Baking Ribs in the Oven: A Step-by-Step Guide

There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a juicy, tender rack of ribs. While many people opt for grilling them on the barbecue, baking ribs in the oven is a fantastic alternative that yields equally delicious results. Whether you’re craving some finger-licking goodness for a backyard gathering or just want to satisfy your own cravings, here is a step-by-step guide to baking ribs in the oven.

Step 1: Choose the Right Ribs
The most commonly used ribs for baking are baby back ribs or spare ribs. Baby back ribs are smaller and tend to cook faster, while spare ribs are larger and have more meat on them. Both are flavorful and can be found at your local butcher or grocery store.

Step 2: Prepare the Ribs
Start by removing the rib membrane, which can be tough and chewy. Use a knife to lift and loosen one side of the membrane, then grab it with a paper towel and peel it off completely. This step will allow the seasonings and marinades to penetrate the meat better.

Step 3: Season the Ribs
Create a dry rub with your favorite herbs and spices. Common options include paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Generously coat both sides of the ribs with the dry rub, ensuring an even distribution. Let the ribs sit, covered, in the refrigerator for at least two hours or overnight to develop their flavors.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). While the oven is heating up, remove the ribs from the refrigerator to bring them to room temperature. This step ensures more even cooking.

Step 5: Prep the Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top of it. The foil will make cleaning up easier, while the wire rack will elevate the ribs, allowing the heat to circulate evenly and ensuring a crispy outer layer.

Step 6: Bake the Ribs
Place the seasoned ribs on the wire rack bone side down. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 2.5 to 3 hours for baby back ribs, or 3.5 to 4 hours for spare ribs. The low and slow cooking method will result in tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs.

Step 7: Baste with Sauce
One hour before the end of the baking time, get the barbecue sauce ready. Brush a generous amount of sauce on both sides of the ribs, ensuring they are fully coated. This step imparts a rich and savory flavor and creates a sticky glaze on the surface.

Step 8: Broil for a Crispy Finish
Once the baking time is up, switch the oven to broil mode. Place the ribs back in the oven for 3-5 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to avoid burning. The broiling process caramelizes the sauce, giving the ribs a mouthwatering charred finish.

Step 9: Rest and Serve
Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This step allows for the redistribution of juices, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite. Cut the ribs into individual servings, and serve them hot with your favorite sides like cornbread, coleslaw, or baked potatoes.

Baking ribs in the oven is a convenient and fuss-free way to enjoy this crowd-pleasing dish. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to achieve perfectly tender, flavorful ribs that are sure to impress. So, next time you’re in the mood for some succulent goodness, give this oven-baked rib recipe a try!