Stu’s Baked BBQ Ribs Recipe

This hearty Stu’s Baked BBQ Ribs recipe is the ultimate way to get tender, flavorful ribs right from your oven. It is made with a simple but delicious homemade spice rub using brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a generous coating of your favorite BBQ sauce. This recipe creates fall-off-the-bone tender ribs with a savory, smoky flavor and a perfectly caramelized glaze. Perfect for a cozy weekend dinner or a game-day feast, this recipe makes enough for 4 people and proves you don’t need a smoker for amazing results.

Stu’s Baked BBQ Ribs Ingredients

For the Spice Rub:

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)

For the Ribs:

• 1 rack (about 3 lbs) pork baby back ribs
• 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce

How To Make Stu’s Baked BBQ Ribs

1. Prepare the oven and ribs: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Pat the ribs dry with a paper towel. On the bone-side of the rack, slide a butter knife under the thin, silvery membrane and pull it off. This helps the ribs become more tender.
2. Make the spice rub: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
3. Season the ribs: Generously coat the entire rack of ribs with the spice rub, pressing it into the meat on all sides.
4. Bake low and slow: Place the seasoned ribs meat-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Cover the entire baking sheet tightly with another layer of aluminum foil. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is very tender and has pulled back from the bones.
5. Sauce and broil: Carefully remove the foil from the top of the ribs. Set your oven to broil on high. Brush about half of the BBQ sauce evenly over the top of the ribs.
6. Caramelize the sauce: Place the ribs under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, watching very closely, until the sauce is bubbly and slightly caramelized. Remove from the oven, brush with the remaining sauce, and let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Recipe Tips

• Always Remove the Membrane: The thin membrane on the back of the ribs is tough and chewy when cooked. Removing it allows the spice rub to penetrate the meat better and results in much more tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs.
• Bake Tightly Covered: Sealing the baking sheet tightly with foil is crucial. This step traps steam inside, effectively braising the ribs in their own juices and making them incredibly moist and tender.
• Low and Slow is the Secret: Don’t be tempted to raise the oven temperature to speed things up. The low, slow heat is what breaks down the tough connective tissues in the meat, which is essential for achieving that classic tender texture.
• Watch the Broiler Carefully: BBQ sauce contains sugar, which can burn very quickly under the high heat of a broiler. Stay right by the oven and watch the ribs closely to get a perfect caramelized glaze without any charring.

What To Serve Baked BBQ Ribs

These oven-baked ribs are a fantastic centerpiece for a classic comfort meal. Serve them with traditional barbecue sides like creamy coleslaw, baked beans, and buttery cornbread. They also pair wonderfully with macaroni and cheese, potato salad, or a simple green salad. For a full feast, consider adding some skillet-fried corn or collard greens to the plate.

How To Store Baked BBQ Ribs Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, wrap the ribs in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can add a fresh layer of BBQ sauce before reheating.
• Freeze: Once cooled, wrap the ribs tightly in plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as instructed above.

Stu’s Baked BBQ Ribs Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 580 kcal
• Total Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Cholesterol: 145mg
• Sodium: 950mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 30g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 26g
• Protein: 34g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use St. Louis-style ribs instead of baby back ribs? Yes, you can. St. Louis-style ribs are larger and meatier, so you will need to increase the initial baking time. Plan on adding about 30-60 minutes to the covered baking step, checking for tenderness.
• What if I can’t get the membrane off? While it’s highly recommended, don’t worry if you struggle to remove it. The ribs will still be delicious. You can also ask your butcher to remove it for you when you purchase the ribs.
• Can I prepare these ribs ahead of time? Yes. You can complete the initial 2.5-3 hour baking step a day in advance. Let the ribs cool, then cover and refrigerate them. When you’re ready to serve, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then proceed with the saucing and broiling steps.

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• Surf And Turf Skewers Recipe
• Surf & Turf Skillet Recipe
• Swedish Meatballs Recipe