These oven baked ribs are the perfect way to ring in barbeque season! This post is sponsored by Reynolds Wrap and today I’ll be showing you how to create delectable oven-baked ribs using their heavy-duty foil. It’s strong and durable and resistant to leaks and tears, perfect for sealing in all the juices and flavor!
How to make fall-off-the-bone baked ribs in the oven
If you are craving good barbeque this summer but don’t have access to an outdoor grill–fear not! Achieving succulent ribs is still within reach. All you need for this recipe is a baking pan, heavy duty foil, and a standard oven. Simply prep, season, then cook your ribs low and slow in the oven. To mimic that smoky flavor that is typically achieved by using a smoker, you can add a little liquid smoke to your seasoning blend. Baste the ribs with your favorite barbeque sauce and that’s all there is to it!
I get my ribs from Costco
You can find high-quality pork spare ribs at Costco, conveniently available in packs of three racks. However, for this recipe, we’ll focus on utilizing just one rack. I find this is the perfect amount to feed a family of four.
Why do I need to remove the membrane from my ribs?
Before we start cooking, let’s address an important step: Removing the membrane from the ribs. This thin, tough layer on the bone side can hinder the penetration of flavors and result in less tender ribs. By taking the extra time to remove it, you’ll allow the seasoning to permeate the meat fully, enhancing the overall taste and tenderness of the ribs. While it is optional, I highly recommend taking the additional few minutes to do this step to optimize tenderness and flavor.
How to season your ribs
I prefer using my own seasoning blend to have better control over the sugar and sodium content. This allows me to tailor the flavors precisely to my liking. However, feel free to use your preferred store-bought rub if it suits your taste. Store-bought rubs are a convenient option and there are plenty of great blends to choose from nowadays.
Cook your ribs low and slow
Once you’ve prepared the ribs by removing the membrane and adding the seasoning, it’s time to let the oven work its magic. Preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit, and wrap the seasoned rack of ribs securely in Reynolds Wrap heavy-duty foil, making sure it’s well sealed to retain moisture and flavor.
The secret to achieving tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs lies in the low and slow cooking technique. Place the foil-wrapped ribs on a baking sheet and let them cook at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately four hours. This slow cooking process ensures the meat becomes tender and juicy.
Baste your ribs with your favorite barbeque sauce
Once the initial cooking time has elapsed, it’s time to enhance the flavor by adding a layer of barbeque sauce. Carefully open the foil, being mindful of the hot steam that may escape, and generously baste both sides of the ribs with your favorite barbeque sauce. Ensure the ribs are coated evenly, allowing the sauce to infuse its tangy sweetness into the meat.
Let your barbeque sauce caramelize
To achieve that beautiful caramelization, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and return the uncovered ribs, now generously sauced, to the oven. Allow them to cook for an additional eight minutes, closely monitoring to prevent any burning. The higher temperature will encourage the sugars in the sauce to caramelize, forming a delectable glaze that adds a touch of sweetness to complement the savory meat.
Rest and Serve
With the ribs perfectly cooked, it’s crucial to let them rest for about ten minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is tender and full of flavor.
Serve with your favorite sides
When the time comes to serve, pair these succulent and tender baked ribs with your favorite sides.
Oven Baked Ribs
Equipment
- 1 large baking pan
- 2 large sheets heavy duty aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 1 rack ribs
- 2 tbsp mustard
- 1 cup barbeque sauce
Seasoning mix
- 2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tbsp liquid smoke* optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit
- Prepare seasoning mix by adding ingredients into a small box. Mix and set aside.
- Lay your rack of ribs over a double layer bed of paper towels. Use additional paper towels to blot off moisture from both sides of the ribs.
- Line a large baking pan with heavy duty aluminum foil. Be sure the foil is at least 3 inches longer than the baking tray on each end. Lay your ribs on top of the foil with the backside facing up.
- Remove the layer of membrane from the backside of the ribs. Use scissors to snip the membrane at one end. Once you have a good grip of membrane, pull with your hands and the membrane should peel right off.
- Baste both sides of your ribs with mustard to ensure the seasoning mix binds to the meat.
- Rub on the seasoning mix to both sides of the ribs. Ensure all surfaces of the ribs are evenly covered with seasoning, including the sides.
- Use another sheet of aluminum foil to wrap the ribs nice and snug. Be sure there are no openings or cracks to ensure the juices remain in the foil.
- Bake at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for 4 hours then remove from the oven. Turn oven temperature to 400 degrees. While oven is coming to temperature, baste the cooked ribs generously on both sides with barbeque sauce.
- Bake ribs with top uncovered at 400 degrees for 8 minutes until the sauce is glazed and shiny. Remove from oven and let rest with top covered for 10 minutes before serving.
