Making baked ribs in the oven ensures they are fall-off-the-bone tender and incredibly delicious. Literally perfect every single time. 

These have been dubbed the “best ribs ever” by almost everyone who has tried them. Below is the step-by-step method I learned from my mom for finger-lickin’ perfection.

5 Secrets for Tender Ribs in The Oven

Perfectly tender ribs are actually easy to make and the secret is in the method below! They’re melt-in-your-mouth tender and flavor packed.

  • The best pork ribs are baby back ribs or pork back ribs. They are the most tender.Wrap the pan with foil and ensure it is well sealed. This helps the ribs steam in the oven for tender flavorful meat.Cook them low and slow in the oven until they become really tender.These can be made with any sauce (my fave is below) or even just salt & pepper.Once the meat is tender, broil or grill to get a little bit of color before serving.

The membrane does not have to be removed from the ribs, but I prefer the texture. On the back of a rack of ribs, there is a very thin layer of the membrane (photo above). If you don’t see it, it is sometimes it has already been removed at the store.

Ingredients for Oven Ribs

RIBS – Baby Back (or Pork Back Ribs) are the best choice, they cook to tender perfection. Although the cost is more, it really makes a difference and in my opinion, it is worth the extra money.

SEASONINGS – These can be simply seasoned with salt & pepper or use the dry rub below. The homemade rib rub below is easy and inexpensive (and not too salty). Start with the mixture below and change it to your liking. Try cumin, cayenne pepper, or dry mustard.

BBQ SAUCE (or not!) –  Use a favorite BBQ sauce, try making your own barbecue sauce, or opt-out completely! My husband loves salt & pepper ribs while I love barbecue sauce mixed with chili sauce for zesty and delicious sticky ribs.

How to Remove the Membrane from Ribs

To remove the membrane, slip a knife under the edge of the thin skin on the back of the ribs on one end. Grip the edge of the membrane (use a paper towel if it’s slippery) and gently pull it away from the meat. Discard the membrane.

How to Cook Ribs in the Oven

In this recipe, the ribs are baked sealed, low and slow,  for the most melt-in-your-mouth tender meat.

  • Prep Ribs: Remove the membrane (tips above). Check the ribs to remove any small bone shards. Pat Dry.Season: Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper or massage dry rub onto both sides of the ribs and place them meat side down on a baking sheet.Bake: Cover with garlic and onion. Then seal with aluminum foil and bake per the recipe below.Broil: Grill or broil to brown a little bit if you’d like.

Our favorite side dishes with ribs are corn on the cob and of course Classic Coleslaw and Beans!

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the oven, microwave, or air fryer.

How To Check if the Ribs Are Done

Once the ribs have cooked in the oven for at least 2 hours, open a corner of the foil (be careful, steam will come out and it’s very hot). Use a fork to pull off a little piece of meat.

If the meat is not tender, they need MORE time. Seal them back up and add another 20-30 minutes and check again.

If they are ready ahead of time, turn the oven off and let them sit for up to 1 hour if you don’t open the oven. Perfect fall off the bone ribs.

My preferred method is a low temperature for a longer period of time. Cook at 275°F – 2 hours to 2 ½ hours *preferred methodCook at 300°F – 1 ½ hours to 2 hoursCook at 350°F – 1 ¼ hours to 1 ½ hours

No, you don’t and some ribs will already have the membrane removed.

Baby back ribs or back ribs are the best. They’re so tender and delicious and we prefer them over spare ribs or side ribs.

Cooking low and slow as directed in the recipe below ensures they’re perfect every time!

What to Serve with Ribs

Did you love these BBQ Ribs in the Oven? Be sure to leave a rating or a comment below!

Sides to Serve with Ribs

  • Crock Pot Corn on the Cob – Easy!Homemade Mac and Cheese Casserole – BEST EVER!Old Fashioned Bean SaladSlow Cooker Baked BeansCreamy Apple Slaw Recipe – Fresh and crisp!

Tender Oven-Baked Barbecue Ribs

Nutrition Information

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Cook times/temps:

  • 275°F – 2 hours to 2 ½ hours *preferred method
  • 300°F – 1 ½ hours to 2 hours
  • 350°F – 1 ¼ hours to 1 ½ hoursAfter cooking, if the ribs are not tender, they need MORE time. Seal them up and cook an additional 20-30 minutes if needed.

© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.

Like our recipes?Follow us on Pinterest!

Follow us on Pinterest