Ingredients
4 to 5 lbs (approximately 1.8 to 2.3 kg) St. Louis-style pork spare ribs (2 racks)
2 teaspoons kosher salt
18 oz (1.75 cups) barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
1-Getting ready to cook pork spare ribs in the oven is easier than you might think. First, pull together all your ingredients and tools to set up your workspace. This helps everything flow smoothly so you can focus on the fun part making a tasty meal.
2-Preheat your oven to 300Β°F (149Β°C) to start the process right. Remove the ribs from their packaging and pat them dry if needed. This step ensures the seasoning sticks well and the meat cooks evenly for that tender finish.
3-Season the ribs with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, rubbing it into the meaty side for the best flavor. Slice the racks into individual ribs by cutting between the bones, then place them on a rimmed half sheet pan.
4-Pour about 1 cup of the barbecue sauce over the ribs and toss to coat them evenly. Arrange the ribs meaty side up, cover tightly with heavy-duty foil, and bake for 1 hour and 45 minutes. This slow cooking locks in moisture and tenderizes the meat perfectly.
5-After that, remove the foil and baste the ribs with about 1/3 cup of the remaining sauce. For more flavor ideas, check out this internal link to a delicious dessert recipe that pairs well with ribs as a sweet side. Then, crank the oven up to 350Β°F (177Β°C) and bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
6-Baste with the rest of the sauce and bake for another 20-30 minutes until the ribs are sticky and glazed. Let them rest for a bit before serving to keep the juices in place.
7-The total time is about 2 hours and 55 minutes, with just 10 minutes of prep. This method works for various rib types, but adjust times as needed for the best results. For added depth, use sauces with smoky notes as suggested in external resources like this helpful guide.
Last Step:
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πΆοΈ Add optional seasonings like black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or chili powder to boost flavor.
π St. Louis-style ribs are preferred for their meaty texture and less gristle.
π₯ Use caution with sugary barbecue sauces as they can burn faster during the final bake.
βοΈ Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge (up to 5 days) or freezer (up to 2 months).
β‘ Reheat wrapped in foil at 300Β°F (149Β°C) for about 20 minutes.
π₯© When doubling the recipe, keep ribs in a single layer on baking pans to cook evenly.
π₯ For smoky flavor without a grill, use barbecue sauce with liquid smoke or a dry rub containing chipotle or smoked paprika.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Baking Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American BBQ
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 3-4 ribs)
- Calories: 651 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 1894 mg
- Fat: 71 g
- Saturated Fat: 23 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 38 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 47 g
- Cholesterol: 242 mg
