Ribs
These tender ribs are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a weekend barbecue. Slow-cooked in the oven, they become incredibly flavorful thanks to a rich spice rub and a sweet, smoky barbecue sauce. This recipe focuses on simplicity while delivering mouth-watering results that will impress your guests. Enjoy these ribs as the star of your meal or as a delicious addition to any feast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can create melt-in-your-mouth ribs without complicated techniques.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and barbecue sauce enhances the natural taste of the meat, making every bite unforgettable.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve these ribs at parties, family dinners, or even casual weeknights for an instant crowd-pleaser.
- Perfectly Tender: Slow cooking allows the meat to become incredibly tender and juicy, ensuring that it falls off the bone with ease.
- Customizable Sauce: Use your favorite barbecue sauce for a personal touch or experiment with different flavors to suit your taste.
Tools and Preparation
Before starting this ribs recipe, gather all necessary tools and equipment. Having everything on hand will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Small knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides a stable base for cooking your ribs in the oven, catching any drippings for easier cleanup.
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil: Ensures the ribs cook evenly while retaining moisture during the slow-cooking process.
- Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients for your dry rub and sauce without making a mess.
Ingredients
For this delicious ribs recipe, you’ll need:
- 2½ to 3 pounds of baby back ribs
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar, (packed)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2½ teaspoons fresh cracked black pepper
- 2 teaspoons ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup barbecue sauce, (your favorite brand)
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
How to Make Ribs
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low temperature is essential for slowly cooking the ribs, allowing them to become tender.
Step 2: Prepare the Spice Rub
In a small mixing bowl:
1. Add the following ingredients:
– Light brown sugar
– Granulated sugar
– Onion powder
– Kosher salt
– Smoked paprika
– Fresh cracked black pepper
– Ground mustard
– Cumin
– Cayenne pepper
– Ground nutmeg
2. Whisk everything together until well combined.
Step 3: Remove the Membrane from Ribs
Carefully remove the opaque membrane from the underside of the ribs:
1. Use a small knife to lift one corner of the membrane.
2. Slide the knife underneath while lifting it up; continue until you can pull it away with your fingers.
Step 4: Wrap Ribs in Foil
- Tear a long piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil to cover the rack of ribs completely.
- Lay it over a baking sheet.
- Place the rack of ribs meaty side down and bone side up in the center of the foil.
Step 5: Season Ribs with Dry Rub
- Generously spread one-third of your dry rub over the bones and rub it in well.
- Flip the ribs over and apply the remaining dry rub on top, ensuring even coverage.
Step 6: Seal Ribs in Foil
Crimp together the seams of the foil tightly around the ribs:
1. Roll up both ends securely to seal in moisture.
Step 7: Bake Ribs
Place your wrapped ribs in the preheated oven and bake for about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Step 8: Broil Ribs
Once baked:
1. Carefully remove them from the oven.
2. Increase the oven temperature to broil.
Step 9: Prepare Barbecue Sauce Mixture
In a small mixing bowl:
1. Combine:
– Barbecue sauce
– Light brown sugar
2. Whisk until smooth.
Step 10: Sauce Ribs
- Open up the foil carefully to avoid steam burns.
- Spoon and spread your barbecue sauce mixture evenly over top of each rib.
Step 11: Caramelize Sauce
Return your sauced ribs to broil for about 2 to 3 minutes until caramelized.
Step 12: Rest Before Serving
Remove from oven; let them rest for about 10 minutes before slicing into individual portions for serving.
Enjoy these perfectly cooked ribs, filled with flavor and tenderness!
How to Serve Ribs
Serving ribs can be a delightful experience, enhancing the flavors and textures of this delicious dish. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your rib feast.
With Classic Sides
- Coleslaw: A crunchy and tangy coleslaw complements the sweet and smoky flavor of the ribs perfectly.
- Cornbread: Soft, sweet cornbread adds a lovely texture contrast and is great for soaking up any extra sauce.
- Baked Beans: Hearty baked beans provide a rich, savory element that pairs excellently with tender ribs.
On a BBQ Platter
- Meat Sampler: Serve ribs alongside brisket, pulled pork, and sausage for a hearty barbecue platter that will impress your guests.
- Grilled Vegetables: Colorful grilled veggies not only add flavor but also make the platter visually appealing.
As Part of a Feast
- Ribs with Mac and Cheese: This creamy comfort food is a popular choice and makes for a filling meal when served together.
- Spicy Pickles: Offer pickles on the side for those who enjoy an added zing with their ribs.
How to Perfect Ribs
Perfecting your ribs takes a bit of technique, but with these tips, you can achieve mouthwatering results every time.
- Use a Spice Rub: Creating a flavorful spice rub enhances the taste of the ribs before cooking. Experiment with different spices to find your favorite combination.
- Cook Low and Slow: Maintaining a low oven temperature allows the meat to become tender without drying out. Patience is key!
- Cover Properly: Wrapping the ribs in foil helps retain moisture during cooking, ensuring they remain juicy.
- Broil at the End: Broiling after baking caramelizes the barbecue sauce, adding depth of flavor and texture to your ribs.
Best Side Dishes for Ribs
When it comes to pairing side dishes with ribs, there are plenty of options that enhance this main course. Here are some delicious ideas to consider.
- Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad balances the bold flavors of the ribs while providing a comforting side.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds freshness and is easy to prepare on the grill while you cook your ribs.
- Macaroni Salad: This chilled pasta dish offers a cool contrast to warm, smoky ribs.
- Garlic Bread: Flavorful garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any remaining sauce from your plates.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad adds crunch and acidity that cuts through the richness of the meat.
- Sweet Potato Fries: These provide a hint of sweetness that complements the smokiness of your barbecue sauce beautifully.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf can absorb flavors from sauces, making it an excellent companion for ribs.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized Brussels sprouts offer an earthy taste that pairs well with rich meats like ribs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When cooking ribs, there are some common pitfalls that can affect the final outcome. Here are a few mistakes to watch for:
- Ignoring the membrane: Failing to remove the membrane from the ribs can lead to tough and chewy meat. Always peel this off for tender results.
- Overcooking or undercooking: Cooking ribs for too long can dry them out, while not cooking them enough leaves them tough. Stick to the recommended cooking times for best results.
- Skipping the seasoning: Neglecting to apply a generous amount of spice rub means missing out on flavor. Be sure to coat the ribs thoroughly before cooking.
- Not letting them rest: Cutting into ribs immediately after cooking can lead to lost juices. Allow them to rest for 10 minutes post-cooking for optimal tenderness.
- Using low-quality barbecue sauce: Cheap sauces can ruin the flavor of your ribs. Invest in a good quality barbecue sauce that complements your dish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover ribs in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Ribs
- Wrap ribs tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Ribs
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F and cover the ribs with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes until they are warmed through.
- Microwave: Place ribs in a microwave-safe dish and cover. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking regularly.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth. Cover and heat until warm, about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How To Slow Cook Ribs In The Oven?
Slow cooking ribs in the oven involves seasoning, wrapping them tightly in foil, and baking at low temperatures (around 300°F) for several hours.
What Is The Best Way To Cook Ribs In The Oven?
The best way is to use a combination of dry rub, slow baking, and finishing with barbecue sauce under the broiler for caramelization.
Can I Use Different Types Of Ribs?
Absolutely! You can experiment with spare ribs, St. Louis-style ribs, or even beef ribs depending on your preference.
How Long Should I Cook Ribs In The Oven?
For baby back ribs, cook for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes at 300°F.
Can I Customize The Spice Rub?
Yes! Feel free to adjust spices based on your taste preferences or try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
Final Thoughts
These ribs offer a delightful blend of flavors that is perfect for any gathering or family meal. With their tender texture and rich taste, they can easily become your go-to dish. Don’t hesitate to customize the spice rub or barbecue sauce according to your cravings!
Tender Slow-Cooked Ribs
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately four people 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these tender, slow-cooked ribs, perfect for family gatherings or weekend barbecues. This easy recipe features a delightful blend of spices and a rich barbecue sauce that enhances the natural flavors of the meat. Cooked low and slow, these ribs become incredibly juicy and fall-off-the-bone tender, making them the star of any meal. Whether served as a main dish or alongside your favorite sides, these ribs will leave your guests craving more.
Ingredients
- 2½ to 3 pounds baby back ribs
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2½ teaspoons fresh cracked black pepper
- 2 teaspoons ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine all dry rub ingredients: light brown sugar, granulated sugar, onion powder, kosher salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, ground mustard, cumin, cayenne pepper, and nutmeg.
- Remove the membrane from the ribs for tenderness.
- Wrap the ribs in heavy-duty aluminum foil on a baking sheet.
- Generously apply the spice rub to both sides of the ribs.
- Seal foil tightly and bake for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
- Increase oven temperature to broil. Prepare barbecue sauce mixture by whisking together barbecue sauce and light brown sugar.
- Open foil carefully to avoid steam burns; spread sauce over ribs.
- Broil for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until caramelized.
- Let rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 150 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rib portion (113g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
