Baby Back Ribs in the Oven

Before you cry blasphemy at the thought of cooking baby back ribs in the oven rather than on a grill or smoker, you must try this recipe. Cooking baby back ribs in the oven can result in tender, juicy, flavorful ribs. This is a perfect option if you live where grilling isn’t an option in the middle of January, or if grilling isn’t an option at all where you live. Making ribs in the oven means meaty deliciousness is possible at home, any time of the year.

This simple method requires a few essential ingredients you likely keep stocked in your fridge and pantry, so you only need a few racks of pork ribs from your local butcher. Once you have everything in tow, you’re less than two hours away from some of the best barbecue ribs you’ll ever eat without firing up the grill.

The Best Ribs for the Oven

Buying the best cut is the first step to making perfectly cooked ribs in the oven. Not all ribs are created equal, and knowing what to look for when buying meat at the butcher is key. Choose meaty, well-marbled ribs with an even thickness of meat from rib to rib. This ensures the ribs cook evenly in the oven. Also, if purchasing multiple racks of ribs, choose those similar in size and shape. This ensures each slab will cook evenly and limit the chance for smaller racks to dry out before the larger racks come to temperature.

That said, two main types of pork ribs are suitable for cooking in the oven. The first type is spare ribs, also called “St. Louis-style ribs” if the butcher has done a little extra trimming to the ribs. These ribs are larger and meatier than other varieties of ribs. They also tend to be fattier since they come from the ribs closer to the belly of the pig. Note that spare ribs often require a longer cook time than baby back ribs.

The second type of ribs is baby back ribs, also called “loin back ribs.” These ribs are smaller and leaner than spare ribs and come from the ribs closer to the pig’s loin. Because their meat comes from the loin region, baby back ribs are more tender and expensive than spare ribs.

Ingredients for Baby Back Ribs in the Oven

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• Baby back ribs: You can cook spare ribs in the oven, but we think baby back ribs are worth the splurge since they’re a bit more tender and flavorful. Plan for about six ribs per person or approximately a half-slab.
• Seasoning: A blend of garlic powder, seasoned salt and black pepper is a simple yet effective barbecue seasoning that infuses the meat with flavor.
• Onion: This adds moisture to the baby back ribs in the oven and serves as a simple aromatic to give the meat even more flavor.
• Ketchup: We love using ketchup for the base of our easy homemade barbecue sauce. Unlike other popular tomato bases for barbecue, like tomato paste or sauce, ketchup is already seasoned, so it’s a great shortcut for creating a robust, classic barbecue sauce fast.
• Chili sauce: This gives our homemade barbecue sauce a little heat.
• Brown sugar: Brown sugar caramelizes the sauce when the ribs bake in the oven.
• Dried minced onion: This adds zip and depth to the sauce.
• Liquid smoke: Since we’re skipping the grill, liquid smoke is the secret to giving these baby back ribs some hot-off-the-grill smoky flavor.
• Molasses: Molasses adds a rich, robust flavor to the sauce. It also helps thicken the barbecue sauce to adhere well to the meat.

Directions

Step 1: Bake

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Place the ribs bone-side down in a large roasting pan. Combine the garlic powder, seasoned salt and pepper, then sprinkle liberally over the ribs. Top ribs with sliced onion. Cover the roasting pan tightly with foil, and bake for one hour at 350°F.

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Editor’s Tip: A tightly sealed pan topped with aluminum foil will lock in the heat, steam and moisture around the ribs, keeping them extra moist and juicy while they cook.

Step 2: Make the sauce

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Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the ketchup, chili sauce, brown sugar, minced onion, liquid smoke and molasses.

Step 3: Baste the ribs

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Remove the ribs from the oven. Drain the fat from the roasting pan, and discard the sliced onion. Brush the ribs with half of the barbecue sauce.

Step 4: Return to the oven

Cover the roasting pan tightly with foil again, and return the ribs to the oven. Bake for an additional 30 to 60 minutes or until tender. Serve warm with the remaining sauce.

Editor’s Tip: To set the sauce (for that hot-off-the-grill look), broil the ribs for three to five minutes before serving.

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Recipe Variations

• Add a zesty meat rub: A meat rub is a signature trick of the trade for smoked and barbecued meats. Next time you cook baby back ribs in the oven, try one of these zesty dry rub recipes to elevate your ribs.
• Choose your favorite sauce: This sauce is a total slam dunk on ribs, but you can use a homemade barbecue sauce recipe or any of the best barbecue sauces from the store.
• Finish on the grill: If you crave that flavor, you may transfer the ribs to a hot, preheated charcoal or gas grill to finish cooking for the final few minutes. Place the ribs over low, direct heat, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, basting with barbecue sauce every three to four minutes until they reach an internal temperature of at least 180°F.

How to Store Baby Back Ribs

Leftover baby back ribs can be stored in an airtight container for three to four days. To reheat, preheat the oven to 250°, and warm gently until thoroughly heated.

Baby Back Ribs in the Oven Tips

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Should you wrap ribs in foil for baking?

Yes! For the best-ever baby back ribs in the oven, we highly recommend covering the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil. Wrapping the ribs in foil helps lock in the steam and moisture, keeping them juicy and preventing them from drying out.

How long does it take to cook baby back ribs in the oven?

Cooking baby back ribs in the oven at 350° takes at least two hours. The total cook time will vary depending on the size and number of racks you cook. For best results, go by the internal temperature of the ribs rather than the cooking time. Baby back ribs will reach their taste and texture when they reach an internal temperature of 195° to 200°. If you don’t own an instant-read thermometer, now is the time to invest in one.

What can you serve oven-baked baby back ribs?

With these juicy baby back ribs, you can serve your favorite barbecue sides. Our favorite pairings include old-fashioned macaroni and cheese, a pot of homemade baked beans, a classic potato salad recipe, or a pan of buttery cornbread.