Ribs are a favorite for many, but getting them just right can be tough. The cooking process makes it easy to produce overcooked or dried-out ribs. The good news is oven-baked ribs are easier than you think and can turn out delicious with the right steps. Whether you’re new to cooking ribs or just looking for a foolproof method, baking ribs in the oven will give you tender, juicy results every time. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to cook ribs in the oven perfectly.

Oven-Baked Ribs

Perfect Oven Baked Ribs Recipe

Baking ribs in the oven is simple, but to get tender and juicy ribs, you need to follow the right steps. The oven-baked ribs recipe delivers perfect flavor through its balanced seasoning, cooking duration, and temperature settings. But aside from the recipe, using the right tools can make the cooking process easier and more consistent.

The Typhur Sync Oven functions as a smart cooking device that ensures that your ribs reach their optimal cooking point. It has wireless temperature probes to help you monitor the internal temperature of your meat as it cooks.

Typhur Sync Oven

Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced chef, the Typhur Sync Oven takes the guesswork out of baking ribs. It keeps the ribs moist and cooks them evenly. With 12 cooking functions, including precise roasting, this oven is perfect for making oven-baked ribs.

Typhur Sync Oven
Typhur Sync Oven

The First Countertop Oven with a Wireless Thermometer

Buy Now

Ingredients You Need for Oven-Baked Ribs

Barbecue Rub:

  • 1.5 oz Kosher Salt
  • 1.5 oz Crushed Black Pepper
  • 2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 2 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 oz Paprika

Pork Ribs:

  • 3 pounds Pork Ribs
  • Barbecue Sauce
  • 3 tbsp Unsalted Butter

How to Cook Ribs in the Oven Step by Step

  1. Prepare the Pork Ribs:

    First, remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. If you leave it on, your ribs can become tough. Also, trim any extra fat for even cooking.

  2. Prepare the Rub:

    In a bowl, mix kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. This dry rub will add great flavor to the ribs.

  3. Marinate the Pork Ribs:

    Rub the seasoning on both sides of the ribs. You can do this ahead of time and let them marinate for a few hours or overnight for extra flavor.

  4. Preparation before Baking:

    Place the seasoned ribs on a roasting pan. Add butter on top of the ribs for moisture, and cover them with tin foil to keep in all the juices.

  5. Preheat and Start Cooking:

    Preheat your oven to 302°F (150°C). Once it’s hot, place the roasting pan in the oven. Bake the ribs for about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the thickness of the ribs. This slow cooking will make them tender.

  6. Brush the Ribs with Barbecue Sauce:

    After baking for the first few hours, remove the foil and brush the ribs with your favorite BBQ sauce. Coat them well for that perfect, caramelized finish.

  7. Final Bake for Caramelization:

    Put the ribs back in the oven uncovered for 6 more minutes at 350°F (180°C). This lets the sauce caramelize and gives the ribs a nice, smoky glaze.

  8. Remove the ribs from the oven:

    Once the ribs are caramelized and sizzling, carefully take them out of the oven. They’ll be hot, so use oven gloves.

  9. Serve and Enjoy!

    Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before cutting them. Slice between the bones and serve with your favorite sides.

What to Serve with Oven Baked Ribs

Now that your oven-baked ribs are ready, let’s talk about what to serve them with. You want sides that balance the rich flavors of the ribs without overpowering them.

Here are some great side ideas:

  • Classic Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy slaw pairs perfectly with the rich, tender ribs.
  • Cornbread: Warm cornbread with butter adds a sweet, comforting touch.
  • Grilled Vegetables: Veggies like asparagus or carrots bring a fresh contrast to the savory ribs.
  • Baked Potatoes: A classic side, baked potatoes soak up any leftover barbecue sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do you cook ribs in the oven for?

Pork ribs usually take 2.5 to 3 hours to cook in the oven at 180°C (350°F). The exact time depends on the size of your ribs. Larger spare ribs may need more time. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

How to tell when oven-baked ribs are done?

Ribs are done when they are tender and the meat starts to pull away from the bones. You can check this by gently pulling on the ribs with a fork. If they come apart easily, they’re ready.

Should I cook my ribs covered or uncovered in the oven?

Start by cooking the ribs covered with foil to keep in moisture. After the initial cooking time, remove the foil and cook them uncovered to caramelize the barbecue sauce.

Oven-Baked Ribs

Enjoy these easy-to-make pork ribs with any of your favorite sides.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes

Equipment

Typhur Sync Oven
Typhur Sync Oven

The First Countertop Oven with a Wireless Thermometer

Buy Now

Ingredients  

Barbecue Rub

  • 1.5 oz Kosher Salt
  • 1.5 oz Crushed Black Pepper
  • 2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 2 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 oz Paprika

Pork Ribs

  • 3 pounds Pork Ribs
  • Barbecue Sauce
  • 3 tbsp Unsalted Butter

Instructions 

  • Prepare the Pork Ribs: On the bony side, remove the membrane and any excess fat.
    3 pounds Pork Ribs
  • Prepare the Rub: In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
    1.5 oz Kosher Salt, 1.5 oz Crushed Black Pepper, 2 tsp Garlic Powder, 2 tsp Onion Powder, 1 oz Paprika
  • Marinate the Pork Ribs: Evenly sprinkle the dry rub over both sides of the pork ribs. Alternatively, use your preferred rub powder.
  • Preparation before Baking: Put butter on the ribs and completely cover them with tin foil. Place the rib on the roasting pan.
    3 tbsp Unsalted Butter
  • Preheat and Start Cooking: Press the "Start Cooking" button to start preheating. Once preheated, insert the roasting pan into Level 1.
  • Brush the Ribs with Barbecue Sauce: Take the ribs out of the tin foil, brush the ribs with barbecue sauce, and then put the ribs back on the roasting pan.
    Barbecue Sauce
  • Final Bake for Caramelization: Increase the oven temperature and start preheating. Once preheated, insert the roasting pan into Level 1.
    Oven Settings:
    Mode: Bake
    Temp: 180℃
    Time: 6min
    Preheat: ON
  • Remove the Ribs from Oven: With a pair of oven gloves, carefully remove the ribs.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 790kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 39gFat: 66gSaturated Fat: 24gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gMonounsaturated Fat: 23gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 213mgSodium: 4323mgPotassium: 910mgFiber: 5gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 3811IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 109mgIron: 5mg

(Nutrition information is calculated automatically by Spoonacular API and should be considered an estimate.)