Beef ribs are the ultimate crowd-pleasing main dish for any backyard BBQ or special family dinner. When cooked low and slow, beef ribs become fall-off-the-bone tender and succulent. But achieving these melt-in-your-mouth ribs requires knowing the right techniques.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to make insanely delicious oven-baked beef ribs that are later finished on the grill With flavorful homemade dry rubs and sauces, these beefy ribs deliver on taste and texture Follow these tips and tricks for finger-licking goodness every time!
Why Cook Beef Ribs in the Oven Then Grill?
Cooking ribs is a lengthy process to break down the collagen and connective tissue. Baking them in the oven gently “braises” the ribs, keeping them incredibly moist. A short time on the grill gives them a nice char and lacquers on the sauce.
This combo yields the most tender, juicy and flavor-packed ribs your guests will devour. Oven then grill is hands-down the best way to achieve competition-worthy beef ribs.
Tips for Choosing the Best Beef Ribs
There are two main types of beef ribs to choose from:
Beef back ribs – Taken from along the spine and have more meat on them They are longer than beef short ribs
Beef short ribs – Taken from the belly section and have less meat but more fat. Better for braising recipes.
For oven-baking, opt for beef back ribs. Look for racks around 5 pounds with long bones and plenty of meat coverage. Ask your butcher if you can’t find them.
Avoid pre-seasoned or enhanced ribs, as those additions will alter the flavor. Go for untreated raw ribs you can season yourself.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for ridiculously delicious oven-baked beef ribs every time:
1. Make a Dry Rub
A flavorful dry rub is key for maximizing the taste of beef ribs. Whisk together:
- 1-2 tablespoons mustard powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
2. Prepare the Ribs
- Rinse 2 racks of beef back ribs and pat dry.
- Remove the membrane from the bone side of each rack.
- Generously coat both sides of the ribs with the dry rub, massaging it in.
3. Bake the Ribs in the Oven
- Place each rib rack meat-side up on a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Add 1/3 cup each Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar and water.
- Tightly cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 3-4 hours.
- Every hour, add more water, keeping ribs moist.
4. Make a Barbecue Sauce
While ribs are baking, whisk together your favorite BBQ sauce with:
- 1⁄4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
5. Finish the Ribs on the Grill
- Carefully transfer ribs to a grill mat or grate, bone-side down.
- Baste ribs generously with BBQ sauce.
- Grill for 10 minutes on medium heat, flipping and basting again halfway.
6. Slice and Serve Immediately
- Let ribs rest for 5 minutes before slicing each rack into individual ribs.
- Pile ribs on a platter and serve immediately with extra sauce.
Tips for Finger-Licking Goodness
- For caramelized flavor, coat ribs with brown sugar before adding the dry rub.
- Spritz ribs with apple juice/cider while baking for extra moisture and flavor.
- Grill over indirect heat to avoid burning the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for freshness.
- Pair with coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans or mac and cheese.
Common Questions
What’s the best temperature to bake beef ribs?
Bake at a low temperature of 250°F to 325°F to break down collagen. Higher temps will dry them out.
How long should you bake beef ribs?
Cook for 3-4 hours until very tender but not quite falling off the bone. Test doneness with a fork.
Should you wrap beef ribs in foil when baking?
Yes, wrapping traps in steam to keep ribs incredibly moist and tender.
How long do you grill already-cooked beef ribs?
Only 8 to 10 minutes total, flipping once. You just want to char them and caramelize the sauce.
What sauce goes best with beef ribs?
A sweet, tangy barbecue sauce complements beef ribs wonderfully. But a savory gravy-style sauce is great too.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
These oven-baked, grilled beef ribs pair well with:
- Mashed potatoes, baked potatoes or potato salad
- Corn on the cob, corn bread or corn salad
- Coleslaw or broccoli salad
- Mac and cheese or baked beans
- Biscuits or bread rolls
- Fresh fruit salad or baked fruit desserts
Provide plenty of napkins and wet wipes, as these saucy ribs get messy! A nice glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or an ice-cold beer rounds out the meal nicely.
More Tips and Tricks
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days or freeze ribs for 4-6 months.
- Reheat ribs in a 300°F oven until warmed through, 8-10 minutes.
- Use the same dry rub and sauce for pork ribs or chicken.
- Add other spices to the dry rub like chili powder, allspice, etc.
- Play around with different rib recipes until you find your favorite.
Make These Mouthwatering Beef Ribs Now
With this complete guide, you can now make the most insanely delicious oven-baked beef ribs ever! Impress your family with these restaurant-worthy ribs using easy techniques. The oven and grill method results in unbeatably juicy, tender and flavorful ribs everyone will rave about. Dig in to finger-licking perfection!
Oven Baked BBQ Beef Ribs Recipe – How to Make Ribs in the Oven
How long do you cook ribs on a grill?
Place the meatier side of the ribs down on the grill over indirect heat. Cook for about 2 hours, turning every 20 minutes. Baste with barbecue sauce (pour the BBQ sauce over the meat) in the last 10-20 minutes. Serve it warm and enjoy. If baking is convenient, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Bake in the oven covered for 2 hours.
What is the treatment for pain in the ribs?
Rib pain could be due to an inflammatory condition; anti-inflammatory medication and analgesics can bring down the pain. Home remedies include applying a cold compress on the area of pain.
How do you cook a rib rib?
Jenny Jones Remove excess fat from ribs. Peel the silver skin off the back of the ribs if you can – lift with a sharp knife and grab with a paper towel to remove. Cut ribs apart into individual pieces. Rub ribs all over with lemon juice. Coat ribs with dry rub. Place meat side down in a large baking pan, & cover tightly with foil, shiny side out.
How to cook pork ribs in the oven?
Use a knife to gently pull the membrane away from the pork. Once you get it started, you can use your hands to pull it off. Season the pork generously with Salt, pepper and Rosemary. Place the ribs in a baking dish. You may need to cut the ribs to make them fit. Then cover them tightly with foil. Bake in the oven for 3 hours.