These oven-baked ribs are super tender and juicy, practically falling off the bone! With a tasty mix of spices and a bit of barbecue sauce, they’re sure to please anyone at your table.
I love how easy they are to make! Just pop them in the oven and relax while they cook. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a fun gathering with friends. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Baby Back Ribs: These ribs are tender and meaty, but you can use spare ribs if you prefer a meatier cut. They may take a bit longer to cook.
Brown Sugar: It adds sweetness and helps with caramelization. Coconut sugar is a great substitute if you’re looking for a healthier option.
Smoked Paprika: This gives a nice smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or chili powder can work, but the taste will differ a bit.
Cayenne Pepper: This is optional if you prefer milder flavors. You could skip it altogether or add a pinch of black pepper for a little heat without the spice.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought sauce for convenience! If you’re adventurous, try making your own for a personalized touch.
How Do I Remove the Silverskin from Ribs?
Removing the silverskin is crucial for tender ribs. It’s that tough membrane on the back that can keep your ribs chewy. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a sharp knife to score one end of the membrane, just enough to get a good grip.
- Slide your fingers underneath and gently pull it away. A paper towel helps with grip if it’s slippery!
Take your time with this step, as removing it will make your ribs much more enjoyable to eat!
Easy Fall-Off-The-Bone Oven Baked Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 racks pork baby back ribs (about 3 to 4 pounds total)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 2.5 to 3 hours to bake in the oven. After that, you’ll add the sauce and finish baking for another 10 to 15 minutes. So, set aside about 3 to 3.5 hours for a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 275°F (135°C). This low and slow cooking will give you tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs.
2. Prepare the Ribs:
Next, you’ll want to remove the thin membrane on the back of the ribs. You can do this by sliding a knife under the membrane at one end and gently pulling it off. This helps make the ribs more tender during cooking.
3. Mix the Spice Rub:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). This flavorful spice mix gives the ribs a delicious kick!
4. Rub the Spices:
Now it’s time to coat the ribs! Rub the spice mixture all over both sides of the ribs, really pressing it into the meat for maximum flavor.
5. Wrap the Ribs:
Take each rack of ribs and wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. Make sure they’re sealed well to keep all that moisture in. Place them on a baking sheet for easy handling.
6. Bake the Ribs:
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Bake the ribs for 2.5 to 3 hours, until they are very tender. You’ll know they’re ready when they are easy to pull apart with a fork.
7. Unwrap and Prepare for Sauce:
Once the baking time is up, carefully remove the ribs from the oven and unwrap them from the foil. Be cautious of the steam!
8. Increase the Temperature:
Now, crank up the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). This will help to give the ribs a nice caramelized finish.
9. Add the Barbecue Sauce:
Generously brush barbecue sauce all over the ribs. Feel free to be creative and use as much sauce as you like!
10. Bake for Final Touch:
Return the wrapped ribs to the oven, uncovered this time, and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. You want the sauce to become caramelized and sticky. This step really adds to the flavor!
11. Rest and Slice:
Once finished baking, take the ribs out of the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices in when you slice them between the bones.
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to dig in! Serve the ribs with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your tender, flavorful fall-off-the-bone ribs!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Ribs?
Yes! While baby back ribs are tender and ideal for this recipe, you can use spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs. Just note that spare ribs may require a slightly longer cooking time due to their size and thickness.
What If I Don’t Have Smoked Paprika?
If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can substitute it with regular paprika paired with a dash of liquid smoke for a similar flavor. Alternatively, you can use chili powder, but the taste will differ slightly.
Can I Make These Ribs in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ribs by seasoning them and wrapping them in foil up to a day ahead. Store them in the refrigerator and bake them when you’re ready to serve. Just remember to increase the cooking time slightly if they go into the oven cold.
How Do I Store Leftover Ribs?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the ribs in foil for up to 3 months. When reheating, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through; add some extra barbecue sauce for moisture!
