Get ready to elevate your comfort food game with the ultimate guide to baking spare ribs to perfection in the oven. In this delectable recipe, we’ll unveil the secrets to achieving meltingly tender, flavor-packed spare ribs that will have your guests raving. Join me, Chef Savori, as we embark on a culinary journey filled with juicy, smoky deliciousness.
Why You’ll Love This How to bake spare ribs perfectly in the oven
Baking spare ribs in the oven is a game-changer – it’s a hands-off, foolproof method that delivers restaurant-worthy results. This recipe is the ultimate in cozy, comforting indulgence, with a delectable blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. The ribs emerge from the oven meltingly tender, with a rich, caramelized glaze that will have your taste buds dancing. Plus, the step-by-step instructions make this seemingly complex dish totally doable, even for beginner home cooks. Get ready to serve up an epic, crowd-pleasing meal that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
This simple ingredient list packs a flavor punch, with just the right balance of sweet, savory, and smoky notes. You’ll need juicy, meaty spare ribs, a zesty barbecue sauce, brown sugar for caramelization, and a few warming spices to round out the flavors. The best part? Most of these ingredients are likely already in your pantry, making this a fuss-free recipe that’s easy to pull off any night of the week.
- 2-3 lbs – Meaty spare ribs
- 1/2 cup – Brown sugar
- 2 tsp – Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp – Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Substitutions
- Spare Ribs: You can easily substitute baby back ribs or country-style ribs in this recipe.
- Barbecue Sauce: If you’re not a fan of barbecue sauce, feel free to use your favorite marinade or rub instead.
How to Make How to bake spare ribs perfectly in the oven
Start by removing the thin membrane from the back of the spare ribs, which can prevent the seasoning and sauce from penetrating. Pat the ribs dry and generously season them all over with a blend of brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. This creates a flavor-packed base for the ribs to bake to perfection.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by removing the thin membrane from the back of the spare ribs, which can prevent the seasoning and sauce from penetrating. Pat the ribs dry and generously season them all over with a blend of brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. This creates a flavor-packed base for the ribs to bake to perfection.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Next, it’s time to bake the ribs to tender, fall-off-the-bone glory. Arrange the seasoned ribs in a baking dish or on a rimmed baking sheet, then cover them tightly with foil. Bake the ribs low and slow in the oven, until they’re meltingly tender and practically begging to be devoured.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the ribs have reached peak tenderness, it’s time to take them to the next level. Remove the foil and brush the ribs generously with your favorite barbecue sauce. Return them to the oven, this time uncovered, to let the sauce caramelize and create a sticky-sweet glaze that’ll have you reaching for seconds.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
As a final flourish, you can optionally brush the ribs with a bit of honey or maple syrup for an extra layer of caramelized deliciousness. Serve the ribs hot, with any remaining sauce spooned over the top, and get ready for the oohs and aahs from your guests.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Smoky Spice Rub: For an extra-smoky flavor, try rubbing the ribs with a blend of spices that includes smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin before baking.
- Barbecue Sauce Swaps: You can also experiment with different barbecue sauce flavors, from tangy and vinegary to sweet and molasses-y.
- Spicy Kick: If you’re a fan of a little heat, feel free to add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce or rub.
- Sticky-Sweet Finish: For an extra layer of caramelized deliciousness, brush the ribs with a bit of honey or maple syrup before serving.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: classic comfort sides like creamy mac and cheese, tangy coleslaw, or roasted sweet potato wedges.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or frozen for longer-term enjoyment.
Reheat: Be sure to reheat the ribs gently to preserve that irresistible, tender texture.
Make-Ahead: These baked spare ribs can be prepped in advance, with the seasoning applied and the ribs arranged in the baking dish. Simply cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Nutrition Information
These baked spare ribs are a hearty, indulgent dish, but they can absolutely be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Each serving provides a good source of protein, along with some essential nutrients like iron and zinc. Of course, the sauce and seasonings add a bit of sugar and sodium, so be mindful of portion sizes and pair these ribs with plenty of fresh veggies for a well-rounded meal.
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Protein: 36 g
- Carbs: 26 g
- Fat: 33 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to remove the membrane from spare ribs?
Slide a butter knife or small paring knife under the thin membrane on the back of the ribs, then gently peel it away. This helps the seasoning and sauce penetrate the meat for maximum flavor.
Can I use a different type of rib?
Absolutely! This recipe works equally well with baby back ribs or country-style ribs. Just adjust the baking time as needed to achieve that signature tender, fall-off-the-bone texture.
How long do I need to bake the ribs?
Bake the ribs low and slow, covered in foil, for 2-3 hours at 300°F, until they’re meltingly tender. Then, remove the foil and brush on the barbecue sauce, baking for an additional 15-20 minutes to let the sauce caramelize.
Can I make these ribs ahead of time?
Yes, you can absolutely prep these ribs in advance. Season the ribs, arrange them in the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This makes for an easy, hands-off meal when you need it most.
How do I know when the ribs are fully cooked?
The ribs are done when they’re meltingly tender and easily pull away from the bone. You can also use a meat thermometer to check – the internal temperature should reach 195-205°F for fall-off-the-bone perfection.
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Bake Spare Ribs to Perfection in the Oven
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 180 minutes
- Total Time: 195 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🍲 Comfort Classics & Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Juicy, tender spare ribs baked to perfection in the oven with a flavorful dry rub and a delicious glaze.
Ingredients
2 racks of spare ribs (about 4 lbs total)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs.
3. In a bowl, mix together brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, chili powder, and cayenne pepper.
4. Rub the spice mixture all over the ribs, covering both sides thoroughly.
5. Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, meat side up.
6. Cover the ribs tightly with another piece of aluminum foil.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the ribs are tender.
8. Remove the foil and brush the ribs with barbecue sauce.
9. Broil the ribs for an additional 5-10 minutes until the sauce is caramelized.
10. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the ribs with the spice rub overnight.
Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on your spice preference.
Serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rack (1/4 of total recipe)
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: ribs, spare ribs, barbecue, oven-baked