Sticky Oven-Baked Barbecue Ribs

1. Sticky Oven-Baked Barbecue Ribs

These tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs are seasoned with a smoky dry rub, slow-baked until juicy, and finished with a rich barbecue glaze. They are perfect for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or summer cookouts.

Ingredients

For the Ribs

2 racks pork baby back ribs, about 4 pounds total

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 teaspoons smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional

1 tablespoon yellow mustard

2 tablespoons apple juice or water

For the Barbecue Glaze

1 cup barbecue sauce

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Preparation Steps

Preheat the oven to 300°F. Line a large baking sheet with foil.

Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs, then pat the ribs dry with paper towels.

Combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, cumin, and cayenne pepper.

Rub the ribs lightly with mustard, then coat both sides evenly with the seasoning mixture.

Place the ribs meat-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Pour the apple juice around the ribs and cover the pan tightly with foil.

Bake for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and begins to pull away from the bones.

Meanwhile, combine the barbecue sauce, honey, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika in a small saucepan.

Simmer the sauce over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove the ribs from the oven and increase the temperature to 425°F.

Carefully uncover the ribs and brush them generously with the barbecue glaze.

Return the ribs to the oven uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, brushing with more sauce halfway through, until caramelized and slightly charred.

Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before slicing between the bones.

Serving Tip

Serve the ribs hot with extra barbecue sauce, coleslaw, baked beans, or roasted potatoes.