Print

Perfect Crispy Oven-Baked Baby Back Ribs Easy Dry Rub Recipe

crispy oven-baked baby back ribs - featured image

This recipe delivers tender, juicy, and perfectly crispy baby back ribs using a simple dry rub and an easy oven method. Ready in under 2.5 hours, it’s perfect for flavorful ribs without the hassle of slow smoking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 rack baby back ribs (about 2 to 2.5 pounds / 9001130 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon paprika (smoked paprika preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt (kosher or sea salt)
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Remove the silver skin membrane from the back of the ribs by sliding a sharp knife under it and pulling it off with a paper towel.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir until well blended.
  4. Rub olive oil over both sides of the ribs to help the dry rub stick.
  5. Generously sprinkle the dry rub onto both sides of the ribs, pressing lightly to adhere.
  6. Place a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet and lay the ribs bone side down on the rack.
  7. Tent the ribs loosely with aluminum foil to trap moisture while cooking.
  8. Bake the ribs at 300°F (150°C) for 2 hours to make the meat tender and juicy.
  9. Remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes to crisp the outside, watching closely to avoid burning.
  10. Check for doneness; ribs should be tender with caramelized edges and an internal temperature of about 190°F (88°C) if using a meat thermometer.
  11. Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Remove the silver skin membrane for tender ribs. Pat ribs dry before applying oil and rub for better crispiness. Use a wire rack to allow air circulation and crisp edges. Tent ribs with foil during the low and slow bake to retain moisture. Watch closely during the high heat finish to avoid burning. Let ribs rest before serving. Dry rub can be prepared ahead and stored up to a month. Variations include adding espresso powder, herbs, or finishing with barbecue sauce and broiling.

Nutrition

Keywords: baby back ribs, oven baked ribs, dry rub ribs, crispy ribs, easy ribs recipe, barbecue ribs, pork ribs, oven ribs, smoky ribs