Sticky Oven Barbecue Ribs Recipe

Introduction

These sticky oven barbecue ribs are tender, flavorful, and perfect for a crowd. Slow-baked and finished under the broiler, they develop a delicious caramelized glaze that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

• 4 pounds baby back pork ribs
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (or cayenne powder, optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups barbecue sauce
• 3 tablespoons minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 to 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Step 2: Peel off the tough membrane from the underside of the ribs. Place the ribs on a baking sheet or tray lined with foil or parchment paper.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, cumin, and chili or cayenne powder. Sprinkle this seasoning evenly over both sides of the ribs. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil and rub the seasoning thoroughly into the meat. Cover the tray with foil.
4. Step 4: Bake the ribs covered for 2 hours.
5. Step 5: About 5 minutes before the ribs finish cooking, mix together the barbecue sauce, minced garlic, 2 tablespoons olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper (if using), and 1 teaspoon salt in a bowl.
6. Step 6: Remove the ribs from the oven and discard the foil covering. Spread the barbecue sauce mixture evenly over the top of the ribs.
7. Step 7: Increase the oven temperature to 460°F (240°C). Return the ribs to the oven uncovered and bake for 10 more minutes.
8. Step 8: Switch the oven to broil or grill on medium-high heat. Broil the ribs for about 3 minutes until the edges are lightly charred and caramelized. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
9. Step 9: Remove the ribs and let them rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Removing the membrane helps the seasoning penetrate better and makes the ribs more tender.
• Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level according to your preference.
• For smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or liquid smoke to the seasoning mix.
• If you prefer, use your favorite store-bought barbecue sauce or try a homemade version for a personal touch.

Storage

Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) covered with foil to keep them moist. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the meat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of ribs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use spare ribs or St. Louis style ribs. Adjust the cooking time slightly if they are larger or thicker to ensure tenderness.

How do I know when the ribs are done?

The ribs are done when the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone. After 2 hours at 350°F and the additional broiling step, they should be perfectly cooked.

Sticky Oven Barbecue Ribs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 138 reviews

These Sticky Oven Barbecue Ribs are tender, flavorful, and coated in a rich, homemade barbecue sauce. Slow-baked at a low temperature, the ribs become juicy and succulent, then finished under high heat to caramelize the sauce for a perfect sticky glaze. A crowd-pleasing dish ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ribs and Dry Rub

• 4 pounds baby back pork ribs
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (or cayenne powder, optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Barbecue Sauce Mixture

• 2 cups barbecue sauce
• 3 tablespoons minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 to 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (180°C) to prepare for slow baking the ribs.
2. Prepare Ribs: Peel off the tough membrane on the underside of the ribs, which can cause toughness if left on. Place the ribs on a foil or parchment lined baking sheet.
3. Apply Dry Rub: Mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, cumin, and chili powder (or cayenne). Sprinkle this seasoning evenly over both sides of the ribs. Drizzle with olive oil and rub the mixture thoroughly into the meat for great flavor. Cover the tray tightly with foil.
4. Slow Bake: Bake the covered ribs in the preheated oven for 2 hours, allowing the meat to cook slowly and become tender.
5. Make BBQ Sauce Mixture: In the last 5 minutes of baking, combine the barbecue sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt in a bowl. Stir until well mixed.
6. Glaze Ribs: Remove the ribs from the oven and carefully peel back the foil. Spread the prepared barbecue sauce mixture evenly over the top of the ribs.
7. Increase Heat and Bake: Turn the oven temperature up to 460°F (240°C) and return the ribs uncovered to the oven. Bake for an additional 10 minutes to let the sauce thicken and stick to the meat.
8. Broil to Finish: Switch your oven to the broil (or grill) setting at medium-high. Broil the ribs for about 3 minutes, watching carefully, to caramelize the sauce and create slightly charred, crispy edges.
9. Rest: Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring juicy, tender bites.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the ribs between the bones and serve immediately while warm with your favorite sides.

Notes

• Removing the membrane from ribs is key to tender results as it allows the seasoning to penetrate and prevents toughness.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity in the rub and sauce to control heat level according to preference.
• Baking low and slow first helps break down connective tissue for juicy ribs.
• Broiling at the end caramelizes the barbecue sauce for that sticky, flavorful crust.
• Letting the ribs rest after cooking locks in moisture and flavor.
• Use foil or parchment under the ribs for easier cleanup.

Keywords: barbecue ribs, oven ribs, sticky ribs, pork ribs, barbecue sauce, tender ribs, baked ribs