The Juiciest Tender Oven-Baked Baby Back Ribs Recipe Ever

Sinking your teeth into succulent baby back ribs recipe that melts in your mouth is a culinary adventure worth savoring.

These ribs promise a tender, juicy experience that transforms an ordinary meal into a memorable feast.

The secret lies in slow cooking and carefully selected seasonings that infuse deep, rich flavors.

Every bite tells a story of patience and skill, creating a mouthwatering sensation that lingers.

Perfectly seasoned and baked to perfection, these ribs will become your go-to dish for weekend gatherings.

The aroma alone will have everyone eagerly gathered around the table, anticipating the first delicious bite.

Get ready to become the ultimate rib master and impress everyone with this exceptional recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours 5 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s in Tender Oven-Baked Baby Back Ribs

• Baby Back Ribs: Succulent, meaty cut that promises rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, select well-marbled ribs with consistent thickness for even cooking.

• Brown Sugar: Adds caramelized sweetness and helps create a delectable crust on the ribs.
• Paprika: Provides warm, smoky undertones and beautiful reddish color to the meat.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers robust, aromatic seasoning that enhances the ribs' natural taste.
• Chili Powder: Introduces a gentle heat and complex spice profile to the dry rub.
• Salt: Fundamental seasoning that intensifies and balances the overall flavor.
• Black Pepper: Contributes sharp, zesty notes and subtle heat to the spice blend.

• BBQ Sauce: Tangy, rich coating that adds moisture and deep, complex flavor to the ribs.
• Honey: Introduces natural sweetness and helps create a glossy, caramelized exterior.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds a fresh, bright visual and herbal hint to the finished dish.

Tools for Cooking Baby Back Ribs Right

• Baking sheet: Large, sturdy surface for holding wrapped ribs during cooking.
• Heavy-duty aluminum foil: Essential for creating a tight, sealed packet to keep ribs moist.
• Mixing bowl: For combining dry rub and BBQ sauce ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Precise measurements for dry rub spices.
• Pastry brush: Perfect for evenly coating ribs with BBQ sauce and honey.
• Broiler pan: Helps finish ribs with a caramelized glaze under high heat.
• Sharp knife: Optional for cutting ribs into portions after cooking.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for final preparation.

How to Bake Tender Baby Back Ribs in the Oven

• Flavor Preparation

Select premium baby back ribs and prepare a signature spice blend that will infuse deep, rich taste into the meat.

• Foil Wrapping

Create a protective moisture seal by carefully wrapping the seasoned ribs in heavy-duty aluminum foil, ensuring no openings exist.

• Slow Roasting

Place the bundled ribs in a warm oven and allow gentle heat to transform the meat into a mouthwatering, tender delicacy over several hours.

• Sauce Glazing

Carefully unwrap the ribs and generously coat with a sweet and tangy barbecue mixture, creating a glossy, caramelized exterior.

• Final Searing

Position the ribs under high heat for a brief moment to develop a gorgeous, slightly crispy finish that locks in all the incredible flavors.

• Serving

Transfer the succulent ribs to a serving platter, adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a vibrant touch and elegant presentation.

Baby Back Rib Tips for Perfect Texture

• Lower the oven temperature to 275°F and extend cooking time by 30-45 minutes for even more melt-in-your-mouth ribs that fall right off the bone.
• Swap the oven broiling for a quick char on the outdoor grill, adding a smoky flavor and beautiful grill marks to your perfectly cooked ribs.
• Blend your favorite BBQ sauce with ingredients like bourbon, pineapple juice, or chipotle peppers to elevate the sauce's complexity and create a signature glaze.
• Prepare the ribs a day in advance, letting the spices marinate overnight for deeper flavor, then reheat and finish with sauce just before serving.

Ways to Serve Oven-Baked Baby Back Ribs

• Pair With Coleslaw: Create a crisp, tangy side dish that cuts through the rich, smoky flavors of the ribs. Shred fresh cabbage and carrots, then toss with a creamy dressing for a perfect complement.
• Serve With Cornbread: Bake a warm, golden cornbread to soak up the delicious BBQ sauce. Its slightly sweet and crumbly texture balances the tender, savory ribs perfectly.
• Add Grilled Corn on the Cob: Brush ears of corn with butter and grill until lightly charred. The sweet, smoky kernels provide a fantastic summer barbecue experience alongside the ribs.
• Create a Potato Side: Whip up some creamy mashed potatoes or roast crispy wedges seasoned with herbs. The starchy side helps round out the meal and provides a comforting backdrop to the meat.

How to Store Cooked Baby Back Ribs

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover ribs in an airtight container within two hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze for Future Feasts: Wrap individual rib portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags to maintain quality for up to 3 months without flavor loss.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated ribs in the oven at 250°F, covered with foil, for 20-25 minutes to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare ribs in advance, cool completely, and slice into portions for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners.

Succulent Oven-Baked Baby Back Ribs Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Slow-roasted baby back ribs showcase succulent meat infused with smoky barbecue flavors from southern United States cooking traditions. Meat lovers craving rich, hearty comfort will savor these perfectly seasoned, melt-in-mouth pork ribs that satisfy deep hunger.

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Ingredients

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• 1 rack baby back ribs, membrane removed
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) brown sugar
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) paprika
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) black pepper
• 2 tsps (10 ml) coarse salt
• 1 tsp (5 ml) garlic powder
• 1 tsp (5 ml) onion powder
• 1 tsp (5 ml) cumin
• 1 tsp (5 ml) chili powder
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) dry mustard
• ½ cup (120 ml) brown sugar BBQ sauce
• 2–3 tbsps (30–45 ml) honey
• Parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C), crafting a gentle thermal environment for transforming baby back ribs into succulent perfection.
2. Seasoning: Meticulously rub dry seasoning blend across entire rib surface, ensuring comprehensive flavor penetration and even coverage.
3. Wrapping: Create a moisture-sealing foil cocoon around ribs, folding edges tightly to prevent liquid escape and maintain internal tenderness.
4. Initial Roasting: Position foil-enclosed ribs on baking sheet and slow-roast for 3 hours, allowing connective tissues to dissolve and meat to become meltingly soft.
5. Glazing: Combine barbecue sauce and honey, whisking into a glossy, caramelizable coating that will elevate the ribs’ final presentation and flavor profile.
6. Finishing: Unwrap ribs, brush generously with sauce mixture, then broil for 3-5 minutes to develop a tantalizingly crisp exterior with deep caramelized notes.
7. Serving: Remove from oven, apply final sauce layer, and optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant culinary presentation.

Notes

• Seal Moisture Perfectly: Wrap ribs tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil to lock in juices and prevent drying out during slow cooking.
• Master Low-and-Slow Technique: Maintain consistent 300°F temperature for transforming tough connective tissues into melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
• Customize Flavor Intensity: Adjust dry rub seasoning quantities to match personal taste preferences without overwhelming the natural meat flavor.
• Achieve Caramelized Finish: Watch carefully during broiling stage to develop delicious char without burning the barbecue sauce glaze.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking, Broiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg