Are you craving tender, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs but don’t have access to a grill? Fear not, because we’ve got you covered with this easy and delicious oven-baked recipe.
Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just want to indulge in some finger-licking goodness, these ribs are sure to satisfy. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to make perfectly seasoned and saucy pork ribs in the oven.
From removing the membrane to slow cooking and broiling, we’ve got all the tips and tricks you need to make your ribs a hit. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
How To Cook Pork Ribs In The Oven?
First things first, rinse your ribs under cold water and pat them dry. If the ribs still have the thin clear membrane covering the back of the rack, you will need to remove it. Using a paring knife, start at one end of the ribs and carefully slide it under the membrane until you have separated enough of the membrane to hold onto. Use a paper towel to hold your grip on the membrane and slowly pull back on it until it separates from the rack.
Next, it’s time to season your ribs. In a small bowl, mix together salt, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, chili powder, paprika, and cayenne until combined. Rub the seasoning all over the ribs on both sides.
Place the ribs meat-side up onto a rimmed baking sheet. If necessary, trim a few ribs off the rack and arrange them all to fit on the baking sheet. Cover the baking sheet tightly with aluminum foil and bake until very tender, about 2 1/2-3 hours at 300°F. The meat should be practically falling off the bone.
Remove the ribs from the oven and remove the foil. Generously brush both sides of the cooked ribs with barbecue sauce. Arrange a rack in the upper 1/3 of the oven and turn the broiler to high. Broil the ribs for 2-4 minutes, just until the barbecue sauce begins to caramelize. Watch them carefully so that they don’t burn.
Remove from the oven, lay foil over the ribs and let them rest for 10 minutes before digging in!
Preparing The Ribs
Before cooking your pork ribs in the oven, it’s important to prepare them properly. This involves removing the thin clear membrane covering the back of the rack, also known as the silver skin. This membrane can be tough and chewy when cooked, so removing it will result in more tender and flavorful ribs.
To remove the membrane, start at one end of the ribs and carefully slide a paring knife under the membrane until you have separated enough of it to hold onto. Use a paper towel to grip the membrane and slowly pull back on it until it separates from the rack.
Next, season your ribs with a dry rub made up of salt, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, chili powder, paprika, and cayenne. Rub the seasoning all over the ribs on both sides to ensure even flavor distribution.
Place the seasoned ribs meat-side up onto a rimmed baking sheet. If necessary, trim a few ribs off the rack to fit them all on the sheet. Cover the baking sheet tightly with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 2 1/2-3 hours until the meat is very tender and practically falling off the bone.
Once cooked, remove the foil and generously brush both sides of the ribs with barbecue sauce. Broil the ribs in the upper third of the oven on high for 2-4 minutes until the sauce begins to caramelize. Be sure to watch them carefully to prevent burning.
Finally, remove from the oven and let your ribs rest for 10 minutes before serving. This will allow them to cool slightly and for juices to redistribute throughout the meat for maximum flavor.
Seasoning The Ribs
One of the most important steps in cooking pork ribs in the oven is seasoning them properly. A dry rub is an easy and effective way to add flavor to your ribs. You can make your own dry rub by combining a variety of herbs and spices that you likely already have in your pantry. Some of the best seasonings to put on ribs include kosher salt, brown sugar, sweet paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, dry mustard, celery salt, freshly ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
To season your ribs, start by rinsing them under cold water and patting them dry. If the thin clear membrane covering the back of the rack is still intact, remove it using a paring knife. In a small bowl, mix together your desired seasonings until combined. Rub the seasoning mixture all over both sides of the ribs.
Once seasoned, place the ribs meat-side up onto a rimmed baking sheet. If necessary, trim a few ribs off the rack to fit them all on the baking sheet. Cover the baking sheet tightly with aluminum foil and bake until very tender for about 2 1/2-3 hours at 300°F.
After baking, remove the foil and generously brush both sides of the cooked ribs with barbecue sauce. Turn on your broiler to high and arrange a rack in the upper 1/3 of the oven. Broil the ribs for 2-4 minutes until the barbecue sauce begins to caramelize. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Finally, remove from the oven and let your ribs rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and ensures that your ribs are moist and tender. With these simple steps, you can make delicious and flavorful pork ribs in your own oven!
Slow Cooking The Ribs
Slow cooking is a great way to cook pork ribs, as it allows the meat to become tender and juicy. To start, remove the thin white membrane from the back of the ribs using a paring knife and paper towel. Next, season the ribs with a mixture of salt, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, chili powder, paprika, and cayenne.
Place the seasoned ribs in a slow cooker with your favorite barbecue sauce. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. When the ribs are tender and falling off the bone, transfer them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Pour half of the juices from the slow cooker bowl into a small bowl with the remaining barbecue sauce. Baste the ribs with half of this mixture and broil in a preheated oven at 400°F (220°C) for about 10 minutes or until beginning to char and crisp on the edges.
Serve the ribs with the remaining sauce and enjoy! Slow cooking is a great way to cook pork ribs because it allows you to set it and forget it while still achieving tender and delicious results.
Adding Sauce To The Ribs
Adding sauce to your pork ribs is a crucial step in enhancing their flavor. However, it’s important to know when and how much sauce to add. You don’t want to drown your ribs in sauce, but you also don’t want them to be too dry. So, when should you add the sauce?
The best time to add barbecue sauce to your ribs is during the final 20-30 minutes of cooking. This will give the sauce enough time to caramelize and enhance the flavor of the meat. However, it’s important to show restraint when adding sauce. Let the meat and smoke flavor come through and don’t apply too much sauce. One coat is usually enough, but two coats is the maximum.
When it comes to how much sauce you’ll need, it’s important to remember that less is more. A full slab of spareribs with the tips still on will need 1 cup (8 ounces) of sauce for both sides, a slab of St. Louis cut ribs will need 3/4 cup (6 ounces), and a slab of baby back ribs will need 1/2 cup (4 ounces). But, if you’re serving cut ribs, sauce them before you cut them and don’t sauce the cut sides. This will allow your guests to taste the meat without being overwhelmed by the sauce.
If you’re using a sweet barbecue sauce, be aware that it can easily burn or become gummy if applied too early in the cooking process. To avoid this, apply the sauce at the end of the cook, just long enough to heat it and cook it without burning it.
If you want to sizzle and crisp your sauce over direct heat, be sure to watch carefully so it doesn’t turn to carbon or overcook the meat. This technique can be great for adding complexity to the flavor of your ribs, but be sure to shorten the cooking time by about 30 minutes if you use this method.
Finally, if you’re looking for something other than barbecue sauce to add to your ribs, consider using a sweet and tart Teriyaki sauce or a sticky and spicy plum sauce. And if you’re not looking to glaze your ribs, maybe use something like a chimichurri or mayo dip. All of these work great in place of BBQ sauce and can help spice up your weekend barbecues!
Broiling The Ribs For A Crispy Finish
Broiling the ribs is a crucial step that will give them a crispy finish and a delicious glaze. Before you start broiling, make sure that your oven’s broiler is preheated and ready to go.
First, remove the ribs from the oven and generously coat them with your favorite barbecue sauce. Use a basting brush to ensure that the sauce is evenly distributed over both sides of the ribs.
Next, place the ribs on a broiler-safe baking pan and position the oven grate so that the meat will be about 6 inches from the heat source. Put the pan under the broiler and cook until the sauce begins to caramelize and the ribs are crispy, usually for 2-5 minutes.
It’s important to watch the ribs carefully while they’re under the broiler because they can burn quickly. If you want to add more glaze, remove the pan from under the broiler and brush on more sauce before putting it back in for another round of broiling.
Once the ribs are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and make it even more tender.
Serving And Enjoying Your Delicious Ribs
Now that your delicious pork ribs are cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy them with some mouth-watering sides. There are many options to choose from, but here are some of the best side dishes that will complement your juicy and tender pork ribs.
One classic side dish that pairs perfectly with pork ribs is baked beans with ground beef and bacon. This savory and flavorful dish is easy to make and will satisfy even the heartiest of appetites. Another great option is green beans with bacon, which adds a touch of freshness and crunch to your meal.
If you’re looking for something a little more indulgent, try serving your ribs with zucchini pancakes or parmesan roasted broccoli. These dishes are not only delicious, but also packed with nutrients and will balance out the richness of the pork.
For a Southern-style feast, serve your ribs with some cheesy grits or fried onion rings. These dishes are sure to be a hit with your guests and will transport them straight to the heart of Dixie.
To complete your meal, don’t forget to offer plenty of napkins and barbecue sauce for dipping. And for an extra touch of crispy yumminess, broil the ribs just before serving to add an extra layer of caramelization.
With these delicious side dishes, your pork ribs will be the star of the show at your next get-together. So fire up the oven, grab your apron, and get ready to impress your guests with a mouth-watering feast!