Sticky Oven Baked BBQ Ribs

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These sticky oven-baked BBQ ribs are the perfect answer when you want restaurant-style ribs without a smoker or grill. They bake low and slow until tender, then get finished with a thick layer of BBQ sauce that turns glossy, caramelized, and delicious. The result is everything you want from ribs: juicy meat, bold flavor, and that finger-licking sticky glaze.

This recipe works for family dinners, game day, weekend meals, and gatherings. Even if you’re new to cooking ribs, the method is simple: season well, wrap tightly, bake until tender, then sauce and broil for that classic sticky finish. The oven does all the work, and you get ribs that slice cleanly or pull apart easily.

Why You’ll Love These BBQ Ribs

  • Fall-off-the-bone tender with low and slow baking
  • Sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully
  • Simple ingredients and easy steps
  • No grill required—perfect year-round
  • Great for parties and meal prep

Ingredients

  • 2 racks pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (optional, helps seasoning stick)
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for serving)

Dry rub

  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional for heat)
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne (optional)

Optional flavor boosters:

  • 1 tbsp mustard to coat ribs before rub
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (for added tang)
  • 1/2 cup apple juice (for extra moisture when baking)

How to Make Sticky Oven-Baked BBQ Ribs

  1. Preheat the oven
    Set oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Remove the membrane
    Flip the ribs bone-side up and peel off the thin membrane. This helps the ribs become more tender and allows spices to penetrate.
  3. Season generously
    Pat ribs dry. Lightly coat with oil or mustard, then rub the spice mix all over both sides.
  4. Wrap and bake low and slow
    Place ribs on a foil-lined baking sheet. Add a splash of apple juice or a little vinegar if desired. Wrap tightly in foil to trap steam. Bake:
    • Baby back ribs: 2 to 2.5 hours
    • Spare ribs: 2.5 to 3 hours
      Ribs are ready when tender and the meat pulls back from the bones.
  6. Sauce and caramelize
    Remove foil carefully (steam is hot). Brush ribs generously with BBQ sauce. Increase oven to 425°F (220°C) or use the broiler. Bake 8–12 minutes (or broil 2–4 minutes), until the sauce is sticky and lightly charred in spots.
  7. Rest, then slice
    Rest ribs 5–10 minutes, then slice between the bones. Serve with extra BBQ sauce.

Tips for the Best Ribs

  • Don’t skip removing the membrane for the best bite.
  • Wrap tightly so ribs stay moist and tender.
  • Use a thick BBQ sauce for a glossy sticky finish.
  • Broil carefully—BBQ sauce can burn fast.
  • Let ribs rest so juices settle before slicing.

What to Serve with BBQ Ribs

These ribs pair perfectly with:

  • coleslaw
  • baked beans
  • corn on the cob
  • fries or potato salad
  • garlic bread or dinner rolls
  • a crisp green salad

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warm, then add fresh BBQ sauce and broil briefly to bring back the glaze.

Keywords: oven baked BBQ ribs, sticky ribs recipe, tender pork ribs, fall off the bone ribs, baked ribs with BBQ sauce, easy ribs in the oven, baby back ribs recipe, spare ribs oven recipe.

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