1. Aluminum foil should be used to line a rimmed baking pan. On top, place a wire cooling rack. Arrange the ribs in a single layer on top of the rack. This structure permits heat to circulate around the ribs on all sides.
2. Brush the ribs on both sides with a mixture of mustard and liquid smoke (if you choose to use it). Sprinkle the dry rub over the ribs and gently pat to ensure the rub sticks to the meat. (Note: If you’d like a richer flavor, execute this step the day before.) Refrigerate the seasoned ribs after wrapping them using a plastic wrap.)
3. Heat the broiler by placing an oven rack a few inches below the heating source. Make sure the ribs’ meaty side is facing up. Broil for 5 minutes, or until the sugar in the dry rub is sizzling and the ribs are evenly browned.
4. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the ribs in the center of the oven on an oven rack. Bake spare ribs for 2 ½ to 3 hours, or baby back ribs for 1 ½ to 2 hours. Halfway through cooking, cover the ribs with aluminum foil to keep them from drying out.
5. 30 minutes before the cooking process is finished, brush the ribs with barbecue sauce, cover them again with foil, and continue to cook.
6. When a knife readily glides into the thickest section of the rib meat, the ribs are done. Allow for a 10-minute rest period, then cut between the bones to separate the individual ribs. Serve the ribs with extra barbecue sauce for dipping on the side.

This recipe shows a fantastic way to cook ribs in the oven. The entire cook time for this recipe is 2 to 3 hours, with a preparation time of 20 minutes. If you need even more ideas on how to cook ribs in the oven, then you should check out this video recipe.