Craving fall-off-the-bone ribs without firing up the grill? These Sticky Oven Baked Ribs are slathered in a rich, garlicky BBQ sauce with a hint of heat, caramelized to perfection for that irresistible glossy finish. Whether it’s a weekend indulgence or a cozy dinner, these ribs bring bold, smoky flavor straight from your oven.
Why These Oven Baked Ribs Stand Out
Think you need a smoker for great ribs? Think again. These ribs are seasoned with a smoky dry rub and slow-baked to juicy perfection, then brushed with a sticky barbecue glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. It’s a no-fuss, high-reward dish the whole family will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Ribs:
- 4 pounds baby back pork ribs
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder or cayenne (optional for heat)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sticky BBQ Sauce:
- 2 cups barbecue sauce (your favorite variety)
- 3 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 to 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
How to Make Sticky Oven Baked Ribs
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Prepare the Ribs
Remove the thin membrane from the underside of the ribs for the most tender result. Place the ribs on a foil-lined baking tray.
3. Apply the Dry Rub
Mix all the dry spices together in a bowl. Sprinkle the seasoning generously over both sides of the ribs. Drizzle with olive oil and rub the spices in well.
4. Bake Low and Slow
Cover the tray tightly with foil and bake for 2 hours. This slow cooking ensures the ribs become juicy and tender.
5. Make the Sauce
While the ribs bake, combine the BBQ sauce, garlic, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne (if using), and salt in a bowl. Set aside.
6. Glaze and Caramelize
After 2 hours, remove the foil. Brush the ribs with the sauce and increase oven temperature to 460°F (240°C). Bake uncovered for 10 minutes.
7. Optional Broil for Char
For crispy, caramelized edges, broil on medium-high for 2-3 minutes.
8. Rest and Serve
Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these sticky oven ribs with your favorite sides:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Garlic Roasted Potatoes
- Corn on the Cob with Garlic Butter
- Honey Garlic Butter Carrots
- Grilled Asparagus
Recipe Tips
- Want more heat? Increase the cayenne in the sauce.
- No Worcestershire? Use soy sauce for a similar umami kick.
- Don’t skip the broil! It gives the ribs that irresistible charred finish.
FAQ
Do I need to marinate the ribs overnight?
Nope! You can season and bake right away. Marinating is optional.
How do I know when ribs are done?
They should be tender and pull away from the bone easily. Internal temp should reach 190–200°F for perfect texture.
What if I don’t have BBQ sauce?
Try a quick mix of ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices as a substitute.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: 691 kcal | Carbs: 43g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 41g | Sugar: 32g
With their smoky aroma, sticky glaze, and fork-tender texture, these oven baked ribs prove that you don’t need a grill to make incredible BBQ. Finger-licking good and perfect for any occasion!