Sweet and Spicy Oven Baked Ribs

These sweet and spicy oven baked ribs are tender, juicy, and packed with bold flavor. I love how the spice rub caramelizes as they cook, while the homemade BBQ sauce adds the perfect balance of sweet heat and smokiness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it makes fall-off-the-bone ribs right in the oven no grill required. The spice rub gives them a deep, smoky flavor, while the BBQ sauce makes them sticky and finger-licking good. I enjoy how easy it is to adjust the heat level depending on my mood, and I always get amazing results with minimal effort.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

Spice Rub
▢½ cup brown sugar
▢1 ½ tbsp kosher salt
▢2 tsp smoked paprika
▢2 tsp onion powder
▢1 tsp garlic powder
▢1 tsp cumin
▢¼ tsp to ½ tsp cayenne pepper
▢½ tsp black pepper

BBQ Sauce
▢1 cup ketchup
▢¼ cup brown sugar
▢3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
▢1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
▢1 ½ tsp kosher salt
▢½ tsp smoked paprika
▢½ tsp garlic powder
▢½ tsp onion powder
▢¼ tsp to ½ tsp cayenne pepper
▢¼ tsp black pepper

Directions

1. I start by preheating my oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. I pat the ribs dry with paper towels, then rub the spice mixture generously over both sides.
3. I wrap the ribs tightly in foil and place them on a baking sheet.
4. I bake for 2½ to 3 hours, until the ribs are tender and nearly falling off the bone.
5. While the ribs bake, I make the BBQ sauce by combining ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and black pepper in a saucepan. I simmer it for 10–15 minutes until thickened.
6. Once the ribs are done, I remove them from the oven, discard the foil, and brush them generously with the BBQ sauce.
7. For a sticky finish, I return them to the oven under the broiler for 3–5 minutes, keeping a close eye so they don’t burn.
8. I let them rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving with extra sauce on the side.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves about 4 people. It takes me around 15 minutes to prepare and 2½ to 3 hours to bake, with an additional 10 minutes for saucing and broiling. Altogether, I usually have them ready in about 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the cayenne for chipotle powder for a smokier heat. If I want extra sweetness, I add a drizzle of honey to the BBQ sauce. For a tangy kick, I stir in a spoonful of mustard.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I cover them with foil and warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 20 minutes, or until heated through. They also reheat well on the grill for a smoky finish. For longer storage, I freeze cooked ribs tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I make these ribs ahead of time?

Yes, I bake them earlier in the day, then sauce and broil them just before serving.

Do I need to remove the membrane from the ribs?

Yes, I peel it off for more tender ribs and better flavor absorption.

Can I make these ribs without foil?

Yes, but I find foil helps lock in moisture and keeps them tender.

What kind of ribs work best?

I like using baby back ribs, but spare ribs also work well with this recipe.

Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?

Yes, but I prefer making the sauce because it tastes fresher and I can adjust the flavors.

How do I make them less spicy?

I reduce or omit the cayenne pepper in both the rub and sauce.

Can I make these ribs on the grill instead of the oven?

Yes, I bake them first for tenderness, then finish them on the grill for added smoky flavor.

How do I know when the ribs are done?

They’re ready when the meat is tender and starts pulling back from the bone.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Yes, I bake multiple racks at once, rotating the pans halfway through for even cooking.

What sides go well with these ribs?

I like serving them with cornbread, coleslaw, baked beans, or potato salad.

Conclusion

These sweet and spicy oven baked ribs are one of my favorite ways to enjoy BBQ at home. I love how tender and flavorful they turn out with just the right balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy. Whether for a weekend dinner or a special gathering, they always impress and satisfy.

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