Baked BBQ Baby Back Ribs are incredibly tender, flavorful, and fall-off-the-bone delicious when cooked in the oven. Here’s a simple recipe that ensures a perfect result every time!
Baked BBQ Baby Back Ribs Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 3 pounds each)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ribs:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Remove the silver skin (the thin, tough membrane) from the back of the ribs. To do this, slide a knife under the membrane and pull it off, starting from one end. This will help the ribs become tender and allow the seasoning to penetrate better.
- Make the Rub:
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, chili powder, oregano, mustard powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Mix well to create a dry rub.
- Season the Ribs:
- Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs, pressing gently to make sure the seasoning sticks.
- Cover the ribs with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld (you can also leave them overnight for deeper flavor).
- Bake the Ribs:
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. This will elevate the ribs and allow the heat to circulate, helping them cook evenly.
- Place the ribs on the rack, bone side down.
- Cover the ribs tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the ribs are tender and the meat starts to pull away from the bones. The low and slow cooking will make the ribs tender and juicy.
- Add BBQ Sauce:
- Remove the ribs from the oven and discard the top layer of foil.
- Brush your favorite BBQ sauce generously over the ribs, coating both sides.
- Return the ribs to the oven and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes to let the sauce set and become sticky.
- Serve:
- Once the ribs are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes.
- Slice the ribs between the bones and serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
Tips:
- For a slightly crispy top, you can finish the ribs off on a grill after baking. Just throw them on a preheated grill for a few minutes per side after adding the BBQ sauce to get a little char.
- If you like your ribs extra saucy, feel free to brush more BBQ sauce on after baking or serve it on the side.
Enjoy your tender, flavorful Baked BBQ Baby Back Ribs—perfect for any barbecue or family dinner! Let me know how they turn out!