Looking to cook up some mouth-watering baby back ribs, but don’t want to hassle with a grill or smoker? Look no further than your trusty oven! With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create juicy, flavorful ribs that will have your taste buds dancing. In this post, we’ll guide you through our easy, step-by-step recipe for cooking baby back ribs in the oven, giving you all the tips and tricks you need for perfectly cooked ribs every time. So grab your apron and get ready to impress your guests (or just yourself) with these delicious ribs!
Introduction:
Who doesn’t love a good rack of baby back ribs? Tender, juicy, and full of flavor, they’re hands down one of the most popular cuts of meat when it comes to grilling and smoking. But what if we told you that you could cook them in the oven just as easily, in less than half the time? Yes, you read that right!
Here is the perfect recipe for cooking delicious baby back ribs in the oven in just two hours! Even those who are intimidated by cooking meat will find this recipe easy to follow. So let’s dive right in and learn how to cook this delightful dish.
Ingredients:
- 2-3 pounds of baby back ribs
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon coarsely ground black pepper
- 2-3 tablespoons water
- 2-3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- BBQ sauce
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Begin by preparing the rub for the meat. Combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and coarsely ground black pepper in a small bowl. Generously coat the baby back ribs with the rub, pressing it into the meat with your hands.
- Double wrap the seasoned ribs with foil, folding the edges of the foil up tightly to create a sealed pouch. Adding a few tablespoons of water and apple cider vinegar to the pouch will help to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
- Place the wrapped ribs onto a wire rack set over a baking sheet to lift them up and allow for air flow. This helps in keeping the heat constant.
- Cook the ribs on the middle rack of the oven for 90 minutes. After that, lower the temperature to 250 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for another 30 minutes.
- Remove the ribs from the oven and carefully unwrap them from the foil.
- Brush BBQ sauce onto the ribs, making sure to coat both sides generously. Place them back in the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until the sauce has caramelized.
- Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing the rack into individual portions.
Tips and Tricks:
- If you’d like your ribs to have a smokier flavor, you can add a few drops of liquid smoke to the rub mix.
- If you want to cook your ribs on a grill instead of in the oven, you can still use the same rub mix and foil wrapping technique. Just make sure to maintain the temperature of your grill at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Elevating the ribs using a wire rack and baking sheet helps in infusing the perfect flavor by allowing airflow over the meat.
- Kitchen tongs are an excellent tool to use for turning and coating the ribs with the BBQ sauce.
- You can also make extra rub to store in a container and use it again later.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q. Do I need to remove the membrane on the back of the ribs?
A. The membrane on the back of the ribs can make them chewy and tough, so it’s advisable to remove it. Use a butter knife or a spoon to create a gap and then grip the membrane with a paper towel for ease of removing.
Q. Can I use a different cut of meat for this recipe?
A. Baby back ribs are the perfect choice for this recipe since they are tender and easy to cook. However, you can use spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs following the same recipe.
Q. Can I use a different BBQ sauce other than the one in the video?
A. Absolutely! You can use your favorite brand of BBQ sauce or use your own homemade recipe.
Q. Can I cook the ribs in advance and reheat them?
A. Yes, you can cook the ribs in advance and store them in the fridge. Warm them up in an oven or microwave before serving.
Q. Can I add more spices to the rub mix?
A. This recipe is more of a base to build on. Play around with more spices like dried herbs or cumin to create a perfect blend to your taste.
Conclusion:
Cooking baby back ribs in the oven has never been easier! Not only will they come out delicious and juicy, but they’ll be ready in just two hours. Follow the recipe step by step, and you’ll have a mouth-watering meal that will keep your family and friends coming back for more. With little effort, you are guaranteed great results. Try it out and enjoy!
