Directions
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). In a small bowl, whisk together all dry rub ingredients until fully combined.
- Lay a large sheet of aluminum foil on your work surface and place the ribs meat-side down. Using a sharp knife, prick the back (membrane side) several times—this helps the seasonings sink in.
- Sprinkle the dry rub generously over all sides of the rib rack, pressing lightly so it adheres to the meat.
- Keeping the ribs meat-side down, fold the foil tightly around the rack to create a sealed packet. Place it on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 2 hours, or until the ribs are tender and fully cooked. Remove from the oven and let them rest for 15 minutes before opening.
- Increase oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
- Open the foil carefully and discard any accumulated fat or liquid. Brush BBQ sauce all over the ribs—both sides.
- Place the ribs meat-side up, leave the foil open, and return to the oven for 10 minutes. Remove and brush another layer of BBQ sauce over the top.
- Repeat brushing and baking 4 more times, for a total of 50 minutes. This creates a thick, sticky, glossy glaze.
- Cut the rack into individual ribs and serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Total Time: ~3 hours
Servings: 3–4
Difficulty: Easy
Expert Tips for Perfect Oven Ribs
- Remove the membrane: If your rack still has the silver skin, peel it off for extra tenderness.
- Don’t rush the slow cook: Low heat breaks down the connective tissue and makes ribs fall-off-the-bone soft.
- Use heavy-duty foil: Helps trap steam and keeps ribs juicy.
- Brush repeatedly: Layering BBQ sauce creates the signature sticky glaze you see in restaurant ribs.
Variations & Substitutions
- Spicy Ribs: Add extra cayenne or chipotle to the dry rub.
- Sweet & Smoky: Use a hickory-smoked barbecue sauce or add 1 tbsp smoked paprika to the rub.
- Honey BBQ Ribs: Brush ribs with a blend of BBQ sauce + honey during the final 2 coatings.
- No Sugar Dry Rub: Replace the sugars with monk fruit sweetener or omit entirely.
Serving Suggestions
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