Craving tender, flavorful ribs but don’t want to fire up the grill? This oven baked baby back ribs in foil is the perfect solution for a hassle-free, delicious meal. By slow-cooking the ribs in the oven, you’ll achieve fall-off-the-bone tenderness, and finishing them with a generous slather of BBQ sauce gives them that smoky, sweet, and tangy flavor we all love.
1. Oven Baked Ribs in Aluminum Foil
Ingredients
- 2 racks of pork baby back ribs (about 2.5 to 3 pounds each)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups of your favorite BBQ sauce
Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ribs
Remove the Membrane: Before you begin seasoning the ribs, it’s important to remove the tough membrane on the back of the ribs (the bone side). Use a knife to gently loosen the membrane, then grab it with a paper towel and pull it off. Removing this membrane helps the ribs cook more evenly and makes them more tender.
Pat the Ribs Dry: Use paper towels to pat the ribs dry. This helps the seasoning adhere better to the meat.
Step 2. Make the Dry Rub
In a small bowl, combine:
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Mix these spices together to create a flavorful dry rub. This will give the ribs a rich, smoky taste and help create a nice crust as they bake.
Step 3. Season the Ribs
Generously rub the spice mixture all over the racks of baby back ribs, making sure to cover both sides. The brown sugar will add a slight sweetness that complements the BBQ sauce, while the paprika and chili powder give the ribs a subtle smoky kick.
Step 4. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Low and slow is the key to tender, juicy ribs, and this temperature will ensure they cook perfectly.
Step 5. Prepare the Ribs for Baking
Wrap the Ribs: Place the seasoned ribs on a large sheet of aluminum foil, bone-side down. Wrap each rack tightly in the foil to create a sealed packet. This helps to lock in moisture and steam the ribs as they bake, making them incredibly tender.
Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Place the foil-wrapped ribs on a baking sheet, making sure they are not overlapping.
Step 6. Bake the Ribs
Bake the ribs in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the size of the racks. You’ll know the ribs are done when the meat is tender and pulls away easily from the bones.
Step 7. Apply the BBQ Sauce
After the ribs have finished baking, carefully remove them from the oven and unwrap the foil. Be cautious—there will be hot steam escaping!
Brush on BBQ Sauce: Generously brush your favorite BBQ sauce over both sides of the ribs. For this recipe, you’ll need about 2 cups of BBQ sauce, but feel free to add more if you like your ribs extra saucy.
Step 8. Broil the Ribs
To get that signature sticky, caramelized BBQ coating, place the ribs back in the oven under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce starts to bubble and slightly char. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 9. Rest and Serve
Once the ribs are beautifully caramelized, remove them from the oven and let them rest for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the ribs moist.
Slice between the bones to separate the ribs and serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
2. Tips for Perfect Oven Baked Ribs in Aluminum Foil
Slow and Low Is Key: Cooking the ribs at a low temperature for a longer time ensures they become incredibly tender while retaining moisture.
Double Wrap for Extra Juiciness: If you want to ensure even more steam and moisture, wrap the ribs in a double layer of foil.
Make Ahead Tip: You can bake the ribs ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat them and apply the BBQ sauce under the broiler to finish.
BBQ Sauce Variations: Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauces. Whether you prefer a smoky, sweet, spicy, or tangy sauce, this recipe works with whatever you like best.
3. Suggested Sides
Pair your oven-baked ribs with some delicious sides to complete the meal. Here are a few ideas:
Coleslaw: A creamy, crunchy coleslaw balances the richness of the ribs.
Cornbread: Sweet, buttery cornbread is the perfect complement to BBQ ribs.
Baked Beans: A hearty side of baked beans adds a smoky, savory element to your meal.
Roasted Vegetables: For a healthier option, serve the ribs with a side of roasted or grilled vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or corn on the cob.
Oven baked ribs in aluminum foil is a simple and delicious way to enjoy tender, flavorful ribs without the need for a grill. The combination of the dry rub and BBQ sauce creates a mouthwatering balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
