Get ready to wow your family with a hearty, finger-licking recipe for Baby Back Ribs in the Oven! This easy and flavorful dish is perfect for gatherings or any time you want a taste of smoky, savory ribs without firing up the grill. The secret? A sweet and spicy BBQ rub combined with low and slow oven cooking for fall-off-the-bone tenderness. Let’s dive into Grandma’s way of making oven-baked ribs that will transport you straight to a classic American cookout!
Ingredients
Ribs:
3 pounds baby back ribs (about 2 slabs)
1 medium white onion, thinly sliced
Sweet BBQ Rub:
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon ground mustard
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 275°F (low and slow is the name of the game). Position the rack in the middle of the oven, and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Set aside.
Step 2: Make Your Signature BBQ Rub
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, sea salt, garlic powder, ground mustard, cayenne pepper, and onion powder. Whisk these spices together until evenly blended. The aroma of this mix alone will get your mouth watering!
Step 3: Prep the Ribs
To ensure your ribs cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors, remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs. Simply slide a knife under the edge of the membrane, grab it with a paper towel, and peel it off. Don’t skip this step—Grandma says it makes all the difference!
Next, give your ribs a rinse under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels.
Step 4: Rub It In
Generously sprinkle about half of your BBQ rub mixture over the meaty side of the ribs, and massage it into the meat with your hands. Flip the ribs and repeat the process on the other side. Don’t be shy—the more rub, the better the flavor!
Step 5: Wrap and Add Onions
Place the ribs meat-side up on a large sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Scatter the sliced onions evenly over the top. Wrap the ribs tightly in foil, ensuring there are no leaks, and transfer them to your prepared baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake Low and Slow
Bake the foil-wrapped ribs for about 2 ½ hours. Test for doneness by gently piercing the meat with a fork—it should feel tender and almost fall off the bone. If it’s not quite there, bake for an additional 20 minutes and check again. Repeat as needed until you achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 7: Unwrap and Sauce Up
Carefully remove the ribs from the oven and unwrap the foil (watch out for hot steam). Discard the onions and any drippings. Lay the ribs back on the foil-lined baking sheet, meaty side up.
Generously brush your favorite barbecue sauce all over the ribs.
Step 8: Broil to Perfection
Turn on your broiler and place the saucy ribs back in the oven. Broil for 5–10 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning. You’ll know they’re ready when the sauce bubbles and caramelizes beautifully, creating a sticky, irresistible glaze.
Step 9: Rest and Serve
Let the ribs rest for about 5 minutes to lock in the juices. Then slice between the bones and serve them up with your favorite sides. A true BBQ masterpiece!
Notes
Make It Your Own: Feel free to adjust the spices in the rub to suit your taste. Prefer it sweeter? Add a bit more brown sugar. Love a kick? Go heavy on the cayenne!
Barbecue Sauce Tip: Choose a BBQ sauce that complements your flavor preferences—sweet, smoky, tangy, or spicy. Homemade sauces also work wonders!
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the ribs in foil and warm in the oven at 300°F until heated through.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: 350
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fat: 20g
Sodium: 500mg
Sugar: 8g
Additional Information
Spread the joy of cooking—share this recipe with friends on Facebook!
Acknowledging the creator of this delightful recipe. ✨
👇👇👇👇👇
