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    Home » Recipes » Entree

    How to Make BBQ Ribs in the Oven

    Published: Jul 6, 2022 · Modified: Jul 18, 2022 by Fox Valley Foodie · This post may contain affiliate links

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    How to Make BBQ Ribs in the Oven

    If you want to learn how to make BBQ ribs in the oven, you will love my simple two-step process: First bake the ribs in the oven till tender, then broil the sauce till it caramelizes. These are the best oven baked ribs you will ever have.

    Tis the season.  Grilling tools are being replaced with snow shovels and the hammock is being traded in for the overstuffed chair in front of the fireplace.  However, that does not mean you still can't enjoy the spoils of the grilling season, indoors. During the cold winter months you can still savor finger-licking BBQ pork ribs without dashing through the snow to your favorite smoker. You can make great BBQ ribs in the oven.

    Glazed BBQ Ribs in the Oven on a plate

    How to Make Ribs Tender

    Making ribs in your oven can quickly lead to disaster for many home cooks. Ribs by nature are tough pieces of meat.  The best ribs transform only through a long, slow, cooking process that they begin to melt into that tender summer treat we crave to slather with succulent sauces.  Inexperienced home cooks will find that the baby backs have come up to a safe serving temperature and take them out of the oven well before they are actually done. 

    Unlike many pieces of meat, just because the ribs have come to the proper temperature does not actually mean they are done cooking.  Instead, they need to continue to cook so the collagen (connective tissue) breaks down, rendering a much more tender piece of meat.

    There is a household phrase that continues to be a misnomer of ideal BBQ ribs: "Fall of the bone."  You do not want "Fall off the bone" ribs.  These have been overcooked and feature a mushy texture - more reminiscent of a lazy crock-pot cook than a seasoned pit-master.

    When Are Ribs Done

    Properly cooked rib meat should threaten to crack when held up with tongs, and the bones should be able to be pulled away fairly cleanly with a firm twist. However, the meat should not come separated from the bone without assistance and should not lend itself to be described as "falling off the bone."  A properly cooked rib should be soft and tender but yet still have a slight chew to the meat, much like a very tender steak.

    Overhead view of baby back ribs from the oven

    How to Remove the Membrane

    To begin making the best BBQ ribs in your oven start by removing the tough membrane from under your rack of ribs. This is the silver skin on the bone side of the ribs. Removing it is tricky for some, but it is pretty easy with this trick. Simply slide a spoon between the membrane and a bone to loosen it up, then I use a napkin for grip and pull it off the slab in one strip. The napkin prevents your fingers from slipping off. You can also use a butter knife, just be careful not to puncture the thin membrane.

    Once this is done the meat can be seasoned with your favorite spice rub or simply some salt, then they are ready to cook in the oven. My personal preference is my dry rub recipe containing brown sugar, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper.

    How to Make Ribs in the Oven

    When cooking ribs outdoors I adhere to strict traditionalism.  I use a smoker and I do not take shortcuts in their preparation.  The best way is a very common slow and slow '3-2-1 rib method', figuring if it is good enough for competition pit-masters, it is the method I should get acquainted with.  However, when I make BBQ ribs in the oven I don't prefer utilizing the 3-2-1 method.

    The best way to make ribs in the oven is a simple two-step process: First bake the ribs at 350 degrees for two hours until tender, then broil the sauce till it caramelizes. For this simple method, the ribs are wrapped in aluminum foil and set on a sheet pan on the middle oven rack while baking in the oven. The foil wrap helps significantly reduce the cooking time.

    Why Wrap Ribs?

    Wrapping the ribs in aluminum foil helps speed the cooking process while ensuring they are melt-in-your-mouth tender. This is also referred to as the Texas Crutch. However, after two hours of cooking, we will unwrap the ribs to apply the sauce.

    Baking wrapped ribs at 350 degrees is the best temperature because at this point, the internal temperature of the ribs will be safe to eat long before it ever is perfectly tender. For this reason, I typically don't bother with a meat thermometer if the unwrapped ribs are nice and tender.

    Tip: You can do the bend test to see how tender your ribs are. Lift the rack of ribs from one end so it begins to bend. If it is sufficiently tender your rack of ribs will crack and threaten to break.

    BBQ Ribs in Oven Wrapped in Foil

    How to Make Sticky Ribs

    When the tender ribs are finished cooking we are going to paint them in BBQ sauce and then caramelize the sauce under the higher temperature of your broiler until they are delectably sticky. You will place the ribs under the broiler lacquer with additional sauce every few minutes until a hot sticky bark is formed. This will take 30-60 minutes total, depending on how thick you want the sauce. 

    Broiling the ribs coated in sauce is the secret to this easy recipe.  Broiling BBQ sauce will quickly cause it to boil, releasing moisture and causing it to thicken into a finger-lickingly delicious sticky jam. Not only will this thicker sauce adhere to the meat better, the flavor becomes more concentrated as well. You can use this recipe with my homemade BBQ sauce, or buy your favorite barbecue sauce from the grocery store.

    BBQ sauce is high in sugar so carefully watch the ribs under the broiler as the high temperature can burn it easily.  They should never be left under the broiler for more than a few minutes at a time without being moved around or adding additional sauce or you will be awoken to your mistake by smoke alarms.

    Tip: You obviously want to cover the meaty side of the ribs with sauce but also make sure to cover the sides of the ribs and the underside as well.

    Bones sticking out of bbq ribs cooked in the oven at 350 degrees

    What to Serve with BBQ

    • Homemade Baked Beans - a BBQ classic staple!
    • Macaroni Salad - Creamy and delicious!
    • Classic Coleslaw - Tangy and crunchy!
    • Hand-cut French fries - Great to pair with this recipe because you won't need the oven for the French fries, just the stovetop. 

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    Glazed BBQ Ribs in the Oven on a plate

    How to Make BBQ Ribs in the Oven

    Cooking BBQ ribs in the oven can be just as delicious as outdoors and not very hard at all. These ribs are tender, sticky and delicious! Your friends and family won't be able to get enough of them!
    4.98 from 36 votes
    Print Pin Rate Save Saved
    Course: Main
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
    Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 512kcal
    Author: Fox Valley Foodie

    Equipment

    • Rimmed baking sheet

    Ingredients

    • 1 slab Baby Back Ribs
    • 1 bottle BBQ Sauce
    • BBQ Dry Rub

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven temperature to 350 degrees.
    • Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs using a spoon to slide between the membrane and a bone to loosen it up and then pull off the membrane with a napkin in your hand for grip.
    • Once this is done the meat can be patted dry with a paper towel then seasoned with your favorite dry rub or simply some salt and black pepper.
    • Wrap the ribs in aluminum foil, place on a rimmed baking sheet, and set in the oven for two hours with the rack in the middle position.
    • After two hours, unwrap ribs, discard the juice and foil.
    • Flip ribs upside down and slather the bottom generously with BBQ sauce. Turn on the broiler and set BBQ ribs underneath until the sauce has thickened.
    • Flip ribs back upright and add a generous amount of sauce to the top of the ribs and place back under broiler. Continuing to lacquer with additional sauce every few minutes until a hot sticky bark is formed to your liking. Approximately 30 minutes (but feel free to do it longer)
    • Once lacquered, let the ribs rest for 15 minutes prior to slicing and serving.

    Notes

    Remeber to keep an eye on the ribs while they are under the broiler. BBQ sauce will burn fast!
    Store leftover ribs in an airtight container and enjoy within 5 days. They can also be reheated in a 350 degree oven. I recommend wrapping them in foil to help retain moisture and only bake until they are heated through.
     
    IF YOU LIKED THIS RECIPE check out my 3-2-1 Ribs Method too.

    Nutritional Information

    Calories: 512kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 98mg | Sodium: 1290mg | Potassium: 613mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 38g | Vitamin A: 285IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it Today!Mention @FoxValleyFoodie or tag #foxvalleyfoodie!

    This recipe was originally published on FoxValleyFoodie.com December 9, 2012.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Linda

      November 10, 2018 at 9:11 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you for the spoon & paper towel tip! Thats the first time i’ve eve been able to get the membrane off ribs without it turning into a swear- fest 🙂 . I did half bbq & half plumb, i think i died & went to rib heaven.

      Reply
    2. Amanda Gillum

      July 19, 2018 at 4:57 pm

      What temperature do you broil it on?

      Reply
      • Fox Valley Foodie

        July 20, 2018 at 8:14 am

        I typically set it on high, though that will burn fastest so you need to watch it closely. However, you can use whatever broiling setting you are most comfortable with.

        Reply
    3. Patty

      June 03, 2018 at 11:14 am

      5 stars
      Double yum! We have decided not to use our grill so much so I found your recipe. My husband is from Southern Indiana and bbq ribs are a basic eat down there! Made these and I actually got compliments! Trying another batch today! Got any good recipes in oven for chicken wings? Not a buffalo person myself but smokey ones would be just right!

      Thanks! Nice and easy recipe for some great rib lovers!

      Reply
    4. Jerry

      September 10, 2017 at 6:02 pm

      5 stars
      Do you drain the juice before broiling the ribs? Then leave then in the foil?

      Reply
      • Fox Valley Foodie

        September 10, 2017 at 6:03 pm

        When you take them out of the foil the juice can be discarded.

        Reply
    5. Marcie

      July 23, 2017 at 6:26 pm

      Tried these tonight and I have to say, they're AMAZING!!! It was a bit time consuming at the end with the glazing but totally worth it! I will definitely be making these again! Thank you!!!

      Reply
    6. Anne M Leslin

      July 11, 2017 at 9:42 pm

      Going to try this tonight. My husband works in the emergency room and I love to make his return home as relaxing as can be and since we use the kitchen entry, I'm sure a blast of ribs cooking in the oven will for sure erase his awful day. I'll let you know how it goes. Thank you for the recipe

      Reply
    7. Phyllis

      January 27, 2017 at 3:41 pm

      5 stars
      I tried this recipe last night and I will say that this was one of the best rack of ribs that I have ever had, and my family loved them! I look forward to trying more of your recipes!

      Reply
      • Fox Valley Foodie

        January 27, 2017 at 3:43 pm

        That's what I love to hear!

        Reply
    8. Mary Ann

      January 02, 2017 at 11:46 pm

      5 stars
      I am from Alabama and live in Australia. I found your recipe about 18 months ago when we hosted a 4th of July down under and it has become my go to for ribs. I even messed up the temp conversion once and they still tasted fabulous!

      Reply
      • Fox Valley Foodie

        January 03, 2017 at 7:46 am

        I'm glad you had such success with it too!

        Reply
    9. christa

      October 05, 2016 at 12:32 pm

      5 stars
      Best rib recipe I have ever tried!
      We no longer cook our ribs any other way! Thank you for sharing this recipe.

      Reply
      • Fox Valley Foodie

        October 05, 2016 at 12:51 pm

        Same here. If I am making ribs indoors, this is the only recipe I'll ever use!

        Reply
    10. Kevin

      June 26, 2016 at 6:44 pm

      I just made this rib method. I used spare ribs and had to cook a little longer due to the size. Wow are they tender and tasty. Wasn't over cooked and had a killer coating on them. I'll be using this method from now on when I cook my ribs indoors.

      Reply
      • Fox Valley Foodie

        June 26, 2016 at 6:45 pm

        I'm glad to hear it worked so well for you too!

        Reply
    11. Mark Webster

      May 30, 2016 at 6:25 pm

      Rain was in the forecast for Memorial Day here in NYC. So we moved the party inside, and I used this recipe. Best ribs I've ever had! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Fox Valley Foodie

        May 30, 2016 at 6:36 pm

        Fantastic! Picking up a great recipe is worth a little rain!

        Reply
    12. Christa

      May 20, 2016 at 4:03 pm

      Just want to start out by saying THANK YOU for posting this recipe!
      These are by far the bestribs I have ever had or made! They are now the only way I will make ribs and my family goes crazy when I make them.
      So again thank you so much!

      Reply
      • Fox Valley Foodie

        May 20, 2016 at 4:12 pm

        I'm thrilled to hear that!

        Reply
    13. Mattie Boren

      February 21, 2016 at 9:16 pm

      Tried your recipie and my ribs shrank significantly... Almost to the point where there was no meat. VERY Disapointed in this recipie!!!

      Reply
      • Fox Valley Foodie

        February 21, 2016 at 10:15 pm

        Rib lollipops! Oh my! Were you specifically using pork baby back ribs (pork loin ribs)? It sounds like an issue with the cut of meat or how it was trimmed. Myself and friends have cooked this recipe too many times to remember and you can see in the pictures how they turn out, I'd be happy to help you troubleshoot if needed.

        Reply
        • Stevie

          July 10, 2018 at 2:25 pm

          5 stars
          They were great ive made a few times. Of shrank then its the meat the ribs u used. Not the method ty

          Reply
      • Sreviw Dickerson

        July 10, 2018 at 2:19 pm

        Its the meat, the ribs itself Depends on that also. As you can see in the comments they turned out great. So did mine. Ive made them a few times. Check to make sure its not beef those can be fatty and shrink to nothing. Pork is really what u should use. Beef ribs are mostly all fat.

        Reply
    14. Jackie

      February 18, 2016 at 6:26 am

      These look divine, and I will give them a try, however, standing over them in the broiler for up to an hour doesn't appeal to me. At all.

      Reply
      • Fox Valley Foodie

        February 18, 2016 at 10:34 am

        You will love the recipe! Though don't worry, if you don't want to mess with the broiler you can just slather sauce over them and be done. Though, even placing one lacquering under the broiler for a few minutes will improve your results.

        Reply
      • Betty

        May 12, 2019 at 8:03 am

        If you have a grill I put them on the grill, I put my favorite sauce on them & flip them often, takes less tan 15 minutes.

        Reply
    15. Tracy O

      January 17, 2016 at 1:53 pm

      5 stars
      Funny how you phrased trying to cook ribs in the oven can "quickly lead to disaster for many home cooks." And in my case... many times! I found your directions very clear and easy to follow.. After this tutorial, even my kids gave me compliments when before I think they dreaded me making them. Thank you so much for the recipe and tutorial because now my ribs are "awesome" ribs for my family.

      Reply
      • Fox Valley Foodie

        January 17, 2016 at 5:16 pm

        I'm glad to hear that! Congrats!

        Reply
    16. sophie

      October 17, 2015 at 6:00 pm

      ...why don't you post a recipe for BBQ sauce? You're a food blogger and a food "snob" yet you don't post a recipe...

      Reply
      • Fox Valley Foodie

        October 18, 2015 at 8:25 am

        I published a Cherry Chipotle BBQ Sauce recently, which you can find here: http://www.foxvalleyfoodie.com/cherry-chipotle-bbq-sauce-glazed-pork-tenderloin/

        Reply
        • Jackie

          February 18, 2016 at 6:27 am

          sounds Yummy! Thanks.

          Reply
      • Jackie

        February 18, 2016 at 6:24 am

        4 stars
        wow that was hateful

        Reply
      • dave

        February 03, 2018 at 3:20 pm

        5 stars
        why dont you??

        Reply
    17. Patricia

      June 23, 2015 at 3:01 pm

      5 stars
      I just made these, ready to eat. I tasted and these are the best ribs I've ever made! I'm not very good with the BBQ, and was tired of the Crockpot ribs (falling off the bone), so this is a fantastic alternative. Thank you so much for sharing! 🙂

      Reply
      • Fox Valley Foodie

        June 23, 2015 at 3:05 pm

        That is fantastic to hear! Thank you so much for sharing. This is one of my favorite recipes, period!

        Reply
    18. Katherine

      September 19, 2014 at 5:02 pm

      I live in Italy and was missing the states, just followed your recipe and they turned out excellent!!!Thank you!

      Reply
      • Danny

        April 30, 2019 at 4:25 pm

        I'm about to cook my first set of ribs. Using this recipe. Wish me luck! Oh and Katherine, September 19th is my birthday. Hope your ribs turned out great that day.
        Sincerely, Danny

        Reply
        • MR

          July 05, 2019 at 9:20 am

          Made these last night for 4th of July.. my first time ever making ribs! They were honestly so amazing I was shocked at myself all afternoon. Thank you so much for sharing your recipe and technique. They came out tender, juicy and the sticky bbq sauce was perfect. This is definitely my go to for family get togethers where I’ll need to show off a little bit. Looking forward to trying other recipes, and following you on Facebook too. You’re the best!
          - Mary Rose

          Reply
          • MR

            July 05, 2019 at 9:22 am

            5 stars
            Dunno how I missed leaving a rating on my last comment! Trying again. You get five stars!!

            Reply
    19. Heather

      May 29, 2014 at 8:57 am

      These have become my family's favorite ribs. Thanks for sharing your process/recipe! 🙂

      Reply
    20. ejhgmh

      July 03, 2013 at 12:15 pm

      those must be delicious

      Reply
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