How to Make Savoury Oven-Baked Pork Ribs in 4 Easy Steps?

Welcome to our guide “How to Make Savoury Oven-Baked Pork Ribs in 4 Easy Steps”. Do you have pork ribs in your freezer? Or do you want to try something special for lunch, dinner, or main course? Are you wondering about an easy recipe that falls into American cuisine? If yes, then you are at the right place. Cooking oven-baked pork ribs is never easy but with the right instructions and recipe, you can cook finger-licking oven-baked pork ribs in a few hours.

 

However, this recipe requires your precious time but by following our recipe, you will get mouthwatering, tender, oven-baked pork ribs and you will say it yourself that your time is compensated and the wait was worth it. So, let’s begin with our guide!

 

 

Which Pork Part is Best for Baking?

When it comes to preparing tender oven-baked pork ribs, understanding the meat cut is important for achieving a perfect balance of tenderness and flavor. Generally, the following two parts of pork are used for oven-baked pork ribs.

1. St. Louis Style Ribs:

St. Louis-style ribs are part of pork taken from the specific part of spare ribs. They are the meatier ribs obtained by cutting away the chewy cartilage and hard breastbone. St. Louis-style ribs are cut in a way to create a rectangular and uniform shape. Doubtlessly, they are tasty.

2. Baby Back Ribs:

Loin ribs, baby back ribs, or back ribs are taken from near the spine preferably from the upper part of the pig’s ribcage. Baby back ribs have meat on top and between the bones and are known for their tenderness and delicious flavor. Baby back ribs are short in length as compared to spare ribs. Therefore they are called baby back ribs.

How Many Cooking Methods Can Be Used for Pork Ribs?

Pork ribs can be cooked by either grilling or baking.

Grilling of Pork Ribs:

Grilling of pork ribs requires complete control of temperature. It involves cooking the ribs over hot coals or on open flame by using both indirect and direct heat. This type of method is mostly used for adding a sweet and tangy taste to the ribs. The grilling method is mostly preferred for food lovers who love to experience ribs with smoky flavor and little crust.

Baking of Pork Ribs:

On the contrary, baking is generally done in an oven at a controlled temperature. It involves cooking ribs at a minimum temperature for a prolonged time. To preserve the moisture of the ribs, they are wrapped in aluminum foil. Baking of ribs is done to achieve tender, fall-of-bone ribs with mesmerizing mouthwatering flavors. If you are allergic to smoke and do not have plenty of outdoor space, then doubtlessly, baking is a perfect option for you. You have full control over the temperature and can get tender ribs in a few hours.

Dry Rub:

The mixture of a variety of herbs, dry spices, sugar, salt, etc that are used for coating meat before cooking is called a dry rub. It is used to enhance taste and create a crust on the exterior surface of the meat. It is considered an important ingredient in grilling recipes including barbeque.

How to Make a Dry Rub?

A dry rub consists of a variety of herbs and spices. For making a spicy dry rub, gather the following ingredients:

 

1. 3 tbsp sugar (use dark brown)
2. 2 tbsp Kosher salt
3. 2 tbsp paprika
4. 1 tbsp garlic powder
5. 1 tbsp onion powder
6. 1 tsp ground fennel
7. 1 tsp cayenne pepper
8. 1 tbsp chili powder

 

Once you gather all the required herbs and spices, simply mix them well. And set aside. Dry rub can be used for oven-baked pork ribs and other grilling and baking dishes.

Step-by-Step Recipe For Oven-Baked Pork Ribs:

Are you ready to explore the mouth-watering and tender recipe of oven-baked pork ribs? Wear your apron and let’s continue!

 

Note: This savory recipe serves 4 people and requires 4 hours of cooking to achieve flavourful and tender ribs.

Ingredients:

 

1. Dry rub
2. BBQ sauce
3. 2 racks of pork ribs (St. Louis style or Baby Back)

 

Also, you will require two sheet trays for even distribution of heat.

Instructions:

Step 1: Cleaning the Pork Ribs:

Our recipe starts with cleaning of the pork ribs. The pork ribs contain silverskin on the backside. Which you should  remove.

Step 2: Coating:

Take a tissue paper and dry your ribs with it for easy sticking of dry rub. Apply dry rub to the pork ribs and wait for 1 hour.

Step 3: Preheating of Oven and Pre-cooking of Ribs:

Preheat the oven to 135°C (275°F). Cook uncovered ribs for thirty minutes. After that, take aluminum foil and wrap the ribs in it. Once you are done with wrapping, change the temperature of the oven from 135°C to 150°C (300°F) followed by cooking ribs for more 2.5 hours.

Step 4: Almost Done:

After you are done with the pre-cooking of the ribs, remove them from the oven. Unwrap the foil from ribs. Apply hot and tangy BBQ sauce on the ribs. Put the ribs back in the oven for another 10 minutes. When you notice that the BBQ sauce is reducing and the consistency is changing  into delish and sticky. Take the ribs out.

Step 5: Tada! Wait is Over!

That’s all. Take out the delicious and appetizing ribs from the oven, slice the ribs, and serve!

Which Side Dishes Can be Served with Tender Oven-Baked Pork Ribs?

When it comes to oven-baked pork ribs, you have a lot of options for side dishes. Salads including creamy yogurt ranch salad, fennel and apple salad, watermelon and feta salad, combined with honey glaze are compulsory along with oven-baked pork ribs. Other side dishes that can be served with tender oven-baked pork ribs include grilled vegetables, baked beans, garlic bread, potato salad, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, etc.