These easy oven-baked barbecue ribs are tender, juicy, and packed with smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. Slowly baked until fall-off-the-bone perfection, they’re slathered in a rich barbecue sauce and caramelized under the broiler for the perfect finishing touch. No grill? No problem! This foolproof recipe delivers mouthwatering ribs straight from your oven.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fall-Off-The-Bone Tender – Slow baking ensures juicy, flavorful ribs.
- No Grill Needed – Enjoy delicious BBQ ribs without an outdoor setup.
- Easy & Foolproof – Minimal effort for maximum flavor.
- Customizable Flavor – Use your favorite BBQ sauce or spice rub.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pork baby back ribs or spare ribs
- Olive oil
- Brown sugar
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
- Apple cider vinegar
- Your favorite barbecue sauce
Directions
- Prepare the Ribs – Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for better tenderness. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Season – Rub the ribs with olive oil, then coat evenly with brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if using.
- Wrap & Bake – Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the ribs on a large sheet of foil, brush with apple cider vinegar, wrap tightly, and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours until tender.
- Glaze with BBQ Sauce – Unwrap the ribs and brush generously with barbecue sauce. Increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes, or broil for 5 minutes until caramelized.
- Rest & Serve – Let the ribs rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve with extra BBQ sauce.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Variations
- Spicy BBQ Ribs – Add extra cayenne or use a spicy barbecue sauce.
- Honey-Glazed Ribs – Mix honey into the BBQ sauce for extra sweetness.
- Smoky Flavor – Add liquid smoke to the seasoning rub.
- Different Meat Cuts – Try beef ribs instead of pork for a bolder taste.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze – Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat – Warm in the oven at 300°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.
FAQs
How do I make ribs more tender?
Slow baking at a low temperature (300°F) helps break down the meat for tender, juicy ribs.
Do I need to remove the membrane?
Yes! Removing the membrane ensures better texture and flavor absorption.
Can I use a store-bought rub?
Absolutely! A pre-made rub works just as well for convenience.
Can I make these ribs ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the ribs ahead, then refrigerate. Reheat with BBQ sauce before serving.
What’s the best BBQ sauce for ribs?
Use your favorite store-bought sauce, or make a homemade blend with ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices.
How do I know when the ribs are done?
The meat should be tender and pull away from the bone easily. A meat thermometer should read 190-200°F.
Can I cook ribs at a higher temperature?
Yes, but lower and slower yields the best results. If needed, bake at 350°F for about 2 hours.
What sides go well with BBQ ribs?
Coleslaw, baked beans, mac and cheese, cornbread, or potato salad are all great choices.
Can I make these ribs without foil?
Yes, but covering them with foil locks in moisture and helps with tenderness.
Can I finish the ribs on a grill instead of the oven?
Yes! After baking, transfer to a grill over medium heat for 5-10 minutes per side.
Conclusion
These easy oven-baked barbecue ribs deliver smoky, sweet, and tender perfection—no grill required! With a simple seasoning rub and a slow bake, they come out juicy and flavorful every time. Perfect for family dinners, cookouts, or weekend meals, this recipe will have everyone coming back for more. Try it today and enjoy restaurant-quality ribs at home!
PrintEasy Oven Baked Barbecue Ribs
These oven-baked barbecue ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender, packed with smoky flavor, and finished with a sticky, caramelized BBQ glaze. No grill needed—just juicy, flavorful ribs straight from your oven!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, BBQ
Ingredients
For the Ribs:
- 2 racks (about 4 lbs) baby back ribs or St. Louis-style ribs
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar or apple juice (for tenderizing)
For the BBQ Glaze:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ribs:
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs by gripping it with a paper towel and pulling it off.
- Rub both sides with olive oil.
-
Season the Ribs:
- In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne, and brown sugar.
- Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs.
-
Bake the Ribs:
- Place ribs meat-side up on a large foil-lined baking sheet.
- Pour apple cider vinegar or apple juice around the ribs for moisture.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 2 ½ – 3 hours, until ribs are tender.
-
Make the BBQ Glaze:
- While the ribs bake, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard in a bowl.
-
Broil for a Caramelized Finish:
- Remove ribs from the oven and discard foil.
- Brush generously with the BBQ glaze.
- Set oven to broil and cook for 3-5 minutes, watching closely, until the sauce caramelizes.
-
Rest & Serve:
- Let ribs rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve with extra BBQ sauce!
Notes
- Want extra smoky flavor? Add ½ teaspoon liquid smoke to the BBQ glaze.
- No broiler? Finish the ribs on a hot grill (5 minutes per side) instead.
- Make ahead: Bake the ribs earlier in the day and broil just before serving.