Baked BBQ Baby Back Ribs

Name: Baked BBQ Baby Back Ribs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 150 min
Total time: 180 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp paprika; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper (freshly ground); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp chili powder; 2 racks baby back ribs (about 1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs); 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)

180 min 4 servings Medium

All Recipes

Tender and flavourful baked BBQ baby back ribs with a smoky crust, perfect for any gathering.

Prep

20 min

Cook

150 min

Total

180 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

There's something utterly satisfying about sinking your teeth into perfectly cooked baby back ribs. This recipe for baked BBQ baby back ribs ensures you get that fall-off-the-bone tenderness with a smoky barbecue glaze. If you're looking to bring the taste of outdoor grilling to your oven, this is the dish for you. By baking the ribs slowly in the oven, you can achieve a tenderness that rivals any smoked or grilled rib. The use of foil traps the moisture, ensuring the meat stays juicy. Then, a quick broil gives you that signature BBQ crust without the fuss of firing up the grill.

Instructions

Prepare the oven

Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).

Make the dry rub

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder.

Pro tip: Ensure the spices are well combined for even flavour distribution.

Season the ribs

Pat the ribs dry with paper towels. Generously rub the dry mixture over both sides of the ribs.

Pro tip: Let the seasoned ribs sit for 10 minutes to absorb the flavours.

Wrap the ribs

Wrap each rack of ribs tightly in aluminium foil. Place them on a baking sheet, meat side up.

Pro tip: Double-wrap if needed to prevent leakage.

Bake the ribs

Bake in the preheated oven for 2.5 hours or until the meat is tender and pulls away from the bones easily.

Apply BBQ sauce

Remove the ribs from the oven and carefully unwrap. Brush BBQ sauce on all sides of the ribs.

Pro tip: Use a brush for even application.

Broil the ribs

Increase oven temperature to 220°C (425°F) and broil the ribs for 5-7 minutes until the sauce begins to caramelize.

Pro tip: Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

Rest and serve

Allow ribs to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Pro tip: Resting helps redistribute juices for juicier ribs.

💡

Tips & Tricks

Use a dry rub to enhance the flavour before baking.
Wrap ribs in foil to retain moisture during cooking.
Finish under the broiler for a caramelized crust.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do you bake baby back ribs?

Bake baby back ribs at 150°C (300°F) for 2.5 hours for tender results.

What temperature should baby back ribs be cooked to?

Baby back ribs should be cooked to an internal temperature of 71°C (160°F).

Can I use this recipe for spare ribs?

Yes, but adjust cooking times as spare ribs are larger and may require more time.

How many calories are in baked BBQ baby back ribs?

Each serving contains approximately 450 calories.

Can I make these ribs ahead of time?

Yes, bake and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days, then reheat before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these baked BBQ baby back ribs with classic sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. They also pair wonderfully with a chilled glass of ale or a robust red wine. These ribs can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through, or freeze for up to 3 months. This makes them an ideal choice for meal prep or busy weeknights.

Nutrition per serving

450

Calories

30g

Protein

20g

Fat

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