by Holly
Ribs are an absolute favorite in our house and we enjoy them all year long!
Making ribs in the oven ensures they are fall-off-the-bone tender and incredibly delicious. Literally perfect every single time.
These have been dubbed the “best ribs ever” by almost everyone who has tried them. Below is the step-by-step method I use for finger-lickin’ perfection.
How to Make Tender Ribs in The Oven
Perfectly tender ribs are actually easy to make and the secret lies in the method below! They’re melt-in-your-mouth tender and flavor packed.
- The best pork ribs are baby back ribs or pork back ribs. They are the most tender.
- Cook them low and slow in the oven until they become really tender.
- Wrap the pan with foil and ensure it is well sealed. This helps the ribs steam in the oven for tender flavorful meat.
- These can be made with any sauce (my fave is below) or even just salt & pepper.
- Once the meat is tender, broil or grill to get a little bit of color before serving.
Kitchen Tip – Baked, Not Boiled!
Before grilling (or broiling), ribs are cooked slowly to make them tender… often people BOIL them. Boiling ribs will make all their flavor seep out into the water and they’ll be bland!
Ribs cooked in the oven like the ribs recipe below keeps all of the flavors, you’ll never boil ribs again!
Ingredients
RIBS Baby Back (or Pork Back Ribs) are the best choice, they cook to tender perfection. Although the cost is more, it really makes a difference and in my opinion, it is worth the extra money.
RUB Dry rub is sold almost anywhere seasonings and spices are sold but I often find most pre-made rubs to be too salty.
The homemde rib rub below is easy and inexpensive, start with the mixture below and change it to your liking. Try cumin, cayenne pepper, or your own favorite spices.
SAUCE Use a favorite BBQ sauce, try making your own barbecue sauce, or opt out completely! My husband loves salt & pepper ribs while I love barbecue sauce mixed with chili sauce for zesty and delicious sticky ribs.
How to Remove the Membrane from Ribs
The membrane does not have to be removed from ribs, but I prefer the texture. On the back of a rack of ribs, there is a very thin layer of membrane (photo above). If you don’t see it, it is sometimes it has already been removed at the store.
To remove the membrane, slip a knife under the edge of the thin skin on the back of the ribs on one end. Grip the edge of the membrane (use a paper towel if it’s slippery) and gently pull it away from the meat. Discard the membrane.
How to Cook Tender Ribs in the Oven
In this recipe, the ribs are baked sealed, low and slow, for the most melt-in-your-mouth tender meat.
- Prep Ribs: Remove the membrane (tips above). Check the ribs to remove any small bone shards. Pat Dry.
- Season: Massage the spice rub into both sides of the ribs and place them meat side down on a baking sheet.
- Bake: Cover with garlic and onion. Then seal with aluminum foil and bake per the recipe below.
- Finish: Grill or broil to finish if desired.
Our favorite side dishes with ribs are corn on the cob and of course Classic Coleslaw and Beans!
How To Check if the Ribs Are Done
Once the ribs have cooked in the oven, open a corner of the foil (be careful, steam will come out and it’s very hot). To check the ribs, pull off a little piece with a fork. If the meat is not tender, they need MORE time. Seal them back up and add another 20-30 minutes and check again.
If they are ready ahead of time, turn the oven off and let them sit for up to 1 hour if you don’t open the oven. Perfect fall off the bone ribs.
How Long to Cook Ribs in the Oven
My preferred method is a low temperature for a longer period of time. I most often cook baby back ribs in the oven at 275°F for about 2-2 ½ hours.
- 275°F – 2 hours to 2 ½ hours *preferred method
- 300°F – 1 ½ hours to 2 hours
- 350°F – 1 ¼ hours to 1 ½ hours
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the oven, microwave, or air fryer.
More Ways to Enjoy Ribs
- Instant Pot Ribs – Quick! Ready in about 25 minutes.
- Crock Pot Ribs – Set it and forget it.
- Braised Beef Short Ribs – Elegant and easy.
- BBQ Country Style Ribs – Family favorite
Did you love these BBQ Ribs in the Oven? Be sure to leave a rating or a comment below!
Tender Oven Baked Barbecue Ribs
Prep Time 15 minutes
Servings 6
Ingredients
Ribs
- 3 pounds baby back ribs 2 slabs
- 2 onions sliced
- 4 cloves garlic sliced
Rib Rub
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon lemon pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
BBQ Rib Sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ½ cup chili sauce
- ½ cup BBQ Sauce
Follow Spend with Pennies on Pinterest
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 275°F. Mix together Rib Rub ingredients.
- Remove the white membrane from the back side of the ribs (the side with less meat). It should pull off easily.
- Massage Rib Rub into ribs. Place ribs on a foil lined tray and cover with sliced onion and garlic. Cover & seal with another piece of foil
- Bake ribs for 2 hours. Carefully open the corner of the sealed foil and make sure they are tender. If not, bake another 20 minutes and check again.
- Meanwhile, combine Rib BBQ Sauce ingredients together.
- Remove ribs and discard juices, onions & garlic. Brush ribs with olive oil and sprinkle with salt & pepper or brush generously with BBQ sauce.
- Grill or broil over medium high heat 5-10 minutes or until charred.
Recipe Notes
Some ribs will have the back membrane already removed. To remove the membrane, slip a knife under the edge of the thin skin on the back of the ribs. Grip the edge of the membrane (use a paper towel if it's slippery) and gently pull it away from the meat. Discard the membrane. Cutting the ribs into pieces about 4-6 ribs makes them easy to grill and serve. The homemade rub can be substituted for a purchased rub if desired. Cook times/temps:
- 275°F – 2 hours to 2 ½ hours *preferred method
- 300°F – 1 ½ hours to 2 hours
- 350°F – 1 ¼ hours to 1 ½ hours
Nutrition Information
(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.)
Sides to Serve with Ribs
- Crock Pot Corn on the Cob – Easy!
- Homemade Mac and Cheese Casserole – BEST EVER!
- Old Fashioned Bean Salad
- Slow Cooker Baked Beans
- Creamy Apple Slaw Recipe – Fresh and crisp!
Can I make two packs or racks at a time?
Yes! Just ensure they aren’t overlapping.
These were amazing!!!
Can I used side ribs? It’s all my grocery store had.
Other types of ribs (including side ribs) can need a little bit longer to cook. If they’re still not tender, cover them back up and let them cook a little bit longer as directed in step 4. Hope that helps, DW.
Yeah, as a farm wife I can say with 100% confidence this is by far the best way to cook ribs in the oven. My farmer is RAVING, and that is huge!
I never much cooked ribs because I never liked the end result (as a Canadian I am not BBQ’ing anything in February), but this?!? It’s how I will cook them forever. Thank you!
Kate, this is such a huge compliment! I’m so glad you both loved them!
This is how I make my baby back ribs several times a year. However, they always take at least 4 hours. I like them super tender, almost falling off the bone. Yum!
Another great recipe! Hubby loved it. Please keep up the excellent work!