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Delicious oven baked ribs ready to be served, falling off the bone.

Fall Off the Bone Oven Baked Ribs

Tender, juicy barbecue ribs that fall off the bone, with a perfect combination of spices for a sweet, smoky flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, BBQ
Calories: 230
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Ribs
  • 2 racks Baby Back Pork Ribs A great cut that’s perfect for tender, fall-off-the-bone results. Other options include spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs.
For the Spice Rub
  • 4 teaspoons Paprika Sweet paprika enhances the color and imparts a subtle sweetness. Substitute with smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
  • 2 teaspoons Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic works too—just use about a tablespoon.
  • 1.5 teaspoons Onion Powder Provides an aromatic bite that complements the ribs.
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder For a hint of heat; smoked chili powder makes a lovely replacement.
  • 1.5 teaspoons Salt Essential for flavor enhancement; adjust depending on your dietary needs.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Adds a kick; you can also use freshly cracked pepper for a bolder taste.
For Finishing
  • 0.5 cup BBQ Sauce Feel free to swap with a homemade or your favorite store-bought variety.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 275°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil.
  2. If the ribs have a thin white membrane along the back, remove it by pulling it off with your fingers or using a butter knife for assistance.
  3. Place ribs on the foil-lined baking sheet, meaty side facing up.
  4. Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub the dry mixture all over the meaty side of the ribs.
  5. Cover the ribs tightly with foil. This helps keep the moisture intact during baking.
Cooking
  1. Bake for 3-3½ hours until the ribs are tender. Unwrap the ribs to test for doneness by pulling off a small piece of meat.
  2. Once tender, remove ribs from the oven, and preheat the broiler to low.
  3. Discard the foil covering and brush the ribs with BBQ sauce. Place under the broiler for 2-4 minutes until the sauce caramelizes slightly. Watch them carefully to prevent burning.
  4. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Let your rub sit on the ribs overnight for added flavor. Experiment with different BBQ sauces for unique tastes. Use an instant-read thermometer; ribs are done at around 190°F for tenderness.