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To make tasty oven-baked BBQ ribs, you need the following main ingredients: - 2 racks of baby back ribs - 1 cup brown sugar - 1 tablespoon smoked paprika - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 tablespoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for added heat) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup barbecue sauce (your preferred brand or homemade) These ingredients work together to create a sweet and spicy flavor. The brown sugar adds sweetness, while the spices bring depth. Feel free to customize your ribs with these optional ingredients: - 1 tablespoon mustard (for tang) - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for brightness) - Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary (for aroma) Adding these can give your ribs a unique twist. Try different combinations to find what you love best! For the best results, I suggest using baby back ribs. They cook up tender and juicy. Spare ribs are another option; they have more fat and can be very flavorful. Whichever type you choose, make sure they are fresh and high quality to ensure a great meal. For the complete cooking process, refer to the Full Recipe. Enjoy creating this delicious dish! First, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low heat helps the ribs cook slowly. It makes them very tender and juicy. Next, check your ribs. Remove the silver skin from the back. This helps the flavors soak in better. If it's hard to grip, use a paper towel. Now, dry the ribs with paper towels. This step is key for the rub to stick well. In a bowl, mix the following spices: - 1 cup brown sugar - 1 tablespoon smoked paprika - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 tablespoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste Stir everything together. This rub adds great flavor to your ribs. Sprinkle it all over the ribs. Make sure to cover every side. Take your time here, as this is where the magic starts. Grab a large piece of aluminum foil. Place the seasoned ribs bone side down in the center. Wrap the foil tightly around the ribs. This creates a steam pouch that keeps moisture in. Place the wrapped ribs on a baking sheet. Now, slide them into the oven. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours. The meat should be tender and easy to pull away from the bone. When the ribs are done, carefully unwrap them. Watch out for steam! Brush your favorite barbecue sauce on top. Make sure to use a thick layer for that sticky finish. Next, set your oven to broil. Broil the ribs for 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn. You want a nice caramelized glaze. After broiling, let the ribs rest for about 10 minutes. This lets the juices settle. Finally, slice the ribs and serve with extra sauce on the side. Enjoy your tasty creation! For detailed steps, check the Full Recipe. When picking ribs, look for baby back ribs. They are tender and flavorful. Choose ribs with good marbling. This means the meat has small flecks of fat. This fat adds taste and moisture. Avoid ribs with too much fat on the outside. A clean, pink color is best. Fresh ribs should feel firm when you press on them. To boost flavor, always remove the silver membrane from the back of the ribs. This thin layer can block seasonings. Use a paper towel for a better grip. After that, pat the ribs dry. This helps the rub stick well. For the spice rub, mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and more. The right mix makes a big taste difference. Let the ribs sit with the rub for at least 30 minutes. This gives time for the flavors to soak in. Bake the ribs at 300°F (150°C) for tenderness. Cooking low and slow is key. Aim for 2.5 to 3 hours in the oven. Check if they are done by pulling at the bones. If the meat pulls away easily, they are ready. Broil the ribs for 5-7 minutes to caramelize the sauce. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. The perfect cook time makes your ribs juicy and flavorful. For a full recipe, see the Sweet & Spicy Oven-Baked BBQ Ribs recipe above. {{image_4}} You can change the spice rub to fit your taste. Here are a few ideas: - Asian-Inspired: Use five-spice powder, sesame seeds, and ginger. - Herb Blend: Add dried thyme, oregano, and rosemary for a fresh twist. - Sweet and Smoky: Mix in some brown sugar, smoked paprika, and cayenne for heat. Experimenting with spices can lead to new favorites. Each mix offers unique flavor profiles that can surprise your guests. Choosing the right BBQ sauce is key. You can go for store-bought or make your own. - Store-bought: Pick a sauce that you love. Look for options with rich flavors and good ingredients. - Homemade: Making your own sauce is fun! You can control the sweetness and heat. A simple mix of ketchup, vinegar, and spices can be a winner. Feel free to try different brands or recipes. Each sauce adds its own character to the ribs. Pair your ribs with tasty sides for a great meal. Here are some ideas: - Coleslaw: This crunchy salad adds freshness. - Cornbread: Soft, warm cornbread balances the flavors. - Baked Beans: Sweet beans complement the savory ribs well. You can get creative with your plate. Mixing and matching sides can make your meal exciting and delicious. Check out the Full Recipe for more tips and serving ideas! To store leftover ribs, first let them cool down. This helps keep the meat juicy. Wrap the ribs tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge if you plan to eat them within three days. When reheating ribs, you want to keep them moist. One great way is to preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Place the ribs on a baking sheet and add a splash of water or extra barbecue sauce. Cover them with foil to trap steam. Bake for about 20-30 minutes. This method warms them up without drying them out. If you have more ribs than you can eat, freezing is a smart choice. Wrap the ribs in plastic wrap then in foil, or use a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can. Label the bag with the date. Ribs can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. Bake the ribs for 2.5 to 3 hours at 300°F (150°C). This low heat makes the ribs tender. You want the meat to pull away from the bone easily. Yes, you can grill the ribs. Start by baking them for 2 hours. Then, grill them for about 15 minutes. This gives a nice char and smoky flavor. Great sides for ribs include coleslaw, corn on the cob, or baked beans. You can also serve potato salad or garlic bread. These sides add balance to the meal. Check if the meat pulls away from the bone easily. You can also use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 190°F (88°C) for perfect tenderness. Enjoy your ribs with confidence! Oven-baked BBQ ribs are a treat you can master at home. We discussed key ingredients and how to make a great spice rub. Prepping the oven and ribs sets you up for success. Using wrapping and baking techniques helps lock in flavors. I shared tips for rib selection and cooking times. Don't forget fun variations and serving ideas to keep it fresh. Finally, proper storage helps you enjoy leftovers later. Now it's time to gather your ingredients and get cooking! You’ll impress everyone with your tasty ribs.

Oven-Baked BBQ Ribs

Discover the ultimate recipe for Sweet & Spicy Oven-Baked BBQ Ribs that will elevate your next meal! With just a few simple ingredients, you can create tender, flavorful ribs that are perfect for any occasion. Follow our easy step-by-step instructions to achieve the perfect smoky glaze. Click through to explore this delicious recipe and impress your friends and family at your next barbecue!
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Ingredients
  

2 racks of baby back ribs

1 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon smoked paprika

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for added heat)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup barbecue sauce (your preferred brand or homemade)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low temperature allows the ribs to cook slowly, becoming tender and flavorful.

    Prepare the Ribs: To enhance flavor absorption, carefully remove the silver membrane from the back of the ribs. Use a paper towel for grip if needed. Next, pat the ribs dry with paper towels to ensure the rub adheres well.

      Make the Rub: In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir the ingredients together to form a cohesive seasoning mix.

        Season the Ribs: Generously apply the spice rub all over the ribs, ensuring each side is fully coated. Take your time with this step to maximize flavor.

          Wrap in Foil: Lay a large piece of aluminum foil on a flat surface. Position the seasoned ribs bone side down in the center of the foil. Carefully wrap and seal the ribs tightly in the foil, creating a pouch to trap moisture during baking.

            Bake the Ribs: Transfer the wrapped ribs onto a baking sheet and place them in the preheated oven. Let them bake for 2.5 to 3 hours. The ribs are ready when the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.

              Apply BBQ Sauce: Once baked, remove the ribs from the oven and unwrap them cautiously (be mindful of the steam!). Generously brush your chosen barbecue sauce over the top of the ribs, ensuring a thick layer for that sweet and sticky finish.

                Broil for Finish: Set your oven to broil and place the ribs in the broiler for an additional 5-7 minutes. Keep a close watch to ensure the sauce caramelizes and bubbles but doesn’t burn, resulting in a beautiful glaze.

                  Rest and Serve: After broiling, remove the ribs from the oven and allow them to rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute. Once rested, slice the ribs between the bones and serve them with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 3 hours (including cooking time) | Servings: 4-6

                      - Presentation Tips: Arrange the ribs on a rustic wooden platter, garnished with sprigs of fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve with additional barbecue sauce in a small bowl for guests to enjoy!