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Best Baby Back Ribs in Oven

Best Baby Back Ribs in Oven

Juicy, tender oven-baked baby back ribs with sweet-spicy rub and caramelized BBQ sauce — foolproof, fall-off-the-bone.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • Dry Rub:
  • ¼ cup 50 g brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 tbsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground mustard
  • ½ tsp cayenne optional heat
  • Ribs & Braise:
  • 2 –3 racks baby back ribs about 3–5 lbs total, membrane removed
  • ½ cup 120 ml apple juice, beer, or broth (for foil packet)
  • ¼ cup 60 ml apple cider vinegar
  • Finishing Sauce:
  • 1 –1½ cups 240–360 ml your favorite BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s = crowd-pleaser)
  • 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar for caramelization

Instructions
 

  • Remove membrane → rub generously → rest 1 hr+.
  • 275 °F foil packet with liquid → 2½–3 hrs.
  • Uncover → glaze → 450 °F or broil 5–10 min.
  • Rest 10 min → cut → serve.

Notes

  • Membrane off = tender + flavor
  • Foil packet = fall-off-the-bone
  • Freezes & reheats perfectly
  • Day 2 = even better
  • Double sauce for extra sticky