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Oven-Baked Baby Back Ribs: Fall-Off-the-Bone Tender, Juicy

Shruthi
Oven-Baked Baby Back Ribs are tender, juicy, and bursting with smoky barbecue flavor. A savory dry rub seasons the meat before it is slow-roasted to perfection. The low-temperature cooking process creates fall-off-the-bone tenderness while preserving moisture. Finished with a rich barbecue glaze, these ribs develop a sticky, caramelized exterior that complements the succulent meat. Easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, they are ideal for family dinners and special occasions. This recipe delivers authentic barbecue flavor right from your kitchen oven.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 5 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American Barbecue
Calories 650 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Ribs

  • 2 racks baby back ribs (about 4 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Dry Rub

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

Barbecue Glaze

  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions
 

Prepare the Ribs

  • Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs.Pat ribs dry with paper towels.Rub olive oil over both sides.

Apply the Dry Rub

  • Combine all dry rub ingredients in a bowl.Generously coat both sides of the ribs.Press seasoning into the meat.

Bake the Ribs

  • Place ribs on a foil-lined baking sheet.Cover tightly with aluminum foil.Bake for 2½ to 3 hours until tender.

Add the Barbecue Glaze

  • Mix barbecue sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar.Remove foil from ribs.Brush generously with glaze.

Broil for Finish

  • Set oven to broil.Broil ribs for 3–5 minutes.Watch carefully to prevent burning.Remove when sauce becomes bubbly and caramelized.

Serve

  • Let ribs rest for 10 minutes.Slice between bones.Serve with extra barbecue sauce.

Notes

  • Removing the membrane improves tenderness.
  • Low-temperature cooking is essential for juicy ribs.
  • Use your favorite barbecue sauce.
  • Foil helps retain moisture during baking.
  • Broiling creates a delicious caramelized crust.
  • Let the ribs rest before slicing.
  • Leftover ribs reheat beautifully.
  • Homemade barbecue sauce adds extra flavor.
Keyword Barbecue Ribs Recipe, easy rib recipe, fall-off-the-bone ribs, Homemade BBQ Ribs, Oven-Baked Baby Back Ribs, Tender Baby Back Ribs