Baked Ribs are a great way to enjoy tender, flavorful ribs without needing a grill. The slow baking process allows the meat to become tender and infused with flavor. Here’s a simple recipe for Baked Pork Ribs with a delicious barbecue sauce:
Ingredients:
For the Ribs:
- 1 rack of pork ribs (about 1.5 kg or 3-4 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Barbecue Sauce:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ribs:
- Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).
- Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs if it hasn’t been already removed. This helps make the ribs more tender.
- Pat the ribs dry with paper towels.
2. Season the Ribs:
- In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs.
3. Bake the Ribs:
- Place the ribs on a large piece of aluminum foil, bone side down. You may need to use two pieces of foil if the ribs are large.
- Wrap the ribs tightly in the foil to create a sealed packet. This helps keep the ribs moist during baking.
- Place the foil-wrapped ribs on a baking sheet or in a large roasting pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the ribs are tender and the meat is pulling away from the bones.
4. Prepare the Barbecue Sauce:
- While the ribs are baking, prepare the barbecue sauce.
- In a small saucepan, combine the barbecue sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is heated through and well combined. Set aside.
5. Finish the Ribs:
- Remove the ribs from the oven and carefully open the foil. Be cautious of the hot steam.
- Brush the barbecue sauce generously over the ribs.
- Increase the oven temperature to 200°C (400°F) or switch to the broiler setting.
- Return the ribs to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce is caramelized and slightly charred. If using the broiler, keep a close eye on the ribs to avoid burning.
6. Serve:
- Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve with additional barbecue sauce on the side and your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread.
Optional Additions:
- Spicy Ribs: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the seasoning mix for extra heat.
- Marinated Ribs: Marinate the ribs in your favorite marinade or a mixture of the seasoning ingredients and some soy sauce or vinegar for a few hours or overnight before baking.
These baked ribs are flavorful, tender, and perfect for a satisfying meal!
