Are you looking for an easy way to cook ribs in the oven? If so, you're going to love this recipe! It's simple and straightforward, and the results are delicious.
Plus, cooking ribs slowly in the oven is a great way to avoid using a grill or smoker. So give this recipe a try - you won't be disappointed!
Once you make these easy oven-baked barbecue ribs you will not want to make baked ribs any other way again. These are tender and smoky with flavor so complex you’ll be hard-pressed to eat the whole rack of ribs at one setting.
Cooking ribs in the oven is a great way to get tender, juicy results without having to stand over a hot grill. The key is to cook them slowly at a low temperature, so they have time to absorb all the flavors from the dry rub and barbecue sauce (if you're using).
Most baked ribs recipes call for a sweet heavy-handed sauce that literally makes the ribs simply a vessel for enjoying the sauce. However, this recipe calls for no sauce; instead, a seriously dope dry rub is used for flavor and texture.
The dry rub is a unique mixture of spices which include normal ones like salt, pepper, and paprika combined with a few surprises like cocoa powder and Korean chili flakes.

MOOD MUSIC
Al Green's "I'm Glad You're Mine" is laid back but takes you to church with that hardcore organ sound. These baked ribs hit you the same way. Each bite is damn near a spiritual experience. There is little work in making these but the flavor experience is a mighty one.
Oven Baked Ribs Ingredients
- Slab of Baby Back Ribs or St. Louis Style Ribs
- Smoked Sea Salt
- Black Pepper
- Paprika
- Garlic Powder
- Korean Chili Flakes
- Cocoa Powder
- Cinnamon
- Brown Sugar
How To Cook Ribs In The Oven Slowly (step by step)
For tender ribs follow the directions below to the letter!
Prepare the Ribs
Using a sharp knife start by trimming any excess fat from the racks of ribs and then patting them dry with a paper towel.
I’m some sort of a purist when it comes to barbecue ribs. Boiling is not even a consideration for me and I try not to shame those who boil ribs and brag about fall off the bone ribs.
Prepare the Rub
Mix all the rub ingredients in a mixing bowl. If the brown sugar clumps up just rib it between your thumb and middle + index fingers. Set aside for at least 30 minutes.
Bake The Ribs
When ready to cook, pre-heat oven temperature to 225 degrees F.
Rub both sides of the ribs generously with the rib rub.

Wrap the rib racks with aluminum foil tightly. Place ribs on a rimmed baking sheet meaty side up. Add to the preheated oven and bake for 2 hours the first time.
Remove ribs from the oven and unwrap. Discard the foil and then place unwrapped and uncovered ribs into the oven to bake another 1 ½ hours.

Remove the ribs and change the oven settings to broil (about 450 degrees). Sprinkle the ribs with another layer of the rub and broil 2-4 minutes.

Remove and let cool. Serve and enjoy.

Cooking Considerations and Tips for Baking Ribs
Remove the tough membrane from the ribs if that’s your preference. I’ve enjoyed ribs with and without the thin membrane removed, but can honestly say I’m indifferent on that matter.
For the best ribs, don't rush the process. Slow and low is the best way to go.
I prefer half racks as they’re easier to handle to I always cut them in half before baking.
Be generous with the rub. Add a nice layer on top of the ribs to get that nice deep crust.
Use quality smoked paprika and smoked sea salt. These are key for replicating that deep smoke in a natural way.
Substitute Korean chili flakes with a few chili pepper flakes but not too much as you’re not really going for spicy high heat. Taste your rub first before using on the ribs, as you’ll want to adjust for taste. You can also use basic chili powder
Be careful with the broil step. Depending on how much brown sugar you’re applying high temps can lead to burning.
Trust me you will NOT Need a sauce for these ribs. The dry rub is all that and then some!
If you decide to go the sauce route just use your favorite bbq sauce or use this homemade bbq sauce.
Serve these with your favorite side dishes like collard greens slaw, Southern potato salad, Southern collard greens, or baked beans. You can also sample from this great roundup of BBQ sides.

More Rib Recipes
Smoked Spare Ribs w/ African Spice Rub
make this recipe
The recipe for these delicious ribs is so easy to follow and results in bone tender ribs. The spices used in the rub give the ribs a flavorful crust that can be perfectly complemented by your favorite barbecue sauce.
We highly recommend giving this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed! If you do decide to make these oven baked ribs, be sure to share
If you make this oven baked barbecue ribs recipe or any other recipe please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.
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Ingredients
- 1 slab Baby Back Ribs or St. Louis Ribs
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- ½ teaspoon Cocao Powder
- ¼ teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ½ teaspoon Smoked Sea Salt
- 1 teaspoon Korean Chili Flakes or ¼ teaspoon cayene
Instructions
Prepare the Rub
- Mix all the rub ingredients in a mixing bowl. If the brown sugar clumps up just rib it between your thumb and middle + index fingers. Set aside for at least 30 minutes.
Bake the Ribs
- When ready to cook, pre-heat oven to 225 degrees.
- Rub the ribs generously with the dry spice mix.
- Wrap the ribs with aluminum foil tightly. Place rib racks on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 2 hours.
- Remove ribs from the oven and unwrap. Discard the foil and then place unwrapped and uncovered ribs into the oven to bake another 1 ½ hours.
- Remove the ribs and change the oven settings to broil (about 450 degrees). Sprinkle the ribs with another layer of the rub and broil 2-4 minutes.
- Remove and let cool. Serve and enjoy.
Ksenia
Sunday 20th of June 2021
Nothing would say you’re happy to see a guest like these ribs! I just wish everyone would try to make something as delicious whenever I came over
Enriqueta E Lemoine
Sunday 20th of June 2021
I made these ribs, and they are simply perfect. Thank you, thank you for this extraordinary recipe!
Amanda
Sunday 20th of June 2021
Such delicious ribs! The rub was super flavorful, and the oven made it really convenient.
Veronika
Saturday 19th of June 2021
I was just looking for a good ribs recipe baked in the oven! Yours looks amazing, going to make it this weekend!
Linda
Saturday 19th of June 2021
I'm so glad I found this recipe....I mean, that crusty looking crust is hard to resist!