These oven-baked BBQ ribs are a perfect way to enjoy tender, juicy ribs without the need for a smoker or grill. By cooking at a low temperature and slowly basting with a homemade barbecue sauce, these ribs become melt-in-your-mouth delicious, with a rich smoky flavor. Ideal for any occasion, this recipe is easy and produces showstopper results every time.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Ribs:

• 3 lbs pork baby back ribs

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon granulated garlic

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper

• 1 teaspoon cumin

For the Barbecue Sauce:

• 2 cups mild barbecue sauce (your preferred brand)

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon hot sauce

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil.

2. Prepare Dry Rub: In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, garlic powder, granulated garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, white pepper, and cumin.

3. Coat the Ribs: Coat both sides of the ribs with the dry rub, then brush with olive oil.

4. Bake: Place the ribs on the prepared baking sheet, meat side down. Cover the ribs with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

5. Prepare Sauce: While the ribs bake, mix together the barbecue sauce, garlic powder, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.

6. Baste and Flip: After 30 minutes, flip the ribs and baste with juices from the pan and 1/4 of the prepared barbecue sauce. Cover and bake for another 30 minutes.

7. Repeat Basting: Flip the ribs again, baste with more sauce and juices, and bake for another 30 minutes.

8. Final Coating: Remove the foil, flip the ribs one more time, and coat with more barbecue sauce. Bake for 10-minute increments until the ribs reach an internal temperature of 145°F and the meat is tender and easily pulls off the bone.

9. Serve: Remove the ribs from the oven and serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 815 kcal

• Fat: 38 g

• Saturated Fat: 12 g

• Cholesterol: 204 mg

• Sodium: 1761 mg

• Carbohydrates: 52 g

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sugar: 40 g

• Protein: 63 g

The Perfect Dry Rub for Flavorful Ribs

The magic of these BBQ ribs starts with the dry rub. A combination of brown sugar, garlic powder, granulated garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, white pepper, and cumin creates a flavorful base that complements the richness of the pork. The brown sugar adds sweetness, while the smoked paprika and cumin lend a deep smokiness and warmth. The chili powder and garlic powder provide a subtle kick, while the salt and pepper enhance the natural flavors of the ribs.

Once the ribs are coated with this dry rub and brushed with olive oil, the seasoning adheres perfectly, creating a flavorful crust as the ribs bake. This ensures that every bite is packed with bold, savory flavor, even before the barbecue sauce is added.

Low and Slow Cooking for Tender Ribs

The key to achieving tender, juicy ribs is slow-cooking them at a low temperature. By baking the ribs at 250°F (120°C), the meat cooks gently, allowing the fat to render and the collagen to break down, resulting in incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat. The low heat ensures the ribs don’t dry out, allowing the dry rub to flavor the meat while keeping it juicy and moist.

The ribs are first baked meat side down, which helps them retain moisture. After the initial 30 minutes, flipping the ribs and basting them with the juices and some of the homemade barbecue sauce allows them to absorb even more flavor. This slow basting process helps to keep the ribs moist while building up layers of delicious, caramelized sauce.

Homemade Barbecue Sauce: Sweet, Tangy, and Smoky

The homemade barbecue sauce for these ribs is an essential part of the recipe, elevating the flavors and adding that signature tangy sweetness. The sauce combines mild barbecue sauce with garlic powder, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, and salt. The garlic powder and Worcestershire sauce add depth, while the liquid smoke imparts a subtle smokiness, giving the sauce that perfect outdoor-grilled flavor.

The hot sauce adds a bit of heat, balancing the sweetness from the barbecue sauce and brown sugar. This homemade sauce perfectly complements the ribs, providing a sweet, tangy coating that enhances the flavor without overpowering the meat.

The Basting Process: Layering Flavor

The basting process is key to achieving the perfect BBQ ribs. After the initial 30 minutes of baking, the ribs are flipped, and the sauce is applied. Basting the ribs with the juices from the pan and barbecue sauce adds flavor and moisture. Repeating the basting process several times during the cooking process ensures that the sauce becomes deeply caramelized, creating a rich, sticky coating that makes each bite irresistible.

As the ribs bake for 2-3 hours, they develop a beautiful golden-brown color and a tender, juicy texture. The final step of removing the foil and applying one last layer of barbecue sauce and baking for an additional 10 minutes allows the sauce to set and the ribs to reach their final, perfect texture.

Serving the Ribs: A Showstopping Meal

Once the ribs are done, they should be tender enough to pull apart with a fork, but still firm enough to hold their shape. The result is a dish with succulent, flavorful meat and a sticky, caramelized sauce that’s perfectly balanced between sweet, tangy, and smoky.

Serve the ribs with extra sauce on the side for dipping, allowing your guests to customize the level of flavor. These ribs pair wonderfully with classic BBQ sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or roasted vegetables, making them an ideal choice for a family dinner or a gathering.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of these oven-baked BBQ ribs contains approximately 815 calories, providing 63 grams of protein to help fuel your day. The 52 grams of carbohydrates come mainly from the barbecue sauce, while the 38 grams of fat, including 12 grams of saturated fat, contribute to the rich and juicy texture of the ribs. The sodium content (1761 mg) is on the higher side, primarily due to the seasoning and sauce, so it’s important to enjoy these ribs in moderation.

These ribs also provide 2 grams of fiber and 40 grams of sugar, most of which come from the brown sugar and barbecue sauce. While they’re indulgent, they are packed with flavor and offer a satisfying meal that’s sure to please any meat lover.

Conclusion

Oven-baked BBQ ribs with homemade barbecue sauce are the perfect way to enjoy juicy, tender ribs without the hassle of a smoker or grill. With the right dry rub, slow-cooking technique, and flavorful homemade sauce, these ribs are tender, smoky, and deliciously caramelized. Whether served at a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe delivers mouthwatering results every time. So fire up your oven, gather your ingredients, and enjoy a comforting, flavorful meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds!