These oven-baked ribs are so tender, they practically fall off the bone! Coated in a sweet and sticky barbecue sauce, they are sure to make your mouth water.
You’ll love how easy they are to make—pop them in the oven and let the heat do the work. I can’t resist nibbling on them right off the tray! 🍖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby back ribs: These are perfect for this dish due to their tenderness and flavor. You can use spare ribs if you want more meat on the bone, but they may take slightly longer to cook.
Olive oil: This adds moisture and helps the spices adhere. If you’re out, avocado oil or melted butter are great alternatives.
Paprika: For a colorful and smoky flavor, regular or smoked paprika works well. If you like it spicy, try using cayenne pepper instead!
Barbecue sauce: Pick your favorite! Homemade sauce gives a unique touch, but store-bought options are convenient. Sweet, spicy, or tangy varieties can change the whole flavor profile.
How Do I Remove the Membrane from Ribs?
Removing the thin membrane on the back of the ribs is key for tender results. It helps the spices penetrate the meat better. Here’s an easy way to do it:
- Use a butter knife to gently lift one end of the membrane from the bone.
- Grip it with a paper towel for better traction and slowly pull it off. It should come away in one piece.
This step makes a big difference in the texture, so don’t skip it!
How Should I Bake Ribs for Maximum Tenderness?
To achieve fall-off-the-bone ribs, baking low and slow is your best approach. Here’s a quick summary of the technique:
- Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C) and keep it low to allow the fat to break down.
- Wrap the ribs tightly in foil to create steam during cooking, ensuring they’re covered throughout most of the baking time.
- Once cooked, increase the oven temperature for a short time to caramelize the sauce, adding flavor and texture.
Trust the process and be patient—the result will be worth it!
Fall-off-the-Bone Oven Baked Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ribs:
- 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 4-5 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Spice Mix:
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your choice)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare the ribs and about 3 hours for cooking. You’ll bake them low and slow, which makes them super tender and delicious. After cooking, you’ll want to allow about 10 minutes for the ribs to rest before slicing. So in total, you’re looking at around 3 hours and 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). While it’s heating up, get the ribs ready. Carefully remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs; this helps make them more tender. After that, pat the ribs dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
2. Mix Up the Spice Rub:
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix everything together well until it forms a nice paste.
3. Season Those Ribs:
Take the spice mixture and rub it generously over both sides of the ribs. Make sure they are coated evenly for the best flavor. Place the seasoned ribs on a large baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. If you have a wire rack, place it on the baking sheet and set the ribs on top to allow the heat to circulate better.
4. Bake and Steam:
Cover the ribs tightly with another layer of aluminum foil. This will help them steam as they bake. Pop them into your preheated oven and let them bake for about 3 to 3.5 hours until they are super tender and cooked through.
5. Add Barbecue Sauce:
Once the ribs are done baking, carefully remove them from the oven and take off the top layer of foil. Brush your favorite barbecue sauce all over the ribs for a tasty glaze.
6. Finish Baking:
Now, increase the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Return the ribs to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 20-30 minutes, basting with more barbecue sauce halfway through to get that caramelized finish.
7. Rest and Serve:
Once they’re beautifully glazed and caramelized, take the ribs out of the oven and let them rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to settle. After resting, cut between the bones to serve up individual ribs. Pair with extra barbecue sauce on the side and enjoy your fall-off-the-bone ribs!
Can I Use Spare Ribs Instead of Baby Back Ribs?
Absolutely! You can use spare ribs, but keep in mind that they may take a little longer to cook due to being tougher. Adjust your baking time to about 4 hours, checking for tenderness. The flavor will be just as delicious!
Can I Prepare the Ribs the Day Before?
Yes, you can! After applying the spice rub, wrap the ribs tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the flavors to meld. Just let them come to room temperature before baking the next day to ensure even cooking.
What Should I Do if My Ribs Aren’t Fork-Tender?
If your ribs aren’t as tender as you’d like, simply return them to the oven covered with foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour. Check periodically to ensure they don’t dry out. Adding a splash of water to the foil can help create steam for tenderness.
How to Store Leftover Ribs
Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, basting with barbecue sauce if desired.
