How To Cook Ribs In Oven? | The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide

There’s an art to how to cook ribs in oven that transforms this humble dish into a culinary masterpiece, rivaling even the best barbecue joints. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, mastering the technique of oven-baked ribs promises to elevate your cooking repertoire to new heights. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll unlock the secrets behind achieving perfectly tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs, all from the comfort of your own kitchen. With years of culinary experience and countless hours of experimentation, we’ve refined a method that not only simplifies the cooking process but ensures a flavor-packed result every time. This article is more than just a recipe; it’s a journey through the nuances of seasoning, timing, and broiling that will empower you to create ribs that are not just food, but an experience. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests at your next dinner party or simply treating your family to a delicious meal, the techniques shared here will transform your approach to cooking ribs. So, preheat your oven and prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you eager to explore the depths of flavor that oven-cooked ribs have to offer.

Introduction

Baking ribs in the oven is a simple and effective way to achieve fall-off-the-bone tenderness. The ideal baking temperature ranges from 250°F to 325°F and ribs are usually ready in 2-4 hours. This oven rib recipe is inspired by Steamy Kitchen and their foolproof technique for finger-licking ribs.

What You’ll Learn

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• What ingredients and equipment you need
• How to prepare and season the ribs
• Baking instructions for optimal doneness
• How to finish with barbecue sauce
• Recommended side dishes and serving suggestions
• Extra tips for safely handling and storing leftovers

Follow these steps and you’ll be able to bake irresistible, tender oven-baked ribs at home. Let’s get started.

Preparing the Ribs

To make oven-baked ribs, you’ll need:

Ribs:

• Pork baby back ribs or pork spare ribs (2-3 lbs)
• Beef short ribs also work well (3-4 lbs)

Seasoning:

• Salt
• Pepper
• Paprika
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Brown sugar
• Chili powder (optional)

Equipment:

• Rimmed baking sheet
• Aluminum foil

See more : How Long To Smoke Ribs At 225? | Professional Guides

Professional chefs recommend removing the membrane from the bone side of the ribs for maximum tenderness. Here’s a quick tutorial from Adam:

1. Use a butter knife to loosen an edge of the membrane
2. Grab the loosened membrane with a paper towel
3. Slowly peel it off, using the paper towel to grip it

If you prefer a chewier rib, leave the membrane intact. Now let’s get to the fun part – seasoning.

Baking the Ribs

Prep time: 10 mins

Total bake time: 2-4 hours

1. Prepare baking pan: Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly coat with oil.
2. Season ribs: Generously coat both sides of the ribs with a dry rub. A simple blend of salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and brown sugar works nicely. Feel free to add chili powder for a kick.
3. Cover and bake: Wrap the ribs tightly in foil. Bake at 275°F for 2-4 hours until fall-off-the-bone tender. Check for doneness after 2 hours.
4. Rest and slice: Carefully remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 mins before slicing between bones.

Waiting 5-10 minutes before cutting into the ribs allows them to firm up a bit for better texture. Now for the fun part – sauces and sides.

Finishing Touches (Optional)

No ribs are complete without a finger-licking barbecue sauce. Whip up this sweet and spicy blend:

Sweet & Spicy BBQ Sauce

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1⁄4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1⁄2 tsp cayenne pepper

See more : How Long To Cook Beef Ribs On Pellet Grill? Creative Methods

Simply combine all ingredients in a small saucepan and simmer for 5-10 minutes.

After baking, brush the ribs with sauce and broil for 2-3 minutes to caramelize. This versatile barbecue sauce also goes great on chicken, burgers, and fries.

Serving and Sides

Oven-baked ribs pair nicely with:

• Potato salad – Cool, creamy, and tangy potato salad balances the richness of ribs.
• Coleslaw – Crunchy coleslaw adds freshness. Make it spicy with jalapeños.
• Baked beans – Sweet, smoky baked beans are a classic complement.
• Corn on the cob – Grilled or roasted corn brightens up the plate.
• Mac and cheese – Gooey, cheesy macaroni screams comfort food.

For more mouthwatering recipes, check out my oven-baked chicken, twice baked potatoes, or homemade burger guides.

Additional Tips and Considerations

When handling raw ribs:

• Wash hands and surfaces after working with raw meat
• Refrigerate ribs if marinating for more than an hour
• Cook ribs to an internal temperature of at least 145°F

Storing and Reheating Leftovers:

• Store ribs in an airtight container in the fridge
• Reheat in a 300°F oven until warmed through

Adapting Recipe:

• Use a meat thermometer to gauge doneness
• Add more or less seasoning to taste
• Try on beef short ribs or lamb ribs

We covered a lot of ground on how to make tender, juicy oven-baked ribs. What questions do you have? Let me know in the comments below.