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Juicy beef ribs cooking in the oven, coated in a caramelized barbecue glaze with steam rising.

Oven-Cooked Beef Ribs

Discover the secret to perfectly tender, flavorful oven-cooked beef ribs. Learn tips, recipes, and techniques for mouthwatering results every time.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4 People
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet or Roasting Pan: A sturdy baking sheet or roasting pan is crucial for holding the ribs as they cook. Opt for one with raised edges to catch any drippings.
  • Aluminium Foil: Wrapping the ribs in foil helps lock in moisture, ensuring a tender texture. Heavy-duty foil is recommended for better durability.
  • Meat Thermometer A meat thermometer is indispensable for checking the internal temperature of the ribs, helping you avoid undercooking or overcooking.
  • Basting Brush Use a silicone basting brush to evenly coat the ribs with sauce during the final cooking stage.
  • Sharp knife  A sharp knife is essential for removing the membrane from the ribs and slicing them into portions.
  • Mixing Bowls  For preparing rubs, marinades, and sauces, a set of mixing bowls in various sizes is incredibly useful.
  • Tongs Sturdy tongs make it easy to handle the ribs without damaging the meat.
  • Roasting Rack (Optional): A roasting rack elevates the ribs, allowing heat to circulate evenly around them for better caramelisation.

Ingredients
  

For the Ribs:

  • 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar (for sweetness and caramelization)
  • 1 tablespoon Paprika (adds color and a mild smoky flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder (optional, for a bit of heat)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional, for extra spice)

For the Barbecue Sauce (Optional):

  • 1/2 cup Ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar (for tanginess)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Honey or Maple Syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika

Optional Garnishes:

  • Fresh Parsley or Cilantro Chopped, for garnish
  • Lemon Wedges To serve on the side

These ingredients will create perfectly seasoned, tender ribs with a delicious balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. If you prefer to use store-bought barbecue sauce, feel free to skip the homemade sauce ingredients!

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 275°F (135°C) for low-and-slow cooking.
  • Prepare the Ribs: Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and pat them dry with paper towels.
  • Season the Ribs: Use your chosen rub or marinade to ensure the meat is evenly coated.
  • Wrap in Foil: Place the ribs on a baking sheet and wrap them tightly in aluminium foil to retain moisture.
  • Bake: Cook the ribs in the oven for 3-4 hours or until tender meat pulls away from the bone.
  • Add Sauce (Optional): If desired, brush the ribs with barbecue sauce and bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.
  • Rest and Serve: Allow the ribs to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Adjust Seasoning: Customize the rub or marinade to suit your taste preferences.
  • Resting Time: Letting the ribs rest after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful meat.
  • Avoid Overcrowding: If cooking multiple racks, leave enough space between them on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
  • Sauce Timing: Due to its sugar content, adding sauce too early can cause it to burn. Apply it during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
Keyword Oven-Cooked Beef Ribs