Tender, flavorful ribs can be made in the oven without a smoker or grill.
Ingredients
For the ribs
- 2 racks pork baby back ribs (about 1.5–2 kg total)
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional)
For the BBQ glaze
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
1. Prepare the ribs
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs if present.
- Pat dry with paper towels.
2. Season
- Mix salt, pepper, paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder.
- Rub the seasoning generously over both sides of the ribs.
3. Bake low and slow
- Place ribs on a foil-lined baking sheet or roasting pan.
- Wrap tightly with foil.
- Bake for 2½–3 hours, until the meat is tender.
4. Add the BBQ sauce
- Mix the BBQ sauce, honey, and vinegar.
- Remove the foil and brush the ribs generously with the glaze.
5. Finish
- Increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C).
- Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes, brushing with more sauce once or twice, until sticky and caramelized.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Coleslaw
- Cornbread
- Baked Beans
- Roasted potatoes or fries
Tips
- For even more flavor, season the ribs and refrigerate them overnight before baking.
- If you have a grill, finish the sauced ribs over medium heat for 5–10 minutes to add a smoky char.
- Baby back ribs cook a bit faster than spare ribs, which may need an extra 30–45 minutes.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 3–3½ hours
