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Oven Ribs Fall Off the Bone

These tender, juicy oven ribs are slow-cooked to perfection, ensuring they fall off the bone with every bite. Coated in a flavorful dry rub and finished with a tangy barbecue sauce, they are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Ribs
  • 2 pounds pork ribs baby back or spare ribs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for coating the ribs
For the Dry Rub
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar packed
  • 1 tablespoon paprika smoked or sweet
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt to taste
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for heat
For the Barbecue Sauce
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce store-bought or homemade

Method
 

Prepare the Ribs
  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low temperature will help break down the connective tissue in the ribs, making them tender.
  2. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This thin layer can prevent seasonings from penetrating the meat and can become tough when cooked. Use a paper towel for a better grip.
  3. Rub the ribs with olive oil to help the dry rub adhere better.
Make the Dry Rub
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well until evenly combined.
  2. Generously apply the dry rub to both sides of the ribs, pressing it into the meat. This will create a flavorful crust as the ribs cook.
Cook the Ribs
  1. Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, meat side up. Cover the ribs tightly with another piece of foil to create a steamy environment, which helps keep them moist.
  2. Bake in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the ribs are tender and the meat starts to pull away from the bones. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 190°F (88°C) for optimal tenderness.
Finish with Barbecue Sauce
  1. Remove the ribs from the oven and carefully peel back the top layer of foil. Brush the barbecue sauce generously over the ribs.
  2. Return the ribs to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 30 minutes. This allows the sauce to caramelize and form a sticky glaze.
  3. Once done, remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist ribs.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For extra flavor, consider marinating the ribs in the dry rub overnight in the refrigerator. Serve with coleslaw and cornbread for a classic barbecue meal.

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