Juicy Oven-Baked BBQ Ribs: Perfectly Tender and Smothered in Homemade Barbecue Sauce

Photo byAngie Bright

Tender Oven-Baked BBQ Ribs Recipe

Few dishes bring a crowd together like a plate of tender, saucy barbecue ribs. These oven-baked BBQ ribs are perfect for those who want the bold, smoky flavors of outdoor grilling without ever firing up the grill. The slow-cooked, fall-off-the-bone texture is made possible by a few hours in the oven, and the rich, homemade barbecue sauce adds a delicious finish.

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the use of classic ingredients to bring out the best in the ribs. The meat becomes so tender that it practically melts in your mouth, while the sweet and tangy sauce perfectly complements the savory pork. Whether you're planning a family dinner, weekend feast, or a cozy get-together, this recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Step-by-Step Recipe: Tender Oven-Baked BBQ Ribs

Ingredients:

• 2 to 2 1/2 pounds baby back pork ribs
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup finely diced onion
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Your favorite barbecue sauce

Directions:

1. Prepare the Ribs:
   Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. If the ribs still have a thin membrane covering the back of the rack, take a moment to remove it. This will ensure that the meat becomes tender and allows the flavors to penetrate better. Simply slide a knife under the membrane and peel it off.
   Once the ribs are prepped, generously season both sides with salt and black pepper.
2. Bake the Ribs:
   Place the seasoned ribs, meat-side up, into a large roasting pan or a rimmed baking sheet. If your ribs don’t fit, cut them in half. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to trap in the moisture and bake for 2 ½ to 3 ½ hours, or until the ribs are tender enough that the meat easily pulls away from the bone. The slow cooking time is key for perfectly tender ribs.
3. Make the Barbecue Sauce:
   While the ribs are baking, it’s time to whip up a simple yet flavorful barbecue sauce. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until they become soft and translucent, which takes about 5 to 8 minutes. Stir in the barbecue sauce, light brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors. Then, set the sauce aside until the ribs are ready.
4. Finish the Ribs:
   Once the ribs are tender, remove them from the oven and carefully discard the aluminum foil. Brush the ribs generously with your prepared barbecue sauce. For the final touch, turn the broiler to high and place the ribs back in the oven for about 4 minutes. This quick broil will caramelize the sauce, giving the ribs a beautiful glaze. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning the sauce.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   If you have leftover barbecue sauce, warm it up and slather it over the ribs right before serving. These ribs are fantastic served with classic barbecue sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread.

The result is tender, juicy ribs that are bursting with flavor. The homemade barbecue sauce adds just the right amount of sweetness and tanginess, perfectly complementing the smoky taste of the pork. You don't need a grill to enjoy these perfectly cooked ribs – just an oven and a bit of patience. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a gathering, these ribs will be a hit!

To make perfect oven-baked BBQ ribs, follow a low-and-slow cooking method, ensuring tender meat that falls off the bone. The basic process involves seasoning the ribs with salt, pepper, and optional dry rubs, then baking them in a covered pan or wrapped in foil to keep moisture in. For this recipe, you'll bake the ribs at 325°F for 2½ to 3½ hours.

While the ribs bake, prepare a simple BBQ sauce by sautéing onions, and combining them with ingredients like brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and your favorite barbecue sauce. After the ribs are done, slather them generously with the sauce and broil briefly to caramelize the exterior.

For more detailed instructions and variations, check out great resources from Spend With Pennies​

Spend With Pennies, Scrambled Chefs​Scrambled Chefs, and The Stay At Home Chef​The Stay At Home Chef. These guides offer tips on different cooking temperatures, types of ribs, and additional sauce ideas.