how to bake spare ribs recipe in the oven

The Best how to bake spare ribs recipe in the oven

Easy Oven-Baked Spare Ribs with a Simple Glaze

4.6 from 680 votes

Tender, fall-off-the-bone spare ribs baked in the oven with a sweet and tangy glaze. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

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Prep Time20 mins

Cook Time2 hours 15 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time2 hours 35 mins

Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 520 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Ribs

• 2 lbs bone-in spare ribs (stale or fresh)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika

For the Glaze

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

👨‍🍳Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top to elevate the ribs.
2. 2
   Pat the ribs dry with paper towels. In a bowl, mix olive oil, salt, pepper, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika. Rub the mixture evenly over the ribs, coating all sides.
3. 3
   Place the ribs on the rack, gill-side up, and bake for 1 hour. Flip the ribs and pour half of the glaze mixture over them. Bake another 1 hour.
4. 4
   Reduce oven temperature to 275°F. Pour the remaining glaze over the ribs and bake for another 1.5 to 2 hours, basting occasionally with the pan juices. The ribs are done when they pull away from the bone easily.

🔧Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Oven-safe rack
• Baking sheet
• Tongs
• Measuring spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 520 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28💛Saturated Fat: 9❤️Cholesterol: 120🧂Sodium: 1200🌾Total Carbs: 35🥦Dietary Fiber: 1🍬Sugars: 25🥩Protein: 30

📝Notes

Tips: For extra tenderness, wrap the ribs loosely in foil after the first hour and unwrap halfway through the second baking session. Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before serving to keep them juicy.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Oven-Baked Spare Ribs with a Glaze

How long should I cook the spare ribs in the oven at a typical temperature?

Cooking spare ribs in the oven usually takes 3 to 4 hours at a moderate temperature of 275°F to 300°F. The ribs should render the fat and become tender enough to pull apart easily when pierced with a fork.

What’s the best way to ensure the ribs stay moist while baking?

To keep ribs tender and juicy, wrap them loosely in foil after the first hour of cooking. This traps moisture and helps the meat cook through evenly. Avoid overcrowding the pan and keep the oven preheated for consistent results.

Can I use a meat thermometer to check doneness?

Yes, a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to confirm doneness. The ribs are ready when the internal temperature reaches 195°F to 203°F in the thickest part of the meat. The bone side should be slightly cooler.

What should I do if the ribs stick to the pan while cooking?

If ribs stick, try this: After each 45-minute to 1-hour interval, spray the pan with a little vegetable oil or use a silicone spatula to gently loosen them. If they’re still stuck, you can brush them with a little butter or oil before continuing.

How do I know if the ribs are overcooked?

Overcooked ribs will become dry and fall apart easily when pulled apart. The meat should still have some chewiness, but it shouldn’t crackle or crumble like raw meat. If they’re too dry, let them rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to redistribute juices.