Barbecue recipes are always fun, especially since they involve spending time over a hot rack, turning the juiciest cuts of beef and pork. And baby back ribs are a classic inclusion in almost every grilling situation. But did you know you could also make them in your kitchen oven? Well, if you didn’t, you’re not the only one.
Ribs Nutrition Facts
As such, you may wonder how long it’ll take to cook baby back ribs in an oven compared to the grill. And you may hear some say it’s unnecessary and couldn’t be done as well as the grill. But the reverse is the case, so long as you know what steps to take. And if you get the hang of it, you may no longer be as intrigued with the grill method as you used to be.
Why Should You Cook Baby Back Ribs in an Oven?
Of course, the first reason you may consider cooking baby back ribs in an oven is you had no choice. Perhaps you don’t own a grill, or the weather doesn’t allow a backyard barbecue. You may also wish for a method of preparing baby back ribs that don’t involve batting your eyes at smoke (charcoal grill people?). Or maybe you’re curious about it and wonder if it can be another handy cooking method to add to your knowledge bank.
These and may reasons may prompt you to try an oven for roasting baby back ribs. But the perks that come with it will keep you doing it afterward. Oven-roasted baby back ribs are less messy, and you won’t have to clean a mighty rack afterward. Plus, they’re super convenient, and you can make them in any weather. And what’s more is you won’t miss the smoky flavor expected from the charcoal grill, as you can recreate this during seasoning!
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Oven-Roasted Baby Back Ribs Steps
Now that you know how interesting oven-baked baby back ribs can be, you must be itching to know how long it takes to cook. But before we jump to that, let’s have a look at the procedures to follow before wondering about cooking time.
Prepare the Ribs
Start by slicing off the thin membrane of skin that’s found at the back of the ribs. Then, place a knife over it and make a slice, then grab the edge and gently pull it off the rib surface. Don’t skip this step, as the membrane doesn’t soften when cooked.
Season the Ribs
You don’t have to break your back by searching for exotic flavors for baby back ribs. You can season it the same way you do for the grill, and a unique method is with a salt, pepper, and lime juice combo. Start by rubbing the baby’s back ribs with freshly squeezed lime juice, followed by a mixture of salt and pepper. Then, wrap the marinated ribs and keep them in the fridge for eight hours. The lime juice will soften the tissues, while the salt and pepper control a savory flavor base.
But you can skip the marinating and go straight to the baking, though it’ll take longer. You can also go further with the seasoning by adding smoked paprika to the mix. Or you could brush it with a blend of liquid smoke and mustard, after which you add sprinkles of your favorite dry rubs for barbecue. The possibilities are endless.
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Oven-Roasted Baby Back Ribs Cooking Time
By default, the magic oven temperature for baby back ribs ranges from 275F to 350F. And under this condition, the ribs will cook for a total time of two to four hours. For clarity, the individual cooking times are allowed thus;
250F to 275F: Four hours.
300F: Three hours.
350F: Two hours.
This is, of course, minus any extra time spent on broiling the baby’s back ribs, as this procedure is optional. But whichever temperature is used, the meat must be cooked to internal doneness of 145F.
Some baby back rib recipes suggest cooking to 190F, calling this range the lucky number for tastier results. But baby back ribs are prone to overcook, so it’s recommended that you use a meat thermometer when making the dish.
Oven-Roasted Baby Back Ribs (8 Servings)
Ingredients
- Four pounds bank back pork ribs
- Two-and-a-half cups barbecue sauce, divided
- One-third cup kosher salt
- Quarter cup packed dark brown sugar
- Three tablespoons smoked paprika
- Two tablespoons olive oil
- One tablespoon dry mustard
- One tablespoon garlic powder
- One tablespoon black pepper
Instructions
- Pull off and discard the membrane from the back of the ribs, then combine the mustard, garlic powder, pepper, sugar, paprika, and salt to make a spice rub. Coat the rib slabs generously with oil and sprinkle with the spice rub, gently rubbing it in with your fingers. Wrap the baby back ribs in plastic and chill in the fridge for four hours or overnight.
- Prepare the oven rack to sit at the middle shelf, heat it to 275F, and then bring the ribs from the fridge and unwrap. Next, line a baking pan with foil and position a wire rack on it. Then, wrap the rib slabs with a foil cover, place them on the rack and cook for three hours.
- Remove the baking pan, unwrap the ribs and discard the foil. Then, set the ribs on the rack and coat each top with half the BBQ sauce. Toss back in the oven for 45 more minutes to one hour, by which the meat should be pull-apart tender. The internal temperature should also read 145F.
- Take the ribs out and cover all surfaces with the rest of the BBQ sauce. Then, broil for three to five minutes, or until you notice the sauce caramelize and bubble. Finally, remove the tray, and rest the ribs for five minutes before serving.
If you need more information, take a peek at this video.