Oven-baked BBQ ribs are a delicious and easy-to-make alternative to traditional grilled or smoked ribs. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 2 racks of baby back ribs or spare ribs
- 1/4 cup of your favorite BBQ rub or seasoning
- 1 cup of BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
- Prepare the Ribs:
- If the ribs have a membrane on the back, remove it. To do this, use a knife to lift a corner of the membrane, then grab it with a paper towel and peel it off.
- Pat the ribs dry with paper towels.
- Apply the Rub:
- Sprinkle the BBQ rub or seasoning evenly over both sides of the ribs. Use your hands to rub the seasoning into the meat, ensuring it adheres well.
- Wrap in Foil:
- Lay out two large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil, one for each rack of ribs.
- Place each rack of ribs on a sheet of foil.
- Wrap the ribs tightly in the foil, creating a sealed packet.
- Bake:
- Place the foil-wrapped ribs on a baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours for baby back ribs or 3 to 3.5 hours for spare ribs. The low and slow cooking will make the meat tender.
- Check for Doneness:
- Carefully open one end of the foil packets and use a fork to check if the meat is tender. The ribs should be tender enough to easily pull apart with a fork.
- Finish with BBQ Sauce:
- Preheat your broiler to high.
- Carefully remove the ribs from the foil packets and place them on the baking sheet.
- Brush a generous amount of BBQ sauce onto both sides of the ribs.
- Broil:
- Place the ribs under the broiler for 3-5 minutes on each side or until the sauce caramelizes and forms a sticky glaze. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve:
- Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before cutting them into individual portions.
- Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
Enjoy your oven-baked BBQ ribs! They should be tender, flavorful, and finger-licking good. You can adjust the cooking time and seasoning to suit your taste preferences.