These baby back ribs in the oven are the best way to get fall off the bone ribs without using a smoker. Here is my fool proof way to get finger licking ribs in just a couple of hours.
No smoker no problem! You don't have to own a smoker or a grill to make delicious baby back ribs. This fool proof method takes about 2 hours and results in tender, juicy, ribs with a beautiful char on the outside.
I've tried a few different methods and I honestly believe this is the best way to achieve delicious bbq ribs, right inside your own home.
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Why this recipe works.
This recipe works because of the method I use in which the ribs are cut individually before they are cooked.
Normally I would smoke a rack of ribs whole but separating them allows for even cooking and more seasoning to stick to the meat.
Plus the separated ribs have a better crust on the outside.
The ribs are baked on high heat, sauced, then broiled to get the outside caramelized and crispy.
Looks and texture wise they are like any rib you would get off the smoker and is my favorite way to make ribs in the oven.
I've tried different methods such wrapping them in aluminum foil with vinegar, slow cooker ribs, and just about every other method.
Trust me this is the best and easiest way to make them without a smoker.
Ingredients you will need for this recipe.
Baby back ribs
Olive oil
Bbq seasoning
Bbq Sauce
Honey
Baby back ribs vs Spare ribs.
Baby back ribs are cut from the top of the rib cage and are generally meatier than spare ribs.
Spare ribs are cut from the bottom of the rib cage and have more intramuscular fat running through them.
You will also notice that baby back ribs have a very curved bone while the spare ribs are a lot more straight.
Can I use liquid smoke on my ribs?
Please don't! Liquid smoke tastes very artificial and does not imitate anything close to real smoked bbq. In my opinion I would avoid it or use very little.
How to make oven baked baby back ribs.
Preparation
Inspect the baby back ribs for any bone fragments or pieces of fat that need to be trimmed off.
I personally don't think you need to remove the membrane off the back of your ribs. Some people swear by it but I really don't think it makes a difference.
If you decide to remove the membrane, flip the ribs over, insert a butter knife under the membrane and lift up and away to remove.
You can also grab the membrane with a paper towel to avoid it slipping between your fingers.
Cut your baby backs into individual ribs by running your knife in-between each bone.
Sometimes the bones run a little crooked so flipping to the back of the ribs is helpful so you know where the bones are going.
Seasoning.
Place the cut ribs into a large bowl and coat them with olive oil as a binder. Then toss them with your favorite bbq seasoning. My All Night BBQ Seasoning goes perfect here!
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If you want to make your own bbq seasoning at home I have a great recipe that includes kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika and brown sugar.
Baking.
Place your ribs onto a wire rack meat side up on top of a baking sheet and place them in your oven at 350°F. After 45 minutes, flip your ribs and cook for another 20-30 minutes.
By now the internal temperature of the ribs should be around 175-185°F.
If they are not, continue cooking and flipping your ribs until they reach that internal temperature range. Then it's time to sauce them.
Saucing.
Use your favorite bbq sauce and brush that onto each rib. Then drizzle each rib with honey, flip your ribs and repeat the process.
Broiling.
Turn your broiler to high and place your ribs on the center rack being careful not to place the ribs too close.
We don't want them to burn but what we are looking for is a nice carmalization of the sauce onto the ribs.
The sauce should be nice and bubbly and the edges of the ribs should start to brown and crisp up. The sauce will tack up on the rib and they will look like they've been on the smoker all day!
Let the ribs cook under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes, then flip and place them back into the oven to finish broiling on the other side.
The final results.
What you should have are sticky, caramelized ribs that look very similar to what you would get if you smoked them the traditional way.
They should be juicy in the middle and bite through tender ribs. I'm telling you for oven baked, these are the best bbq ribs I've ever had!
How to cook baby back ribs in the oven (Easy and quick)
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 1 rack of baby back ribs
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 3 tablespoons bbq seasoning (Store bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup of bbq sauce
- 4 tablespoons of honey
Instructions
- Trim up any excess fat and bone fragments from your rack of baby back ribs.
- Remove membrane from the back of the ribs (optional) then cut between each bone to cut ribs individually.
- Place ribs in a bowl, coat with olive oil and add bbq seasoning. Toss or mix well together to combine.
- Place ribs on a wire rack and on a baking tray and cook for about an hour an a half at 350°F or until the internal temperature of the ribs reach between 175-185°F. Make sure to flip the ribs half way through so they cook evenly on both sides.
- Remove ribs from oven and brush on bbq sauce and drizzle honey on both sides. Then broil the ribs for a few minutes on each side. * Check the ribs often during this process to make sure they don't burn. You may need to flip a few times or move the ribs down to a lower rack. *
- Once the ribs reach an internal temperature of 200°F they are done and should be bite through tender. Allow the ribs to cool down for a few minutes before eating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
Brandon says
This recipe is absolutely 💯! The homemade bbq seasoning is perfect. Finally, a quick and easy recipe for ribs in the oven that actually rival my smoked ribs...just ask my kids!! Bravo ninjacue!!
Jordan Hanger says
Thanks Brandon!
Dora M. Washington says
Jordan, ooowee I made the (ribs) and oh my they came out delicious, I told my friends I'd give them a plate, man I don't wanna share 😂🤣 the ribs, they so good, I made some pinto beans and mustard n turnips greens with buttermilk cornbread and banana pecan bread with carmel glaze but The RIBS stole the show! Thank you😘
Jordan Hanger says
Sounds like a feast! Glad they came out so well.
Nicole Aister says
Ninjacue nailed it with this one! The ribs were all that and more. I don’t own a smoker and I’m always looking for different ways to make ribs. This recipe was just what I was looking for AND it was super easy! Tender and juicy.
Jordan Hanger says
Thanks so much Nicole!
Pete N. says
My wife asked me to make ribs for her birthday. No smoker so I gave your recipe a try. Everyone raived how great they were and how tender. Thanks for the inspiration.
Jordan Hanger says
Thanks Pete! Glad I didn't ruin her birthday!
Debbie says
Hi Jordan,what are your thoughts on whether ribs have to be room temperature before cooking?
Jordan Hanger says
No need to be room temperature but I do like to let them sit out for about 15-20 minutes after I season them.
debb says
Thanks Jordan!
SLongoria says
Yummy! I forgot the olive oil and the honey. My fault I was in a hurry. Still my family is requesting another round. Can’t wait to try your other recipes.
Jordan Hanger says
That's ok, those aren't essential! Sounds like you made it work anyways. Good job and thanks so much.
John says
You are absolutely correct! Your easy-to-follow recipe was perfect. 👌🏼 My ribs came out incredibly tasty, like straight from the grill tasty. Thanks for sharing 👍🏼
Jordan Hanger says
Thanks John!
John says
Used this for baby backs -- superb recipe! Now I have some St Loius spare ribs and am wondering if the 350 degrees/ 45 min/ 45 min/ quick broil will work without drying out the thinner spare ribs. Though I'd ask before I try it.
Jordan Hanger says
Thanks John! Id say just keep an eye on the spare ribs and use an internal meat thermometer. They are tender between 195-205°F.
Carla says
This is a fantastic recipe! We made this and it turned out great! St. Louis ribs with Filthy Animal Wiggle Butt rub and homemade rootbeer BBQ sauce. They were as good if not better than on the grill. They had a solid crispness to them and that sizzle out of the oven was solid! Definitely will make these again!
Jordan Hanger says
Even better than the grill?! That's so great you thought so.
Angela says
Very good recipe!
Saved recipe for next time.
Easy directions for my first time making ribs!
Jordan Hanger says
Thanks so much!
Ang says
I also did ur seasonings for it and omg we are doing them again tonight! How do I find more of your recipes?
Jordan Hanger says
They are all on here!
Peter K Ely says
so you use both the rub and bbq sauce?
Jordan Hanger says
Yep! The sauce is optional though but I always like it on my ribs. I think it makes a big difference
Caitlin says
I’ve been eating bbq ribs my whole life. I made these for Super Bowl and they turned out EXCELLENT! Cutting the rib ahead of time makes such a difference. Each rib has full flavor.
Jordan Hanger says
Thanks Caitlin! I love to hear that.
Velez Childress says
Can't wait to try this recipe today. I don't have a wire rack, should I go out and buy one?
Jordan Hanger says
You don't need to but its nice to have one for other things as well. Just keeps your food elevated so you get better air circulation around it when cooking.
Donna says
The time got away from me today so searched for a "quick" in the oven rib recipe. So glad I found yours. Used your rub recipe too, but our own sauce.
The ribs turned out fall off the bone good and everyone liked the rib. Thank you for sharing, you saved the day!
Jordan Hanger says
Thanks Donna! So glad they came out great. Not bad for oven baked huh?!
Bridget says
I used this recipe tonight and it came out absolutely amazing! I tweaked it a little w/ my rub I had on hand and Stub’s bbq sauce. Definitely a crowd pleaser. ❤️
Jordan Hanger says
Hey Bridget, we just released our own bbq seasoning as well! I'm glad it worked out!
Patti says
I thought you are suppose to cook oven BB ribs at a lower temperature ..275? Also I have two llarge trays to cook ( for a group) should I cook each both trays ( aluminum pans) at same time and switch out rack levels half way thru or cook each pan individually?. Cooking today. Thanks so much.
Jordan Hanger says
BBQ ribs in a smoker is cooked low and slow so you can get the smokey flavor. In the oven it doesn't matter so 350 is ok! You could always rotate trays for even cooking. Just keep an eye on em!
Kyle Stafford says
This is the recipe I didn’t know I needed! So easy to make and tasted delicious! Thanks Jordan for another great recipe!
Jordan Hanger says
Thanks Kyle! Everyone needs a great rib recipe and I'm glad I could help.
K. Skinner says
I made these ribs and they were spectacular!!! Thank you for sharing this recipe, Jordan. Everyone should make these ribs. Perfectly delicious.
Jordan Hanger says
Thank you so much!
Mary Ann Cleary says
The ribs were excellent and I mean finger lickin' good!!! Thank you!
Jordan Hanger says
Thank you Mary!!
Timothy Clowers says
Super informative recipe - stoked to make these since for some smokers are not an option
Eloise Bellard says
Can i grill these instead of broiling
Jordan Hanger says
Yes you could grill them to finish!