Short Description
These fall-off-the-bone ribs are packed with smoky, sweet, and savory flavors, whether cooked low and slow in the oven or grilled to perfection. Coated in a flavorful dry rub and finished with a sticky BBQ glaze, these ribs are guaranteed to be the star of any meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fall-Off-The-Bone Tender – Slow cooking ensures juicy, melt-in-your-mouth ribs.
- Flavor-Packed – A delicious dry rub and BBQ sauce create the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors.
- Versatile Cooking Methods – Can be made in the oven, on the grill, or even in a slow cooker.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for BBQs, family dinners, or weekend cookouts.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep in advance and reheat for easy entertaining.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Ribs:
- Baby back ribs or St. Louis-style ribs
- Olive oil
Dry Rub:
- Brown sugar
- Paprika (smoked or regular)
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Black pepper
- Salt
- Cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
For the BBQ Sauce (Optional):
- Your favorite BBQ sauce
- Honey (for extra sweetness)
- Apple cider vinegar (for a tangy kick)
Directions
Oven Method:
- Preheat Oven – Set to 275°F (135°C). Line a baking sheet with foil.
- Prepare the Ribs – Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for extra tenderness. Pat dry and rub with olive oil.
- Apply Dry Rub – Generously coat both sides of the ribs with the seasoning mix.
- Wrap & Bake – Place ribs meat-side up on the baking sheet, cover tightly with foil, and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours until tender.
- Add BBQ Sauce & Broil – Brush ribs with BBQ sauce and broil for 5 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
Grill Method:
- Preheat Grill – Heat to medium (about 300°F/150°C).
- Prepare the Ribs – Follow the same steps for removing the membrane and seasoning.
- Wrap in Foil & Grill – Wrap ribs in foil and place them on the grill. Cook for 2 hours, flipping halfway through.
- Unwrap & Glaze – Remove foil, brush with BBQ sauce, and grill uncovered for 10-15 minutes, flipping occasionally, until caramelized.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2.5 to 3 hours (oven) or 2 to 2.5 hours (grill)
- Total Time: 3 to 3.5 hours
Variations
- Spicy Ribs – Add extra cayenne or chili powder to the dry rub.
- Honey Garlic Ribs – Mix honey, garlic, and soy sauce into the BBQ glaze.
- Dry Rub-Only Ribs – Skip the BBQ sauce for a crispy, spice-packed crust.
- Slow Cooker Method – Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, then broil or grill for crispiness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating – Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 15 minutes or microwave in short intervals.
- Freezing – Freeze cooked ribs for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Should I remove the membrane from the ribs?
Yes! Removing the tough membrane from the back helps make the ribs extra tender.
Can I cook ribs at a higher temperature?
Slow and low cooking is best for tender ribs, but you can bake at 325°F (163°C) for a faster cook time (about 2 hours).
How do I know when ribs are done?
They should be fork-tender and pull apart easily, or the internal temperature should reach 190-203°F (88-95°C).
Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?
Yes! Use your favorite brand, or customize it with honey, vinegar, or extra spices.
How do I get ribs extra crispy?
Broil for 5-7 minutes after cooking to caramelize the BBQ glaze.
What’s the difference between baby back and St. Louis ribs?
Baby back ribs are leaner and more tender, while St. Louis ribs are meatier with a richer flavor.
Can I make ribs ahead of time?
Yes! Cook, refrigerate, then reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) before serving.
What sides go well with ribs?
Try coleslaw, baked beans, mac & cheese, cornbread, or grilled veggies.
Can I use beef ribs instead of pork ribs?
Yes! Beef ribs take longer to cook (about 3-4 hours at 275°F).
What’s the best way to cut ribs?
Use a sharp knife and slice between the bones for even portions.
Conclusion
These tender, juicy ribs are packed with bold flavors and easy to make in the oven or on the grill. Whether you like them sticky with BBQ sauce or crispy with a dry rub, this recipe delivers mouthwatering results every time. Try them for your next cookout or family dinner!
PrintTender & Juicy Ribs (Oven or Grill)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
⭐ These ribs are slow-cooked to perfection with a flavorful dry rub and finished with a sticky, caramelized BBQ glaze. Perfect for any cookout or comfort meal!
Ingredients
For the Ribs:
- 2 racks baby back ribs (or St. Louis-style ribs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For the Dry Rub:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
Instructions
Prep the Ribs:
- Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for extra tenderness.
- Rub ribs with olive oil, then coat evenly with the dry rub.
2️⃣ Slow Bake:
- Wrap the ribs tightly in foil and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours until tender.
3️⃣ Glaze & Broil:
- Remove ribs from the oven, discard foil, and brush generously with BBQ sauce.
- Broil for 3-5 minutes until the sauce caramelizes.
Grill Method:
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep:
- Preheat grill to medium-low heat (275-300°F).
- Prep ribs with dry rub and wrap in foil.
2️⃣ Slow Cook on Grill:
- Place ribs on indirect heat and grill for 2.5 to 3 hours, flipping halfway through.
3️⃣ Glaze & Char:
- Unwrap, brush with BBQ sauce, and grill over direct heat for 5-10 minutes, flipping occasionally until caramelized.
Slow Cooker Method:
1️⃣ Prep & Cook:
- Cut ribs into sections and place in the slow cooker.
- Rub with the dry seasoning, cover, and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours.
2️⃣ Glaze & Broil:
- Remove from the slow cooker, brush with BBQ sauce, and broil or grill for 5 minutes to caramelize.
4️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
- Let ribs rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with extra BBQ sauce!
Notes
- Remove the membrane on the back for extra tender ribs.
- Use honey or maple syrup in the glaze for a sweeter finish.
- Let ribs rest before cutting to keep juices locked in.
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