1. Aluminum foil should be used to line a rimmed baking pan. On top of the baking pan, 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. Season the ribs with salt and pepper. Brush both surfaces of the ribs with a mixture of mustard and liquid smoke, if using. Sprinkle the dry rub over the ribs and gently pat to ensure the rub sticks to the meat. (Note: For a richer flavor, execute this step the day before.) Refrigerate the seasoned ribs wrapped in plastic wrap.)
3. Heat the broiler by placing an oven rack just a few inches underneath the heating source. Ensure that 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 uniformly browned.
4. Heat up your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the ribs in the center of the oven on an oven rack. Bake spare ribs for 2½ to 3 hours, or baby back ribs for 1½ to 2 hours. Use aluminum foil to wrap the ribs halfway through cooking to prevent them from drying out.
5. Brush your ribs using barbecue sauce about 30 minutes from the end of the cooking time, cover it again with foil, then keep cooking.
6. When a knife readily glides into the thickest section of the rib meat, you’ll know that the ribs are done. Allow for a 10-minute rest period, then slice in between the bones in order to separate the individual ribs. Serve the ribs with extra barbeque sauce on the side for dipping.

We’ve figured out how to make flawlessly tender and delicious oven-baked barbecued ribs. You can make this recipe at home as well; just make sure you follow all of the cooking directions carefully. Also, make sure to pay attention to the timing guidelines to arrive at the best possible results.

If you’d like to see more recipe ideas or inspiration on how to cook a rack of ribs in the oven, then make sure to check out this video recipe.