Sticky Oven Barbecue Ribs Recipe
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
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
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (180°C) to prepare for slow baking the ribs.
- 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.
- 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.
- Slow Bake: Bake the covered ribs in the preheated oven for 2 hours, allowing the meat to cook slowly and become tender.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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