Description
Tender, juicy oven-baked spare ribs coated in a sweet smoky sauce, perfect for any occasion without the hassle of grilling.
Ingredients
For the Ribs
- 2 racks pork spare ribs (about 4 to 6 pounds total) (Spare ribs are preferred for their fattiness and flavor.)
- 2-3 tablespoons yellow mustard (Optional binder for the rub.)
- 1-1.5 cups BBQ sauce (Store-bought or homemade.)
- 2-4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or apple juice (Used for steaming in the foil.)
- 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar (Optional for extra stickiness.)
- 1-2 tablespoons butter (Optional for added richness.)
For the Dry Rub
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika (Optional but recommended.)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne (Optional for spice.)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven.
- Pat the ribs dry and remove the membrane from the bone side.
- Rub a thin layer of yellow mustard on both sides of the ribs as a binder.
- Generously cover the ribs with the dry rub, pressing it in.
- Wrap the ribs in heavy foil, meat side down, adding apple cider vinegar or juice before sealing tightly.
Baking
- Place wrapped ribs on a sheet pan and bake at 275°F for 3.5 to 4.5 hours until tender.
- Unwrap the ribs, flip them meat side up, and brush with BBQ sauce.
- Return to the oven and bake uncovered briefly.
- Broil for 2 to 5 minutes to achieve a sticky caramelized top.
Notes
Make sure to tightly wrap the ribs in foil to keep them juicy. Let them rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: dinner, Main Course
- Cuisine: American, BBQ