Tender Oven-Baked Barbecue Ribs
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
2 hrs 15 mins
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Total Time
2 hrs 30 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
447 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Tender Oven-Baked Barbecue Ribs
Description
These ribs begin with removing the membrane on the bone side and seasoning with a spice rub consisting of paprika, brown sugar, garlic and onion powders, black pepper, lemon pepper, and salt. Placed bone-side down on a foil-lined sheet pan, the ribs are topped with sliced onions and garlic, then tightly covered with foil to trap moisture.
Baked slowly at 275°F for about two hours, this method softens the meat and allows it to tenderize without drying out. The foil is partially opened to test tenderness, with additional time added if needed. After baking, the leftover juices and aromatics are discarded. The ribs are then brushed with olive oil and a homemade barbecue sauce blend combining barbecue sauce, chili sauce, and ketchup for a balanced savory-sweet glaze.
Finally, the ribs can be finished under a grill or broiler over medium-high heat for several minutes to caramelize the sauce and create a sticky, flavorful crust. This method results in tender, richly flavored ribs with a moist interior and a tangy-sweet outer finish.
Serving suggestions include slicing into pieces for easier handling and pairing with classic barbecue sides. The recipe allows rub variations, different bake times, and mentions the importance of membrane removal for texture.
Ingredients
Ribs
- 3 pounds baby back ribs 2 slabs
- 2 onion sliced, yellow
- 4 cloves garlic sliced
Spice Rub (optional)
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
BBQ Sauce
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- ½ cup chili sauce *see note or additional BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 275°F. In a small bowl, combine the spice mix and set aside. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil.
- If present, remove the white membrane from the back side of the ribs (see notes). Pat the ribs dry and check for little bone shards or pieces. Cut into 4 to 6 rib pieces.
- Gently massage the seasoning mix (or salt and pepper) into both sides of the ribs.
- Place the ribs on the prepared baking pan, meaty side down. Cover the ribs with onion and garlic.
- Cover & seal with another piece of foil.
- Bake the ribs for 2 hours. Carefully open the corner of the sealed foil and pull a small piece of meat off to ensure the ribs are tender. If they are not tender, bake for another 20-30 minutes and check again.
- Meanwhile, combine BBQ Rib Sauce ingredients together.
- Remove the ribs from the oven and discard the juices, onions, and garlic. Brush ribs with olive oil and brush generously with BBQ sauce.
- Grill or broil over medium high heat 5-10 minutes or until charred.
Notes
- Removing the membrane on the back of ribs improves tenderness; use a knife and paper towel for grip to pull it off.
- If ribs finish early, keep them warm in the oven up to 1 hour at low heat.
- Homemade spice rub can be used instead of store-bought, or simply salt and pepper.
- Chili sauce in the BBQ glaze is a non-spicy, zesty ketchup-like sauce; it can be replaced by more BBQ sauce if preferred.
- Ribs can be cut into 4-6 rib portions before or after cooking to ease grilling or serving.
- Bake at 275°F for 2–2.5 hours for best results; higher temperatures reduce cooking time but may affect texture.
- If ribs are not tender after baking, reseal and cook 20–30 minutes longer before checking again.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 447 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 447 | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 4g | 1% |
| Protein | 44g | 88% |
| Fat | 26g | 40% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 167mg | 56% |
| Sodium | 145mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 763mg | 16% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 595IU | 12% |
| Vitamin C | 1.1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 56mg | 6% |
| Iron | 2.2mg | 12% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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