

Street Corn Salad- Our Mexican Street Corn Salad is made with grilled corn, tomato, onion, and the most delicious cotija yogurt sauce with lime juice.

Brushing bbq sauce on ribs.

Storage Suggestions

Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. Option to also wrap them in a piece of tin foil.

Finished baked ribs in a baking pan.

Oven baked ribs

Oven Baked Ribs (How to Cook Ribs in Oven)

Learn how to cook ribs in the oven with this simple tutorial! This ribs in oven recipe is flavorful because of a delicious dry rub and homemade bbq sauce! 

Prep: 1 hourCook: 3 hoursTotal: 4 hours

Fat 49 Carbs 49 Protein 33

Yield 4-6 1x

Ingredients

BBQ Ribs

  • 1 rack baby back ribs (~3 lbs.)
  • 1/2 tablespoon kosher salt 
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar 
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder 
  • 1 teaspoon paprika 
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

BBQ Sauce

  • 1 cup tomato sauce 
  • 2 tablespoons grated white onion 
  • 1 tablespoon grated garlic 
  • 1 tablespoon worcestershire 
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup 
  • 1 tablespoon molasses 
  • 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder 
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt  
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper 
  • 1 tablespoon butter 
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Begin by removing the membrane from the ribs and discard the membrane. 
  2. Next, sprinkle the ribs with kosher salt and massage the salt into the meat. Set aside. 
  3. Add the garlic powder, brown sugar, dried thyme, chili powder, paprika, and black pepper into a bowl and mix until combined. 
  4. Sprinkle the spices over the ribs and be sure the whole rack of ribs is covered. 
  5. Wrap the ribs in plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (but up to overnight).
  6. Preheat the oven to 300ºF and spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
  7. Unwrap the ribs and place them on the baking sheet. 
  8. Drizzle the ribs with olive oil and cover them with tin foil. 
  9. Place them into the oven and bake the ribs at 300ºF for 2.5 hours. 
  10. When there is 30 minutes of bake time left, add all the ingredients for the bbq sauce into a sauce pan and whisk all of the ingredients together until combined. 
  11. Bring the BBQ sauce to a boil over high heat and then reduce the heat to low and let the BBQ sauce simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat. 
  12. When the ribs have baked for 2.5 hours, remove them from the oven and unwrap them from the tin foil. 
  13. Increase the heat to 400ºF and slather the bbq sauce over the ribs. 
  14. Return the ribs to the oven and bake them at 400ºF for 10-15 minutes or until the BBQ sauce begins to caramelize on the ribs. 
  15. Remove from the oven and let the ribs rest for 10 minutes and then enjoy. 

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1/6 Calories: 519 Sugar: 49 Fat: 49 Carbohydrates: 49 Fiber: 5 Protein: 33 Cholesterol: 157

Author: Linley RichterCategory: PorkMethod: OvenCuisine: American

Keywords: Ribs in oven, oven baked ribs, baked ribs

Photography: photos taken in this post are by Erin from The Wooden Skillet.

About Linley Richter

Linley is a 5′ nothing spitball of positive energy who joined Team Fit Foodie in the Spring of 2014. Linley has worked on the digital side of small businesses and nonprofits since 2011, where she specialized in social media community management. Lin has a passion for food and an incredible palate. She is FFF’s chief recipe developer, so you can thank her for these incredible recipes!

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