Oven Baked Ribs Easy & Flavorful Recipe

Ingredients – Oven Baked Ribs

4 lbs pork ribs, membrane removed
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1 tsp hickory smoked salt (or 1.5–2 tsp liquid smoke)
1 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp ground red pepper (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups barbecue sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s or favorite brand)

Preparing the Rub and Ribs

To make the ribs truly melt in your mouth, the rub is essential. Start by combining the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and red pepper in a bowl. This mix will give the ribs a perfect balance of sweetness, mild heat, and a hint of smokiness.

Next, season the ribs on both sides with salt and pepper. If you can’t find hickory smoked salt, use liquid smoke for that authentic smoky flavor. Rub the spice mixture evenly over all sides of the ribs. Make sure every part of the meat is coated for maximum flavor penetration.

A quick tip: removing the membrane from the back of the ribs allows the rub and smoke flavor to soak in better and makes the ribs fall off the bone effortlessly.

Baking the Ribs

Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with two layers of foil, shiny side up.
Place the ribs meat-side down on the foil-lined sheet and cover tightly with two more layers of foil. This traps moisture and ensures tender ribs.
Bake for 2–2.5 hours until the meat begins pulling away from the bones.

Baking at a low temperature slowly breaks down the collagen in the meat, creating that soft, juicy texture everyone loves.

After baking, remove the foil and cut the ribs into portions of 2–3 ribs. Transfer them to a broiler pan, bone side up, and brush generously with barbecue sauce. Broil for 1–2 minutes until caramelized and bubbly, then flip and repeat.

For an extra layer of flavor, you can finish the ribs on the grill for 2–3 minutes per side. This gives them a slightly charred, smoky crust that tastes like they’ve been cooked on a professional barbecue pit.

Tips for Perfect Oven Baked Ribs

Do not skip the membrane removal: It makes the ribs more tender and allows the rub to soak in.
Keep the foil sealed while baking: This traps moisture and prevents the ribs from drying out.
Use smoked paprika or liquid smoke: Adds authentic grill flavor even when baking indoors.
Apply sauce at the end: Prevents burning and caramelizes perfectly under the broiler.
Experiment with rub variations: Add a touch of cumin or chili powder for a slightly different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

These Oven Baked Ribs pair beautifully with:

Fresh coleslaw for a crisp, tangy balance
Cornbread or dinner rolls
Roasted or mashed potatoes
A simple green salad

A cold lemonade or craft beer complements the sweet and smoky flavor of the ribs perfectly. Serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side to let everyone customize their taste.

Storing and Reheating

Refrigerator: Store for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: Freeze for 2–3 months.

To reheat, wrap ribs in foil and bake at 140–150°C until warmed through. This prevents them from drying out and keeps them juicy and tender.

Why Oven Baked Ribs Are So Special

Unlike grilled ribs, Oven Baked Ribs are easier to control. You don’t need to monitor a hot grill or worry about flare-ups. The slow, low-temperature oven cooking guarantees consistent results every time. Even first-time cooks can achieve ribs that fall off the bone with minimal effort.

Additionally, the versatility is unmatched: you can use this method for baby back ribs, spare ribs, or even split chicken, all while achieving rich, smoky flavor. It’s a foolproof way to impress family and friends without spending hours outside on the grill.

These Oven Baked Ribs are juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. Perfect for family dinners, weekend meals, or entertaining guests, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your household.

Try this recipe today and share it with your friends, family, and loved ones on social media—they’ll thank you for the delicious tip!

Oven Baked Ribs