Go Back

Best Barbecue Ribs Recipe | Tender Oven-Baked BBQ Pork Ribs

Make the best barbecue ribs recipe with a flavorful dry rub, homemade BBQ sauce, and a low-and-slow oven method for juicy, tender, restaurant-quality pork ribs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 720
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Ribs
  • 1 rack pork ribs
  • Yellow mustard for coating
Dry Rub
  • Salt
  • Brown sugar
  • Smoked paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Black pepper
  • Chili powder
  • Cayenne pepper
For Wrapping
  • Butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Apple juice
Homemade BBQ Sauce
  • Ketchup
  • Chicken stock
  • Brown sugar
  • Molasses
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Yellow mustard
  • Smoked paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Black pepper
  • Kosher salt
  • Chili powder
  • Cayenne pepper
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Reserved cooking juices from the wrapped ribs

Method
 

Remove the Membrane
  1. Turn the rack of ribs bone-side up. Using a small knife, loosen one corner of the thin membrane covering the bones.
  2. Grip the membrane with a paper towel and slowly pull it away from the ribs. Remove any remaining pieces so the seasoning can penetrate the meat and every bite stays tender.
Make the Dry Rub
  1. In a bowl, whisk together:
  2. Salt
  3. Brown sugar
  4. Smoked paprika
  5. Garlic powder
  6. Onion powder
  7. Black pepper
  8. Chili powder
  9. Cayenne pepper
  10. Mix until evenly combined.
Season the Ribs
  1. Brush the ribs completely with yellow mustard.
  2. The mustard acts as a binder for the seasoning rather than adding noticeable flavor.
  3. Sprinkle the dry rub generously over every surface, pressing it gently so it adheres well.
Rest the Ribs
  1. Choose one of two options:
  2. Let the ribs rest for 1 hour at room temperature if cooking the same day.
  3. For the best flavor, refrigerate the seasoned ribs uncovered overnight.
  4. Before baking, allow refrigerated ribs to come to room temperature.
Slow Bake
  1. Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C).
  2. Place the ribs on a baking tray and bake for 3 hours.
  3. During this slow cooking process, the connective tissue gradually breaks down, creating incredibly tender meat while developing a flavorful bark.
Wrap for Tenderness
  1. Lay several sheets of aluminum foil on your work surface.
  2. Transfer the ribs to the foil and add:
  3. Butter
  4. Brown sugar
  5. Apple cider vinegar
  6. Apple juice
  7. Seal the foil tightly into a dome-shaped packet so steam can circulate.
  8. Return to the oven and continue baking at 275°F for 1½ hours.
Prepare the Homemade BBQ Sauce
  1. Combine the following in a saucepan:
  2. Ketchup
  3. Chicken stock
  4. Brown sugar
  5. Molasses
  6. Apple cider vinegar
  7. Worcestershire sauce
  8. Yellow mustard
  9. Smoked paprika
  10. Garlic powder
  11. Onion powder
  12. Black pepper
  13. Kosher salt
  14. Chili powder
  15. Cayenne pepper
  16. Bay leaf
  17. Cook over medium heat for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
  18. Open the foil packet carefully and pour the flavorful cooking liquid into the sauce.
  19. Continue simmering until the sauce reaches a rich, glossy consistency.
Glaze the Ribs
  1. Brush a light layer of BBQ sauce over both sides of the ribs.
  2. Return them to the baking tray.
  3. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 10 minutes until the sauce caramelizes.
  4. For extra char, briefly broil the ribs during the final few minutes.
Finish and Serve
  1. Brush on one final layer of fresh homemade barbecue sauce before serving.
  2. Flip the ribs bone-side up and slice cleanly between each bone.
  3. Serve immediately while hot and juicy.

Notes

Great barbecue ribs don't require a smoker—they simply require patience and the right technique. By seasoning generously, cooking low and slow, wrapping to lock in moisture, and finishing with a rich homemade barbecue sauce, you'll create ribs that are juicy, flavorful, and worthy of any barbecue feast.
Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or a special weekend meal, this recipe is one you'll want to make again and again. Once you taste that perfectly seasoned bark, tender meat, and glossy homemade sauce, it's easy to see why these are some of the best oven-baked barbecue ribs you'll ever have.