Melt-in-Your-Mouth Oven Baked Barbecue Ribs
Tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor, these oven-baked barbecue ribs offer a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky. Fall-off-the-bone meat seasoned with a bold spice rub and glazed with a sticky barbecue sauce makes for an incredible comfort food experience. A family favorite without the hassle of a grill.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 170
- Total Time: 185
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian (Halal option available)
Ingredients
2 racks halal goat or pork spare ribs
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade, ensure it’s non-alcoholic)
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C)
Pat the ribs dry with paper towels
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cumin, and chili powder to create a dry rub
Evenly rub the spice mix into the meaty side of the ribs
Place the ribs, meat side up, on a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet
Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 2.5 hours
Uncover the ribs and brush the barbecue sauce generously over both sides
Mix apple cider vinegar with a small amount of additional barbecue sauce (if using) to create a thin glaze; this prevents burning
Brush the glaze over the ribs and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until sticky and caramelized
Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving
Notes
For a smoky flavor, use a smoker blend or add a pinch of liquid smoke when making the dry rub
If using a slow oven method, you can braise the ribs in a Dutch oven on the stove-top at a simmer for part of the cooking process
These ribs taste even better the next day. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days