Sticky Oven Barbecue Ribs

Picture ribs with a caramelized, glossy exterior, glistening with rich sauce, and so tender they fall off the bone. Packed with flavor and juiciness, they tick all the barbecue boxes. With an easy dry rub and addictive seasoned barbecue sauce, stopping at one is impossible!

Continuing the delicious legacy of our Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs, these Sticky Oven Barbecue Ribs are irresistibly finger-licking good!

What Sets These Barbecue Ribs Apart

Making barbecue ribs doesn’t have to be difficult, and this easy-to-follow recipe is the ultimate proof! A hands-down family favorite, these barbecue ribs release a smoky, rich aroma that has everyone salivating as it wafts through the house.

After plenty of practice making other pork recipes like our Sticky Chinese BBQ Pork Belly and BBQ Baked Pork Chops, I’ve nailed the ideal melt-in-your-mouth pork consistency.

A common misconception is that you need a fancy barbecue or smoker to perfect ribs. I’ve proven that’s not the case! This barbecue ribs recipe is foolproof, with the oven doing most of the work while you sit back, relax, and wait for your drool-worthy pork to finish baking.

Sticky Oven Barbecue Ribs: Key Ingredients

When it comes to crafting the best barbecue ribs, the choice of ingredients plays a crucial role in achieving that smoky, mouth-watering flavor. Let’s delve into some of the key ingredients:

• BBQ Sauce: Use a high-quality BBQ sauce for this recipe. Whether you prefer a smoky flavor or a classic, regular sauce, the choice is yours. Personally, I love using plain, regular BBQ sauce. It provides a perfect balance and allows the other flavors to shine.
• Garlic: Adding a good kick of garlic elevates these ribs to the next level. You won’t regret it! Fresh garlic infuses the meat with a rich, aromatic flavor that complements the smoky notes of the barbecue sauce.
• Olive Oil: A little oil in the sauce goes a long way. It helps achieve even crispier, caramelized results when mixed through the barbecue sauce. Opt for extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor and health benefits.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Hard to pronounce, but easy to love! This ingredient adds a unique depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate. It brings a savory, umami quality to the marinade, making these ribs truly irresistible.
• Pork Ribs: The star of the show! Choose high-quality pork ribs for the best results. Look for ribs with a good amount of marbling, as this ensures they’ll be tender and juicy. Whether you go for baby back ribs or spare ribs, make sure they’re fresh and well-trimmed.

*Note: Please see Recipe Card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

Additions And Substitutions

To make these Barbecue Ribs adaptable to different tastes and preferences, here are some tweaks that maintain the flavor while adding value to your cooking experience:

• Liquid Smoke: For an extra smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the marinade. It gives an authentic barbecue taste without the need for a smoker.
• Brown Sugar: Sprinkle a bit of brown sugar into the sauce for a touch of sweetness. It enhances the caramelization, giving the ribs a lovely glazed finish.
• Honey instead of Brown Sugar: If you prefer a natural sweetener, swap brown sugar with honey. It adds a delicate sweetness and helps with caramelization.
• Chili Flakes: For those who like a bit of heat, sprinkle some chili flakes into the marinade. It adds a gentle kick without overpowering the overall flavor.
• Soy Sauce instead of Worcestershire Sauce: Soy sauce is a great alternative to Worcestershire sauce, adding a savory, umami flavor to the marinade.

Homemade Sticky Barbecue Ribs: Step-by-Step

Here are the simple steps needed to achieve the best Sticky Oven Barbecue Ribs, ensuring they are tender, juicy, and bursting with rich, smoky flavor:

1. Preheat the Oven Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).

2. Prepare the Ribs Peel off the tough membrane covering the underside (bony side) of the ribs. Place the ribs on a baking sheet or tray lined with foil or parchment paper.

3. Season the Ribs Combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, cumin, and chili or cayenne. Sprinkle the seasoning over the ribs and drizzle with oil. Rub the seasoning all over both sides of the ribs.

4. Bake the Ribs Cover the tray with foil and bake for 2 hours.

5. Prepare the Sauce During the last 5 minutes of baking, mix together the sauce ingredients: barbecue sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper (optional for heat), and salt.

6. Apply the Sauce Remove the ribs from the oven, remove the foil, and spread the tops of the ribs with the barbecue sauce mixture. Increase the oven temperature to 460°F (240°C). Return the ribs to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

*Pro Tip: In the final 3 minutes, switch the oven settings to broil (or grill) on medium-high heat to lightly char and caramelize the edges.

Barbecue Ribs and potatoes are a match made in heaven, aren’t they? It’s a classic that I couldn’t resist recommending. Lucky for you, I have a few versions to bring together the mild, earthy flavor of spuds with the rich, smoky taste of ribs: Easy Creamy Mashed Potatoes, Crispy Garlic Baked Potato Wedges, Garlic Roasted Potatoes, or Garlic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes. However, if you’re craving other veggies, try Corn on the Cob with Garlic Butter, Grilled Asparagus, or Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots– they all pair perfectly with barbecue ribs.