Oven-Baked Baby Back Ribs – Fall-Off-the-Bone Tender Ribs
Oven-Baked Baby Back Ribs are seasoned with a flavorful dry rub, baked slowly until tender, and finished with a sticky barbecue glaze. The low-and-slow cooking method ensures juicy, fall-off-the-bone meat while the sauce adds smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors. Perfect for family dinners, parties, and special occasions, these ribs deliver authentic barbecue taste from the comfort of your kitchen. Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make this recipe both accessible and impressive.
Ingredients
For the Ribs
- 2 racks baby back ribs (about 4 pounds total)
Dry Rub
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Barbecue Glaze
- 1½ cups barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs for maximum tenderness.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Rub the mixture generously over both sides of the ribs.
- Place the ribs on a large sheet of aluminum foil and wrap tightly. Arrange on a baking sheet.
- Bake for approximately 2½ to 3 hours, or until the ribs are very tender.
- While the ribs are baking, combine barbecue sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl.
- Remove the ribs from the foil and brush generously with the barbecue glaze.
- Increase oven temperature to broil and cook for 3–5 minutes until the glaze becomes sticky and caramelized.
- Allow the ribs to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Removing the membrane improves tenderness.
- Low-temperature baking is essential for juicy ribs.
- Baby back ribs cook faster than spare ribs.
- Homemade barbecue sauce works beautifully.
- Foil helps retain moisture during baking.
- Broiling creates a delicious caramelized finish.
- Allow ribs to rest before slicing.
- Leftovers reheat exceptionally well.