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Tender Oven-Baked Ribs

Enjoy tender, melt-in-your-mouth ribs with a sweet and smoky finish, perfect for a cozy dinner or a casual party.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Ribs
  • 2 racks racks of baby back ribs or St. Louis-style ribs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Helps rub adhere
Dry Rub
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar Helps with caramelization
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika For depth
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional, for heat
Barbecue Sauce
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce Store-bought or homemade

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C).
  2. Prepare the ribs: flip them bone-side up and slide a knife under the thin membrane. Then, grip the membrane with a paper towel and pull it off in one clean motion. Pat dry.
  3. Mix the dry rub: whisk brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, chili, cumin, and cayenne in a bowl.
  4. Oil and season: rub olive oil over both sides of the ribs. Press the dry rub into the meat.
  5. Wrap tight: place each rack meat-side up on a large sheet of foil. Wrap tightly and seal edges.
Cooking
  1. Bake the wrapped ribs in the oven for 2.5–3 hours.
  2. Unwrap the ribs and increase the oven to 450°F (230°C). Brush both sides with barbecue sauce.
  3. Place the ribs back in the oven uncovered and bake for 10–15 minutes until the sauce bubbles and caramelizes.
  4. Let the ribs rest for 5 minutes before slicing between the bones.

Notes

Prep the rub a day ahead and refrigerate. Avoid over-glazing too early to prevent burning.