Oven Baked Bbq Ribs

Ingredients:

For the Ribs:

• 2 racks of pork baby back ribs
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 cup barbecue sauce (homemade or store-bought)

For the BBQ Sauce (Optional):

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Preparing the Ribs:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. Remove Membrane: If present, remove the thin membrane on the bone side of the ribs. Use a paper towel to grip and pull it off. This allows for better seasoning penetration and tenderizes the ribs.
3. Season Ribs: In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Rub this mixture onto both sides of the ribs, ensuring an even coating.
4. Wrap in Foil: Individually wrap each rack of ribs tightly in aluminum foil, creating sealed packets.

Baking the Ribs:

1. Bake: Place the foil-wrapped ribs on a baking sheet and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bones.
2. Optional: Prepare BBQ Sauce: While the ribs bake, you can prepare your BBQ sauce. In a saucepan, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning to taste.
3. Apply BBQ Sauce: Once the ribs are tender, carefully remove them from the oven and open the foil packets. Brush both sides of the ribs generously with barbecue sauce.
4. Broil (Optional): For a caramelized finish, broil the sauced ribs in the oven for a few minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
5. Finish Baking: Return the ribs to the oven and continue baking, uncovered, for an additional 15-20 minutes until the barbecue sauce is sticky and caramelized.
6. Rest and Serve: Allow the ribs to rest for a few minutes before slicing into individual portions. Serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side if desired.

Tips:

• For extra flavor, marinate the ribs in the seasoning mixture overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
• Add a few drops of liquid smoke to the seasoning mixture for a smoky flavor.
• Customize the BBQ sauce to your taste by adjusting sweetness, tanginess, or spiciness levels.

Enjoy your oven-baked BBQ ribs, tender and full of flavor!