These tender oven-baked beef back ribs are a tasty treat! They get nice and juicy by slowly cooking in the oven, and the seasoning really brings out the flavors.
Honestly, nothing beats the smell of these ribs baking away. They make your mouth water! I love serving them with some coleslaw on the side for a perfect meal. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Back Ribs: These are key for flavor and tenderness. If you can’t find back ribs, short ribs or spare ribs are great alternatives. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my go-to, but feel free to use vegetable oil or even melted butter for a different flavor.
Spices: The blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder creates a wonderful flavor. If you have specific dietary preferences, swap the chili powder with cumin or leave it out altogether for milder seasoning.
Barbecue Sauce: You can use store-bought BBQ sauce for convenience, but homemade can really elevate this dish. I often mix a bit of honey or mustard into my sauce for extra flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Ribs Are Tender?
Getting those tender ribs is all about low and slow cooking. Start by removing the silver membrane on the back of the ribs. It can make the meat tough if left on. Then, seasoning is important, but don’t rush it. Let the spice rub sit for a bit before cooking. Wrapping the ribs tightly in foil keeps them moist while baking.
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Give them 2.5 to 3 hours to cook in the oven—this low temperature helps break down the tough fibers in the meat.
- After wrapping, check for tenderness by gently pulling at the meat towards the bone; it should easily separate.
Tender Oven-Baked Beef Back Ribs Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 pounds beef back ribs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for a bit of heat)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- Aluminum foil
Time Needed:
This recipe will take approximately 3 to 3.5 hours. You’ll spend about 15 minutes on preparation and seasoning the ribs, followed by 2.5 to 3 hours of baking in the oven. The rest of the time is for finishing in the oven after adding the barbecue sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by setting your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low temperature is key to getting those ribs tender and juicy.
2. Prepare the Ribs:
Next, take a moment to remove the silver membrane from the back of the ribs. This step is important for tenderness. Just slide a knife under the membrane’s edge and gently pull it off.
3. Mix the Spices:
In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional chili powder. This mix is going to give your ribs a fantastic flavor!
4. Season the Ribs:
Rub the olive oil over both sides of the ribs to help the spices stick. Then, sprinkle the spice mixture all over the ribs, coating them evenly for maximum flavor.
5. Wrap the Ribs:
Take aluminum foil and wrap the ribs tightly. This will keep them moist while they bake. Then, place the wrapped ribs on a baking sheet—this makes moving them in and out of the oven easier.
6. Bake the Ribs:
Put the ribs in the preheated oven and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours. You’ll know they’re ready when the meat is tender and begins pulling away from the bone.
7. Add Barbecue Sauce:
Once the ribs are done, carefully take them out of the oven and open the foil. Brush a generous layer of barbecue sauce on both sides of the ribs to get them all saucy!
8. Caramelize the Sauce:
Now, crank up the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Place the ribs back in the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10-15 minutes. This step caramelizes the barbecue sauce, giving the ribs a nice finish.
9. Rest and Serve:
After removing the ribs from the oven, let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute for even more juicy bites. Slice the ribs and serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side if desired.
Enjoy your tender, flavorful oven-baked beef back ribs!
FAQ About Tender Oven-Baked Beef Back Ribs
Can I Use Different Cuts of Ribs?
Absolutely! While beef back ribs are recommended for their tenderness, you can also use short ribs or spare ribs. Just remember that cooking times may vary, so keep an eye on them to ensure they’re tender.
How Can I Achieve More Flavor in the Ribs?
For a flavor boost, try marinating the ribs in your favorite marinade for a few hours or overnight before applying the spice rub. You can also experiment with different spices to suit your taste!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Ribs?
To store leftovers, wrap the ribs in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them, where they can last for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Make This Recipe in a Slow Cooker?
Yes! You can cook the ribs in a slow cooker on low for about 6-8 hours or until tender. After cooking, brush on the barbecue sauce and place under the broiler for a few minutes to caramelize the sauce if desired.
