The Best Riblets in Oven with BBQ Sauce

Who isn’t a lover of ribs?

I sure am. Especially ribs that are tender, juicy, and delicious. And I’m here to tell ya that these riblets in oven with BBQ sauce are just that…and they are made in the oven. No need to buy and set up a smoker ’cause we are cookin’ these bad boys in the oven- slowly. The prep for these is super easy too.

We’re talkin’ making a rub and slathering it all over both sides of the ribs to create a glorious and flavorful meat. Then while the ribs are cooking, you’re going to make the easiest and most delicious BBQ sauce your ribs have ever tasted. Booyah. That’s what I’m talkin’ about when it comes to bbq pork riblets in oven, my friends.

These are foolproof every.single.time. 🙂

INGREDIENTS USED TO MAKE RIBLETS IN OVEN WITH BBQ SAUCE

INGREDIENTS USED TO MAKE THESE RIBLETS IN OVEN WITH BBQ SAUCE

  • A slab of St. Louis ribs
  • The rub: chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
  • The BBQ Sauce: ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, mustard powder, and salt.

Simple ingredients but delicious flavors. Can’t go wrong there, mmmkk?

TYPES OF RIBS TO USE

For making riblets in the oven with BBQ sauce, the best type of ribs to use is St. Louis-style ribs. Here’s a quick overview of why they are ideal:

St. Louis-Style Ribs

  • Flavor: They are known for their rich, meaty flavor, which pairs perfectly with BBQ sauce.
  • Tenderness: St. Louis ribs have a good amount of fat and connective tissue, which breaks down during slow cooking, resulting in tender meat.
  • Cut: They are trimmed to a rectangular shape, making them easier to handle and fit in most baking sheets or pans.

Other Options

If St. Louis ribs aren’t available, you can also use:

  • Baby Back Ribs: These are leaner and smaller than St. Louis ribs but still very flavorful and tender. They typically cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  • Spare Ribs: Similar to St. Louis ribs but are usually larger and meatier. They can take a bit longer to cook, making them a good option for slow baking.

Tips for Choosing Ribs

  • Freshness: Look for ribs that are fresh, with a pinkish-red color and minimal bone exposure.
  • Marbling: Choose ribs with good marbling for better flavor and tenderness.
  • Thickness: Thicker slabs can produce juicier and more tender results.

Whichever type you choose, make sure to season and cook them low and slow for the best results!

HOW TO MAKE RIBLETS IN OVEN WITH BBQ SAUCE

STEPS TO MAKING THESE RIBLETS IN OVEN WITH BBQ SAUCE

  1. Make the rub– combine all 4 ingredients of chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  2. Rub the ribs– rub the ribs with the rub on both sides. Season the ribs generously with the rub. Don’t go easy here, friends, Go hard. 😉
  3. Bake the ribs– slow bake the ribs at 250 degrees for 2.5-3 hours covered tightly in foil. Remove from oven. Remove foil.
  4. Make the BBQ Sauce– while the ribs are baking make the BBQ sauce. Literally takes under 5 minutes!
  5. BBQ the ribs– Remove the foil from the pan after removing the ribs from the oven. Slather BBQ sauce all over the slab of ribs. Return to the oven (without foil) and bake for 20 more minutes.

CAN YOU COOK THESE ON THE GRILL?

Absolutely, you can cook these riblets on the grill for an extra smoky flavor and beautiful char. Grilling adds a wonderful dimension to the flavor of the ribs, making them even more irresistible. Enjoy your delicious, smoky BBQ riblets!

Done and done. 

So easy and it produces the best bbq riblets in oven your tastebuds will ever taste. 

Easy, hardly any hands-on work, and delish.

Recipes I like to make…

Yum.

QUICK COOKING RECIPE

QUICK COOKING RECIPE

  • Author: Jen Sharpin | So Damn Delish
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 slab

These riblets in oven with BBQ sauce are seasoned with a rub and then slowly baked to perfection right in your oven. Topped with a homemade BBQ sauce that is sure to satisfy your tastebuds.

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE RIBS

  • 1– 3-4lb slab St Louis Style Ribs
  • 2 Tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

FOR THE BBQ SAUCE

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 3 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
  • 2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard 
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

INSTRUCTIONS

MAKE THE SAUCE (WHILE RIBS ARE COOKING)

  • Combine all BBQ sauce ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer. Turn heat to low and cook for 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Let cool. Transfer to a container and put in refrigerator until ready to use. 

MAKE THE RIBS

  • Preheat oven to 250 degrees
  • Add chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to a small bowl. Stir until combined. Season ribs generously with rub on both sides. Place ribs on a rimmed baking sheet (sometimes I have to cut the slab in half in order for them to fit). Cover tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until ribs are falling off the bone. Remove from oven.
  • Remove foil from rimmed baking sheet. Slather BBQ sauce all over the ribs. Return ribs to oven (without foil) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until BBQ Sauce has caramelized.
  • Remove from oven. Serve. 

NOTES

  • Can use a larger slab of ribs. Just adjust the cooking time. Cooking time for a 4-5lb slab of ribs is around 3-3.5 hours.
  • For the last 4-5 minutes of cooking my ribs, I like to put them under the broiler for 4-5 minutes to give them a nice char.

NUTRITION FACT (PER SERVING)

Based on an estimated serving size of 1/4 slab of St. Louis Style Ribs with BBQ Sauce

  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 920mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

These bbq riblets in the oven are a must-try for any rib lover. Easy to prepare and cook, they promise a flavorful and tender experience without the need for a smoker. Explore a treasure trove of scrumptious recipes and cooking inspiration at So Damn Delish. From savory grilled dishes (like Traeger Marinated London Broil) to decadent sweets, my homepage offers a diverse range of ideas to satisfy any craving.

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The Best Riblets in Oven with BBQ Sauce

The Best Riblets in Oven with BBQ Sauce

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  • Author: SoDamnDelish
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 slab 1x
  • Category: Main Dishes / Entrees

Description

Tender and juicy riblets in oven with BBQ sauce, made easy with a delicious homemade sauce. Get the full recipe on So Damn Delish and satisfy your cravings!


Ingredients

Scale

FOR THE RIBS

  • 13-4lb slab St Louis Style Ribs
  • 2 Tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

FOR THE BBQ SAUCE

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 3 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
  • 2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard 
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

MAKE THE SAUCE (WHILE RIBS ARE COOKING)

  • Combine all BBQ sauce ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer. Turn heat to low and cook for 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Let cool. Transfer to a container and put in refrigerator until ready to use. 

MAKE THE RIBS

  • Preheat oven to 250 degrees
  • Add chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to a small bowl. Stir until combined. Season ribs generously with rub on both sides. Place ribs on a rimmed baking sheet (sometimes I have to cut the slab in half in order for them to fit). Cover tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until ribs are falling off the bone. Remove from oven.
  • Remove foil from rimmed baking sheet. Slather BBQ sauce all over the ribs. Return ribs to oven (without foil) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until BBQ Sauce has caramelized.
  • Remove from oven. Serve. 

Notes

  • Can use a larger slab of ribs. Just adjust the cooking time. Cooking time for a 4-5lb slab of ribs is around 3-3.5 hours.
  • For the last 4-5 minutes of cooking my ribs, I like to put them under the broiler for 4-5 minutes to give them a nice char.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 920mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

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