Low & Slow Oven Baked Ribs – Super Simple! Recipe
As the smell of barbecue wafts through the air, many mouths start to salivate in anticipation. And while ribs are often associated with the summer months and outdoor grilling, there’s no need to wait for the perfect weather to indulge. With this easy and delicious low & slow oven baked ribs recipe, you can enjoy fall-off-the-bone tender ribs any time of year, right in the comfort of your own home.
Gone are the days where you have to worry about undercooked or overly dry meat when cooking ribs at home. With this super simple oven baked recipe, all you need is some dry rub, your favorite barbecue sauce, and a little bit of patience as you slowly cook the ribs on a low heat. The end result is juicy, flavorful baby back or St. Louis style ribs that will leave your guests (or just yourself) speechless.
So preheat that oven to 250°F and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you craving a delicious, finger-licking meal that promises to be flavorful and tender? If so, this recipe for Low and Slow Oven Baked Ribs is definitely for you! In just a few simple steps, you can have perfectly cooked ribs that are falling off the bone, slathered in your favorite BBQ sauce.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s super simple – even novice cooks will have no trouble mastering it. You don’t need any fancy equipment, just an oven and some basic ingredients like dry rub and your favorite BBQ sauce. It’s a foolproof way to achieve mouth-watering ribs without even needing to break out the grill.
But what truly makes these ribs stand out is the low and slow oven-baking process. Slow cooking ensures that your ribs come out perfectly tender with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, while baking them in the oven gives them that irresistible crispy exterior. This method means that you’ll have a consistent level of heat throughout the cooking time, meaning perfect results every time.
And let’s not forget about the variety of options available to you with this recipe. You can use baby back ribs, St Louis-style ribs, or beef ribs depending on your preference. You can also experiment with different spices and seasoning blends to suit your taste buds.
Overall, there’s no denying that these Low and Slow Oven Baked Ribs are one of the easiest and tastiest recipes out there. Whether you’re hosting guests or simply looking for a comforting meal at home, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredient List
Baby Back Ribs: For this recipe, we need 2 racks of baby back ribs. It is important to select high-quality meat that is fresh and well-marbled to get the best results.
Dry Rub: The dry rub is a combination of spices that will give the ribs a deep flavor. Here are the ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Barbecue Sauce: To finish off the ribs, we’ll use our favorite store-bought or homemade barbecue sauce. One cup of sauce should be enough for one rack of ribs. However, feel free to adjust according to your taste preference.
It’s important to use quality ingredients in any recipe so you get the best results, but especially with barbecue. Quality meat is what will make or break this dish. Be sure to choose a cut that has plenty of marbling so they don’t dry out while cooking.’
The Recipe How-To
Preheat the Oven
First, preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.
Prepare the Ribs
Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs by sliding a knife under a corner and using your hands to pull it off. This will help ensure the ribs are tender and juice.
Prepare the Dry Rub
Mix your favorite dry rub ingredients in a small bowl, then sprinkle it generously over both sides of the rib racks.
Bake the Ribs
Place the ribs on a baking sheet and put it in the oven for 2 hours. After 2 hours, brush on your favorite barbecue sauce, return to the oven and cook for another 1-2 hours, until tender. To check to see if they’re done, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of one rack; it should read at least 145°F.
The Final Touches
Take out the ribs from the oven and let them sit for 5 minutes before slicing with a sharp knife between bones. Drizzle more BBQ sauce over them just before serving. Enjoy the fall off-the-bone tenderness, sweet and smoky aroma, with or without additional barbecue sauce!
Substitutions and Variations
Substitutions and variations can add a new twist to our beloved Oven Baked Ribs. Here are some ideas to make your recipe stand out:
– Dry Rub Options: Experiment with different spices or use a store-bought dry rub. Some good options include chipotle, garlic, onion powder and cumin.
– BBQ Sauce Variations: Use your favorite BBQ sauce as a marinade or brush it over the ribs while they’re baking. Try using flavors like honey mustard, bourbon or teriyaki.
– Different Rib Cuts: Instead of baby back ribs, try using St. Louis style ribs, beef ribs or spare ribs.
– Add Some Heat: If you like spicy food, try adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the dry rub mix or marinade.
– Smoked Ribs: For even more smoky flavor, smoke your rib in your backyard smoker before finishing them off in the oven.
– Vegetarian Option: Want a vegetarian option? Try swapping the pork with portobello mushroom caps and cook for 30 minutes to an hour until tender.
Remember that any substitutions should be done with caution, so as not to stray too far from the original recipe’s taste and texture. But don’t be afraid to experiment and put your own spin on this delicious and easy Oven Baked Ribs recipe!
Serving and Pairing
Once your low and slow oven baked ribs are finished to perfection, it’s time to think about ways to serve them up. For a classic barbecue experience, simply brush on your favorite BBQ sauce and serve with some traditional sides like corn on the cob or coleslaw. Or, try adding a bit of extra flavor by serving your ribs alongside a bowl of tangy pickles or some sweet and spicy baked beans.
If you’re looking for something a bit more gourmet, consider pairing your fall-off-the-bone ribs with a glass of bold red wine, like a Syrah or Zinfandel. For beer lovers, a cold IPA or porter pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of this dish.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your pairings! The savory and tender flavor profiles of low and slow oven baked ribs blend well with many different types of cuisines. Serve over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice for a fusion twist or top with fresh mango salsa for a tropical kick.
With so many delicious options, there’s no wrong way to serve up your perfectly cooked ribs. So get creative and enjoy this quintessential summer dish in whatever way feels best to you!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you’re hosting a big gathering or simply looking to prep your ribs in advance, you’ll be pleased to know that this recipe can easily be made ahead of time. I highly recommend preparing your ribs a day or two before serving them; not only will this save you time on the day of the event but it will also allow the flavors of the rub and barbecue sauce to fully develop.
To make ahead, simply follow the recipe instructions up until the point of glazing with barbecue sauce. Once you’ve finished cooking the ribs in the oven, allow them to cool completely before wrapping them tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Storing your baked ribs in the refrigerator for up to three days is a wise choice if you’re prepping well in advance.
When it comes time to reheat your ribs, it’s important to do so carefully as reheating them incorrectly can lead to tough and dry meat. Preheat your oven to 250 degrees F (121 degrees C) and place your wrapped ribs on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.
Alternatively, for more tender and juicy reheated ribs, try using a slow cooker. Simply place your cooked ribs in a slow cooker with one cup of your favorite BBQ sauce and heat on low for 2-3 hours. This method is perfect for events where you don’t have access to an oven.
Remember to always store your leftover barbecue sauce separately from your cooked ribs and don’t forget that properly storing and reheating your food is key to ensuring delicious leftovers!
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking ribs can be intimidating, but with the right tips and techniques, anyone can achieve mouth-watering, fall-off-the-bone ribs. Here are my top tips for perfect results when making low and slow oven-baked ribs.
First, make sure to remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs. This is a thin membrane that can prevent flavors from penetrating the meat and cause the ribs to become tough. Use a sharp knife and slide it under the membrane at one end of the rack. Grab a corner of the membrane with a paper towel and peel it off in one piece.
Another tip is to let your dry rub penetrate before baking. Cover your rack of ribs in your favorite dry rub mix, wrap in plastic wrap, and let sit in the refrigerator for at least two hours or overnight. This will allow the flavors to meld together and result in a more flavorful dish.
To keep your ribs moist during cooking, place a baking sheet filled with water underneath the rack of ribs on a lower oven rack. The steam generated from the water will help keep your meat tender and juicy.
Additionally, do not overcrowd your baking space when cooking your ribs, as this will cause them to cook unevenly. Use two baking sheets if necessary or rotate racks halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
It may also be tempting to constantly check on your ribs while they cook, but every time you open the oven door, you let out heat and moisture, which can disrupt the cooking process. Try to resist peeking until you get closer to the recommended cooking time.
Finally, don’t be afraid to use foil or parchment paper to cover your rack of ribs towards the end of baking if they appear to be browning too quickly. Just be sure not to cover them too early as this may prevent them from developing a nice bark on their surface.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to perfect low and slow oven-baked ribs every time. Enjoy!
FAQ
As with any recipe, you may have some lingering questions about the best way to prepare low and slow oven-baked ribs. Here are the answers we’ve gathered to some frequently asked questions that may arise while following this recipe. By addressing these inquiries, we can guarantee that you’ll experience the delicious fall-off-the-bone taste of an authentic barbecue or restaurant-style ribs without a grill or smoker!
How long to cook ribs at 250 degrees in oven?
If you’re searching for an excellent way to cook ribs, then baking them at a low temperature is a great option to try. A 3-pound rack of ribs can be cooked by baking them for three hours at 250 degrees Fahrenheit, followed by a brief broiling period. This recipe will not make the ribs “fall off the bone,” which some may prefer, but rather result in meat that is still tender and attached to the bone.
How do you cook ribs in the oven for 2 hours?
Before cooking the ribs, it’s essential to preheat the oven to 300 F. Then, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with either foil or parchment paper. Next, cover both sides of the ribs with a generous amount of mustard and, if desired, add some liquid smoke for an extra smoky flavor. Make sure the mustard covers the entire surface, then sprinkle the rub all over the ribs.
Once prepared, place the ribs onto the baking sheet and let them bake in the oven for two hours, allowing ample time to cook through and become tender. After two hours, it’s time to add some flavor by brushing a thin layer of barbecue sauce onto both sides of the rack. Return the ribs to the oven and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes to let the sauce caramelize and set.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious and juicy ribs in no time!
How long do you slow cook ribs at 225?
When making mouth-watering BBQ ribs, it’s crucial to note the ideal cooking temperature and time to get the perfect tenderness. Set your oven or smoker to 225°F and bake the ribs for 3-5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 200°F, which will allow the meat to fall off the bone effortlessly. Check the temperature with a reliable meat thermometer to ensure accurate results. Once the meat is cooked to perfection, serve it with your preferred BBQ sauce to complement its smoky flavor.
What is the best temperature for slow cooking ribs?
To get those mouth-watering ribs just right, it’s essential to preheat your smoker, charcoal grill or gas grill to a temperature of 225°F. This is the ideal heat for slow-cooking your ribs to perfection. For the first 3 hours, use indirect heat to cook the ribs while smoking them. After that, wrap the ribs in foil with some liquid and let them cook for an additional 2 hours.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this low & slow oven baked ribs recipe is the perfect addition to any barbecue lover’s repertoire. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, this super simple and easy oven baked ribs recipe is guaranteed to deliver fall-off-the-bone tender ribs every time. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, you’ll have mouth-watering, juicy ribs in no time.
Don’t let bad weather or a lack of outdoor space stop you from indulging in some incredible barbecue flavor. Put your oven to work with this low & slow oven baked ribs recipe and enjoy barbecue from the comfort of your own home all year round.
So go ahead and give this recipe a try, experiment with different dry rubs and sauces, and make it your own. You won’t be disappointed!
Low & Slow Oven Baked Ribs – Super Simple! Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 racks pork baby back ribs (our favorite are baby back ribs, but this works well with St. Louis style ribs too)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 225 degrees.
- Season your ribs with Dale’s marinade, your favorite rib rub, grill seasoning, or simply salt and pepper.
- Place ribs, meat side down, in baking dishes.
- Cover the baking dishes with aluminum foil and place in the oven.
- If you are using small baby back ribs, take out after 3.5 hours. If you are using regular baby back or St. Louis style ribs, then take out after 4 hours.
- Drain off the drippings. Flip the ribs over using two spatulas (and an extra set of hands if you have them) so the meat side is up. Be careful, as they may be so tender they fall apart.
- Put a layer of BBQ sauce on the ribs and return to the oven uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes.
- Remove from oven and serve them up with a side of potato salad and some baked beans.
YOUR OWN NOTE
Nutrition
You’ll Love These Delicious Oven Baked Ribs
The Boss BBQ Sauce Recipe: Lipsmackingly Delicious
Like Buttah! Grilled Pork Riblets With Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe
Finger-Licking Good: World’s Best Ribs!
Succulent Ribcage Baby Back Pork Ribs for an Unforgettable Meal
Delicious and Tender Braised Barbecue Pork Spareribs Recipe
Aunt Ann’s Best Oven Roasted Ribs Recipe
Delicious Beef Back Ribs Recipe For Juicy & Tender BBQ Ribs
Shara @The Bird BBQ
Shara loves to experiment with different flavors and techniques when it comes to BBQ. She has been perfecting her craft for years and loves hosting backyard BBQs with friends & family. She often comes up with creative recipes that her guests rave about.