Oh boy, do I have a treat for you! If you’re in the mood for something that will make your taste buds dance and your friends beg for seconds, then let me introduce you to my ultimate Fall-off-the-Bone Oven Baked Ribs. It’s one of those recipes that I slightly hesitated to share because it means friends will be asking for it on repeat – but honestly, they deserve to be in the rib-licious loop!
I remember the first time I made these ribs. My husband had invited some friends over for a casual game night, and I thought, “Why not impress them with my secret weapon?” I threw on an apron, pulled out my oven mitts, and went for it. The smell wafting through the air while they cooked was enough to have everyone gathering in the kitchen. When those ribs came out, tender and sticky with barbecue sauce, there was harmony in the room. Laughter, chat, and a few “wow” comments ensued, and let me tell you, the pan was scraped clean!
So, are you ready to dive into the juicy world of ribs? Let’s get cooking!
What’s in Fall-off-the-Bone Oven Baked Ribs?
Let’s talk about the wonderful ingredients we’ll be using for this dish, shall we?
2 racks of baby back ribs (about 4 pounds): The glorious star of the show! Baby back ribs are super tender and perfect for this baking method. They’ll melt in your mouth, trust me!
2 tablespoons brown sugar: This adds just a touch of sweetness, balancing out the savory and spicy notes.
2 tablespoons paprika: This gives the ribs a beautiful color and a sweet, slightly smoky flavor.
1 tablespoon garlic powder: Because, really, can you ever have too much garlic? It’s the heart of flavor, right?
1 tablespoon onion powder: It complements the garlic powder so well and helps to deepen the flavor profile.
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat): This is where you can choose your adventure! Kick things up a notch if you like your ribs spicy.
1 tablespoon salt: Essential for enhancing the flavors, making everything pop.
1 tablespoon black pepper: A classic seasoning that adds a nice smooth heat.
1 cup barbecue sauce (your choice): The finishing touch! I like to go with a tangy sauce that has a hint of sweetness.
Is Fall-off-the-Bone Oven Baked Ribs Good for You?
Well, let’s be real for a second. These ribs are not exactly a salad but let’s talk about the positives!
Baby Back Ribs: Packed with protein! Although they do contain quite a bit of fat, when enjoyed in moderation, they can be a part of a balanced meal.
Brown Sugar: It provides that sweet kick but can be higher in calories, so consider using it sparingly.
Spices (Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Cayenne): These usually contribute micronutrients and antioxidants and make the dish flavorful without added calories.
Now, I wouldn’t say these ribs should be your everyday meal, but they’re definitely a fun, savory treat for those weeknight BBQ vibes or a weekend gathering.
Ingredients
– 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 4 pounds)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons paprika
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
– 1 tablespoon salt
– 1 tablespoon black pepper
– 1 cup barbecue sauce (your choice)
These ingredients will serve about 4-6 hungry folks!
How to Make Fall-off-the-Bone Oven Baked Ribs?
1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low-and-slow approach helps keep things nice and tender.
2. Prepare the ribs by removing the silver skin on the back. Just slide a knife under the membrane and pull it off with your hands. This little step makes a world of difference!
3. In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if you’re using it), salt, and black pepper to create a delicious dry rub.
4. Generously coat both sides of the ribs with the dry rub mixture, pressing it into the meat for that flavor infusion.
5. Place the ribs on a large baking sheet, meat side up. Cover them tightly with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 2.5 to 3 hours, until the meat is tender and really starts pulling away from the bones.
7. Once they’re good and tender, remove the ribs from the oven and take off the foil. Brush a generous amount of barbecue sauce over the ribs.
8. In a fun twist, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and pop the ribs back in, uncovered, for another 15-20 minutes. This is where the magic happens as the sauce caramelizes.
9. Remove from the oven, let rest for a few minutes, then cut between the bones to separate the ribs.
10. Serve hot with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.
Rib-tastic Tips for You!
– Experiment with different types of barbecue sauces! Some are sweet, some are tangy, and others are spicy – find what you love.
– If you want some smoky flavor without grilling, consider adding a few drops of liquid smoke to the dry rub.
– Leftovers (if you have any, which is unlikely!) can easily be reheated in the oven. Just wrap them in foil to keep them moist.
I can hardly contain my excitement for you to try these ribs! They’re guaranteed to steal the show and make you the BBQ superstar among your friends and family. I’d love to hear how yours turn out and any creative twists you add! Happy cooking!
