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Tender Oven-Baked Barbecue Ribs Recipe

Tender Oven-Baked Barbecue Ribs Recipe


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4.7 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes to 3 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Barbecue ribs slow-roasted to tender perfection will become your new weekend favorite. Succulent meat with a smoky, tangy glaze creates a mouthwatering meal that brings family and friends together at the dinner table.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs pork baby back ribs

Spice Blend:

  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Finishing & Flavor:

  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • ½ cup brown sugar (dark)

Instructions

  1. Fire up the oven to 300°F (150°C) and position the rack in the center for even cooking.
  2. Rinse the 2 lbs of pork baby back ribs under cold water, then thoroughly pat them dry with paper towels.
  3. Trim any excessive fat from the ribs to ensure a leaner, more tender result.
  4. Combine ½ cup dark brown sugar, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper in a small mixing bowl.
  5. Massage the spice blend thoroughly into both sides of the ribs, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  6. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place the seasoned ribs on top.
  7. Spread 1 cup of barbecue sauce generously across the surface of the ribs, creating a rich, glossy coating.
  8. Wrap the baking sheet tightly with another layer of foil to seal in moisture during baking.
  9. Slide the ribs into the preheated oven and let them slow-cook for 2.5 to 3 hours until the meat is incredibly tender.
  10. Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
  11. Cut between the bones and serve your perfectly succulent barbecue ribs.

Notes

  • Wrapping the ribs tightly in foil creates a steamy environment that keeps the meat super tender and prevents drying out.
  • Choosing a high-quality barbecue sauce makes a huge difference in the final flavor, so select a brand with complex, rich taste.
  • Let the ribs rest for at least 10-15 minutes after cooking to help the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite stays moist and flavorful.
  • For a lower-carb version, swap traditional sugar-laden barbecue sauce with a sugar-free or homemade version using natural sweeteners like monk fruit.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
  • Category: Baked
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 541 kcal
  • Sugar: 32 g
  • Sodium: 860 mg
  • Fat: 31 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 37 g
  • Cholesterol: 130 mg