Oven-Baked Ribs are the epitome of comfort food, offering tender, juicy meat that falls off the bone and is coated in a sweet and spicy barbecue sauce. This recipe brings the flavors of a barbecue right into your kitchen, perfect for any occasion where delicious, slow-cooked ribs are a must.
Ingredients
For the Ribs:
2 to 2 1/2 pounds pork ribs
Salt and black pepper to taste
Sweet and spicy barbecue sauce (recipe below)
For the Barbecue Sauce:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup onion, diced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon hot chili sauce (such as Sriracha)
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Salt and ground pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ribs
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). This low temperature ensures the ribs cook slowly, making them incredibly tender.
Remove the Membrane:
If present, remove the thin membrane on the back of the ribs by sliding a knife under it and using a paper towel to pull it off. This step makes the ribs more tender and flavorful.
Season the Ribs:
Season both sides of the ribs generously with salt and black pepper. For extra flavor, you can also add a spice rub. Place the ribs in a large roasting pan, meat side up. If necessary, cut the ribs in half to fit the pan.
Cover and Cook:
Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and keep the ribs tender. Place the covered ribs in the preheated oven and cook for 2 ½ to 3 ½ hours, until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bones.
Step 2: Prepare the Barbecue Sauce
Sauté the Onions:
While the ribs are cooking, prepare the barbecue sauce. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5-8 minutes.
Add the Spices and Other Ingredients:
Add 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin and cook for 30 seconds to release its aroma. Then, add 1/2 cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon hot chili sauce, 2 teaspoons brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar. Stir well to combine.
Simmer the Sauce:
Let the sauce simmer for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Once thickened slightly, set the sauce aside until ready to use.
Step 3: Finish the Ribs
Apply the Sauce:
Once the ribs are fully cooked and tender, remove them from the oven and discard the foil. Increase the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
Brush with Sauce:
Generously brush both sides of the ribs with the prepared barbecue sauce, ensuring every surface is well coated.
Bake Uncovered:
Return the ribs to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 25-30 minutes. This will allow the sauce to caramelize and form a flavorful glaze. Check occasionally to ensure the sauce doesn’t burn.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Rest the Ribs:
Once baked, let the ribs rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. This makes the meat even more tender.
Slice and Serve:
Slice the ribs into individual portions and serve hot. Pair them with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping, if desired.
Variations and Substitutions
Spice Rub: Create a custom spice rub using ingredients like smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar for added flavor.
Honey Barbecue Sauce: Add 2 tablespoons of honey to the barbecue sauce for a sweeter glaze.
Chipotle Ribs: Substitute the hot chili sauce with chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky and spicy flavor.
Herb-Infused Ribs: Mix fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the barbecue sauce for a different flavor profile.
Vegan Option: Replace the ribs with tofu or tempeh and use a vegan barbecue sauce. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Conclusion
This Oven-Baked Ribs recipe brings the joy of barbecue into your home, offering a slow-cooked, flavorful experience that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. By cooking the ribs low and slow, you’ll achieve the perfect tenderness, and the homemade barbecue sauce provides just the right balance of sweetness and spice. This dish is sure to become a favorite for family dinners, gatherings, or anytime you crave the comfort of delicious, fall-off-the-bone ribs.
Enjoy the process of making these juicy, flavorful ribs, and take pride in serving a dish that’s as enjoyable to eat as it is to cook. Happy cooking!