Perfect Oven-Baked Pork Ribs that are tender, juicy, and completely irresistible start right in your oven. These ribs are slow-baked until they’re fall-apart tender, then finished with a sticky homemade barbecue sauce that’s smoky, sweet, and just a little tangy. No grill needed. Just cozy, finger-lickin’ good ribs made at home.
If pork dinners are your thing, you’ll love browsing my full collection of pork recipes, all simple, comforting, and family-friendly.
Want barbecue ribs that taste like they came straight off the grill, without the hassle? This oven method is my go-to. The ribs turn out tender and juicy, and the sauce gets sticky and caramelized at the end. This is the kind of dinner everyone gets excited about.
About These Oven Baked Ribs
This recipe is easy, reliable, and perfect for cozy dinners at home. The slow oven bake does all the hard work, and the final glaze adds that sticky, caramelized finish everyone loves. No grill, no stress, just really good ribs.
When it comes to ribs that fall right off the bone, low and slow is the way to go. The oven does most of the work while the ribs gently cook and turn tender. It’s an easy, hands-off method that delivers rich flavor and great texture every time.
Pork Ribs in the Oven
These oven BBQ ribs are seasoned with a simple spice rub, then baked low and slow until they’re perfectly tender. After that, they’re brushed with barbecue sauce and baked again until sticky and caramelized. The result is juicy, flavorful ribs that turn out great every time.
If you’re a fan of cozy pork dinners, you might also enjoy my Roasted Pork Belly. It’s another simple recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
How to Cook Barbecue Ribs in the Oven
Start by prepping the ribs and patting them dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better and gives you the best texture once they’re baked.
How to Remove the Membrane
Flip the ribs over so the bone side is facing up. You’ll see a thin membrane running along the back. Removing it helps the ribs turn out much more tender. Slide a small knife under the membrane at one end to loosen it, then grab it with a paper towel and gently pull. It usually comes off in one clean piece.
Seasoning for Pork Ribs
Coat both sides of the ribs with a thin layer of mustard. This acts as a binder and helps the seasoning stick. Sprinkle evenly with salt, black pepper, coriander, garlic powder, and paprika, then gently rub the spices into the meat.
Wrap the ribs tightly with parchment paper and foil, then bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 2½ hours, until the meat is tender and pulls easily from the bone.
What you need for BBQ Sauce
This quick homemade BBQ sauce comes together with just four simple ingredients. It’s rich, slightly sweet, and perfect for brushing over the ribs. You can make it ahead and keep it in the fridge for up to two weeks.
You can use your favorite store-bought barbecue sauce, but this quick homemade version is worth the extra few minutes. Just combine ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, and smoked paprika, then simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
If you like a little heat, feel free to add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne to the sauce.
Remove the ribs from the oven and carefully unwrap them. Brush the tops generously with the barbecue sauce.
Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and bake the ribs uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, until the sauce turns sticky and lightly caramelized.
Easy Oven Barbecue Pork Ribs Are Ready!
Let the ribs rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This gives the juices time to settle back into the meat, keeping the ribs tender and juicy.
Have you tried these oven-baked ribs? I’d love to hear how they turned out for you. Leave a comment below and let me know.
Love pork recipes? Here are a few more cozy favorites you might enjoy: Roasted Pork Belly – crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of rich flavor.
Pork Blanquette – a creamy, comforting classic that’s perfect for cozy dinners.
Pork Schnitzel with Gravy – crispy breaded pork served with a rich, savory sauce.
Easy Oven Barbecue Ribs
These oven-baked BBQ ribs are slow-cooked until tender, then brushed with a simple homemade barbecue sauce and baked until sticky and caramelized. A cozy, no-fuss dinner that delivers big flavor without a grill.
4
servings10
minutes2
hours30
minutes300
kcal2
hours40
minutesIngredients
4 lb. (1.6 kg) Pork Ribs
2 tsp. Mustard
1/3 tsp. Salt
1/3 tsp. Black Pepper
3/4 tsp. Garlic Powder
1/2 tsp. Coriander
1 tsp. Paprika
- BBQ SAUCE
3 tbsp. Ketchup
4 tbsp. Soy Sauce
1 tsp. Brown Sugar
1 tsp. Smoked Paprika
Directions
- Prep the ribs and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and gives the ribs better texture as they bake.
- Flip the ribs bone-side up and remove the thin membrane from the back. Slide a small knife underneath to loosen it, then use a paper towel to grip and pull it off.
- Lightly coat both sides of the ribs with mustard. Sprinkle evenly with salt, black pepper, coriander, garlic powder, and paprika, then gently rub the seasoning into the meat.
- Wrap the ribs tightly with parchment paper and foil. Bake at 300°F (150°C) until the meat is tender and pulls easily from the bone.
- While the ribs bake, make the barbecue sauce. Combine ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, and smoked paprika in a small saucepan. Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring, until slightly thickened.
- Remove the ribs from the oven and carefully unwrap them. Brush the ribs generously with the barbecue sauce.
- Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Return the ribs to the oven, uncovered, and bake until the sauce becomes sticky and lightly caramelized.
- Let the ribs rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This keeps them juicy and tender.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Recipe Video
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 300kcal
If you have leftovers, these oven barbecue ribs keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them, tightly wrapped in foil, for up to 3 months.
FAQ
Can I make ribs without foil? Yes, you can. Foil helps keep the ribs extra moist and tender, but it’s not required. If you skip it, just keep the temperature low and watch them closely toward the end.
What temperature should I use for fall-off-the-bone ribs? Bake the ribs at around 275°F (135°C) for 2½ to 3 hours, then increase the oven to 400°F (200°C) for the final 10 to 12 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
What internal temperature should I look for? For tender, fall-apart ribs, aim for an internal temperature of about 195 to 203°F (90 to 95°C). That’s when the meat becomes soft and pulls easily from the bone. A fork test works just as well as a thermometer here.
Can I prepare the ribs in advance? Yes, this is a great make-ahead recipe. Bake the ribs, let them cool, and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, brush on the sauce and finish them in the oven until sticky and caramelized.
Do I need a rack? A rack isn’t required, but it can help. Placing the ribs on a rack over a lined baking sheet allows excess fat to drip away and keeps the bottom from getting soggy. That said, the ribs will still turn out great without one.
Spare ribs or baby back ribs? Baby back ribs cook a bit faster and are slightly leaner. Spare ribs are meatier and richer, but usually need an extra 15 to 25 minutes in the oven. Both work well with this method.
Storage & Reheat
Storage: Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm the ribs in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 12 to 15 minutes, until heated through. Brushing on a little extra BBQ sauce helps keep them juicy. If needed, you can also reheat them in the microwave in short intervals, covered with a damp paper towel.
Tip: For best results, let frozen ribs thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serve these oven-baked BBQ ribs with creamy mashed potatoes, crisp coleslaw, or sweet corn for a cozy, satisfying meal. If you enjoyed this recipe, I’d really appreciate a star rating and a comment below. And if you make them, tag @dozuscook. I love seeing how your dishes turn out.
