These Oven Baked Ribs are tender, juicy, and packed with classic barbecue flavor—no grill required. Slow-baked at a low temperature, the ribs come out fall-off-the-bone tender, then finished with a sticky, caramelized BBQ glaze that makes them perfect for Memorial Day dinners, backyard-style meals, or anytime you’re craving comfort food without firing up the grill. This reliable oven method delivers crowd-pleasing results every time.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Additional Time (Broil & Rest): 10 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 1 rack pork ribs
Ingredients
- 1 rack pork ribs (baby back or St. Louis–style)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
- ½ cup barbecue sauce (or more to taste)
- ½ cup apple juice or chicken broth
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Prepare the ribs by removing the thin membrane from the back of the rack. This step is essential for tender ribs.
- Season the ribs: Rub olive oil evenly over both sides. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Massage the seasoning mixture generously over the ribs.
- Wrap and bake: Place the ribs meat-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Pour apple juice or broth around the ribs (not directly on top). Cover tightly with foil, sealing the edges to trap moisture.
- Bake low and slow for 2½ to 3 hours, or until the ribs are fork-tender and the meat begins to pull away from the bone.
- Finish with sauce: Carefully remove the foil. Brush ribs generously with barbecue sauce.
- Broil for caramelization: Set oven to broil and return ribs uncovered for 3–5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Rest and serve: Let ribs rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Helpful Tips & Best Practices
- For extra flavor, refrigerate seasoned ribs (wrapped) for up to 12 hours before baking.
- Baby back ribs cook slightly faster than spare ribs—check tenderness early.
- Always broil on the middle rack to avoid scorching the sauce.
- Use a sharp knife to slice cleanly between bones after resting.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated values
- Calories: 620
- Fat: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 34g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Sugar: 22g
Conclusion
This Oven Baked Ribs Recipe delivers the rich, smoky-sweet flavors people love about barbecue with the ease and reliability of oven cooking. Perfect for Memorial Day dinners, family gatherings, or casual weekend meals, these ribs are proof that you don’t need a grill to serve up a memorable, crowd-pleasing main dish. Pair them with classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or corn on the cob for a complete holiday meal everyone will enjoy.
