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fall off the bone spare ribs baked in the oven

How to Bake Spare Ribs Recipe in the Oven

This how to bake spare ribs recipe in the oven shows you how to make tender, juicy, fall-off-the-bone pork spare ribs using a simple low-and-slow baking method. Wrapped in foil, gently cooked, and finished with a sticky BBQ glaze, these oven-baked spare ribs are easy, flavorful, and perfect for any home cook — no grill required.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: main dish
Cuisine: American-style
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2½ lbs pork spare ribs
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1½ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1½ tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
For Finishing
  • ¾ cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey

Equipment

  • Baking tray or roasting pan
  • Aluminum foil
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Basting brush
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Ribs

    Turn the spare ribs bone-side up and remove the thin silver membrane. This step is important because removing the membrane allows the ribs to become tender and absorb seasoning evenly.
    how to bake spare ribs recipe in the oven removing membrane

  2. Season the Ribs

    Pat the ribs dry with paper towels. Rub olive oil over both sides. In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and brown sugar. Coat the ribs generously on all sides.
    drying spare ribs before baking in the oven

  3. Preheat the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). This low temperature is the key to tender, fall-off-the-bone spare ribs.
    seasoning spare ribs for oven baked ribs

  4. Wrap the Ribs

    Place the ribs meat-side up on a baking tray or roasting pan. Wrap tightly with aluminum foil, sealing the edges well to trap moisture.
    foil wrapped spare ribs ready for oven baking

  5. Bake Low and Slow

    Bake the wrapped ribs in the oven for 2½ to 3 hours. During this time, the fat slowly renders and the connective tissue breaks down, creating soft, juicy meat.
    baking spare ribs low and slow in the oven

  6. Unwrap and Sauce

    Carefully remove the ribs from the oven and open the foil. Brush the ribs generously with BBQ sauce. Add honey if you want a sticky, glossy finish.
    tender spare ribs after baking in the oven

  7. Caramelize the Ribs

    Increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) or switch to broil. Return ribs to the oven uncovered and cook for 5–10 minutes, until the sauce thickens and caramelizes.
    brushing bbq sauce on oven baked spare ribs

  8. Rest and Serve

    Remove ribs from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the ribs moist.
    fall off the bone spare ribs baked in the oven

Notes

How to Bake Spare Ribs in the Oven

fall off the bone spare ribs baked in the oven
Finished oven-baked spare ribs with a sticky, caramelized BBQ finish.
  • Low and slow baking is essential: Spare ribs contain more connective tissue than other cuts, which is why baking them at 275°F for several hours is crucial. This gentle heat slowly breaks down the fibers, creating tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs.
  • Always remove the membrane: The thin silver skin on the bone side prevents seasoning from absorbing and can make ribs chewy. Removing it ensures evenly seasoned, soft ribs.
  • Foil wrapping locks in moisture: Tightly wrapping the ribs in aluminum foil traps steam during baking. This prevents the meat from drying out and helps it cook evenly from edge to center.
  • Do not sauce too early: BBQ sauce contains sugar, which can burn at low temperatures over long periods. Always apply sauce near the end for a glossy, caramelized finish without bitterness.
  • Bake time may vary slightly: Oven temperatures differ. If ribs are not tender after 2½ hours, continue baking covered for another 20–30 minutes until a knife slides in easily.
  • Resting improves juiciness: Let the ribs rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist when sliced.
  • Make-ahead friendly: These oven-baked spare ribs can be baked a day in advance, refrigerated, and reheated covered at 300°F. Add fresh sauce before reheating for best flavor.
  • Flavor variations: Swap BBQ sauce for honey-garlic glaze, spicy chili sauce, or a smoky dry rub to customize the recipe without changing the cooking method.
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