Oven Baked Beef Ribs: American BBQ Ribs
These oven baked beef ribs are a staple of American dinner tables. They feature a rich, smoky apple-based barbecue glaze that balances sweet honey with spicy chilli flakes. You get a robust flavour and a silky texture where the meat pulls away from the bone with minimal effort.
You must remove the thin silver membrane from the back of the beef rib rack before seasoning to ensure the meat shreds easily. Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminium foil to create a sealed pouch; this traps the moisture and prevents the meat from drying out during the 120 minutes of initial baking. Allow the meat to rest for 10 minutes after cooking so the juices redistribute through the centre of the ribs.
Oven Baked Beef Ribs: American BBQ Ribs
Recipe cardIngredients
Watch how it's made
Instructions
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Prepare the ribs
Pre-heat your oven to 135°C (275°F). Use a paper towel to grip and remove the thin silver membrane from the back of the rib rack. You do this to ensure the meat shreds easily once cooked.
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Apply the rub
Combine the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, and olive oil in a small bowl. Rub this mixture over all sides of the beef. Ensure the coat is even so every bite is seasoned.
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Slow bake the meat
Wrap the seasoned ribs tightly in aluminium foil to form a sealed pouch. Place the pouch on a large baking sheet. Bake for 120 minutes to tenderise the connective tissue.
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Whisk the glaze
Combine apple juice, soy sauce, tomato paste, honey, vinegar, cumin, chilli flakes, onion powder, ground mustard, and minced garlic. Whisk until the mixture is smooth. Set this aside for later use.
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Glaze and finish
Remove the ribs and lightly open the foil pouch. Brush the glaze generously over the meat, then reseal the foil. Bake for another 60 minutes to let the flavours penetrate.
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Verify the temperature
Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature. It must read 93°C (200°F) to be safe and tender. If it is lower, bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
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Rest and serve
Let the ribs rest in the foil for 10 minutes. This keeps the juices from escaping. Open the foil, apply a final coat of glaze, and slice at the bone junctions.
Check the ribs by lifting them slightly. If they feel squeezable, they are ready. If the meat still looks bright pink, they require more time in the oven. Underdone ribs will be tough rather than tender.
What to serve with it
Pair these ribs with creamy coleslaw and buttered corn on the cob for a classic meal. A scoop of chilled mint-yogurt dip provides a cool contrast to the smoky glaze. You can also serve them with warm potato mandlies or charred rosemary sweet potatoes for a more rustic presentation.
Storing and reheating
Keep cooked ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap them in foil and freeze in a single layer for 3 months. Store the leftover BBQ glaze in an airtight jar to reheat quickly for next-day meals.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 650
- Protein
- 45.0 g
- Carbs
- 40.0 g
- Fat
- 30.0 g
- Fiber
- 2.5 g
- Sugar
- 28.0 g
Estimated, and offered as a guide rather than a medical figure.
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Questions people ask
How long should ribs stay in the oven at 350 degrees?
This recipe uses a lower temperature of 135°C (275°F) to ensure the meat remains tender. Baking at higher temperatures like 175°C (350°F) for too long can dry out the beef and toughen the fibres.
Is it better to bake ribs covered or uncovered?
Bake them covered in aluminium foil for the majority of the time. This creates a sealed pouch that steams the meat in its own juices, ensuring they become tender before you apply the glaze.
Is it better to cook ribs at 225 or 250 in the oven?
Using 135°C (275°F) as specified here works best for this particular cut. Lower temperatures allow the connective tissue to break down slowly, resulting in a melt-in-the-mouth texture without scorching the sugars in the rub.
About the author
Mary C. Rivero
Mary C. Rivero specializes in comforting home‑cooked meals, from hearty pastas and sheet‑pan dinners to quick weeknight snacks. Her recipes feature clear, step‑by‑step directions and practical tips, helping readers create flavorful dishes with confidence and ease.
