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Easy Oven Baked Ribs Recipe

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4.1 from 52 reviews

This Easy Oven Baked Ribs recipe delivers tender, flavorful baby back ribs with a smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy dry rub, finished with your favorite barbecue sauce. Perfectly slow-cooked in the oven, these ribs are fall-off-the-bone delicious and an effortless way to enjoy classic BBQ at home without a grill.

Ingredients

Oven Baked Baby Back Ribs

  • 2 racks of baby back ribs
  • 1-2 tablespoons liquid smoke
  • 1-2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2-4 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1 bottle of your favorite smokey barbecue sauce

Dry Rub for Ribs

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons lemon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon smoked garlic powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 225 degrees F to prepare for the slow cooking process needed to tenderize the ribs.
  2. Remove Membrane: On the back (non-meat side) of each rack of ribs, remove the thin layer of connective tissue called the membrane. This allows the seasoning to penetrate better and results in more tender ribs.
  3. Make Dry Rub: In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, smoked paprika, lemon pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), smoked garlic powder, onion powder, and ground black pepper. Set aside.
  4. Prep Ribs: Pat both racks of ribs dry with a paper towel. Rub liquid smoke evenly over all surfaces, followed by Worcestershire sauce, and then a layer of yellow mustard. Finally, apply the dry rub generously over each rack to coat completely.
  5. First 4 Hours Baking at 225°F: Place the ribs on a foil-lined baking sheet meat-side up and bake uncovered in the oven on the middle rack for 4 hours. This slow baking helps break down connective tissues for tender meat.
  6. Bake 1 Hour at 250°F: Increase the oven temperature to 250 degrees F and bake the ribs for another hour to continue cooking and develop flavors.
  7. Finish Baking at 275°F: Raise the oven temperature to 275 degrees F and bake the ribs an additional hour or until the internal temperature reaches between 190 and 203 degrees F. This ensures optimal tenderness.
  8. Sauce the Ribs: Remove the ribs from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Generously brush your favorite barbecue sauce over the ribs and place them back in the oven for 6-8 minutes, or until the sauce becomes tacky. Alternatively, you can broil them briefly, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  9. Rest and Serve: Remove ribs from the oven and let them rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute for moist, flavorful ribs. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Removing the membrane is key to tender ribs and better seasoning absorption.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure ribs reach an internal temperature between 190–203°F for perfect tenderness.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper slightly in the dry rub.
  • You can substitute yellow mustard with Dijon mustard if preferred; it helps the rub stick and adds tang.
  • Letting ribs rest after cooking improves moisture retention and flavor.
  • Feel free to use homemade barbecue sauce or your favorite store-bought brand.
  • For cleaner baking, line your baking sheet with foil—makes cleanup easy.

Find it online: https://flavorspath.com/easy-oven-baked-ribs-recipe/