How to Cook Juicy, Tender Pork Ribs in the Oven at 350°F

Cooking pork ribs in the oven can seem daunting for many home cooks. Ribs have a reputation for being tough and difficult to get tender and juicy. However with the right technique, you can easily make melt-in-your-mouth oven baked ribs at home.

In this article, I’ll share my foolproof method for baking pork ribs at 350°F With just a few simple steps, you’ll have finger-lickin’ good ribs ready in under 3 hours. Keep reading to learn how!

Why Bake Ribs at 350°F?

Baking ribs at a moderate 350°F produces ribs that are tender on the inside with a nice caramelized exterior. This temperature gives you the best of both worlds.

At temperatures lower than 350°F, the ribs can cook unevenly and take much longer. Temperatures higher than 350°F can cause the exterior to burn before the interior cooks through.

So 350°F turns out tasty ribs in a reasonable amount of time. For reference,tender and juicy baby back ribs take 2-3 hours at 350°F. Read on for the full method!

Ingredients Needed

To make these easy oven baked ribs, you’ll need:

• 2 racks of baby back pork ribs (about 2-3 lbs each)
• Dry rib rub
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
• Aluminum foil

Step 1: Prepare the Ribs

Rinse the ribs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Remove the thin membrane from the backside of the ribs.

Mix together all ingredients for the dry rub Generously season both sides of the ribs with the rub, pressing to adhere

Let the ribs sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to overnight) in the fridge so the rub can penetrate the meat.

Step 2: Bake the Ribs

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange the ribs on the rack meaty side up without overcrowding.

Cover the ribs tightly with more foil, crimping the edges to seal. Bake for 2 hours, flipping once halfway through.

After 2 hours, the ribs should be very tender but not yet fall-off-the-bone.

Step 3: Finish with Barbecue Sauce

Carefully remove the foil from the ribs. Drain any liquid from the pan and lightly brush the ribs with your favorite barbecue sauce.

Bake uncovered for 15-30 minutes more, until the ribs are glazed and sauce is bubbling.

Step 4: Let Rest and Serve

Allow the ribs to rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting into individual ribs. Serve while hot alongside bbq classics like cornbread, coleslaw and baked beans.

The results are finger-licking good ribs with moist, tender meat that comes cleanly off the bone. The spices and sauce deliver maximum flavor in every tasty bite!

Oven Baked Ribs Tips

• Choose meaty ribs with some fat for the most flavor and tenderness.

• Allow the rub to penetrate the meat before baking.

• Cook low and slow covered in foil until tender before adding sauce.

• Add sauce at the end to avoid burning.

• Let ribs rest before cutting for easier serving.

• Add smoked paprika to the rub for even more flavor.

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness; ribs should reach 195°F-205°F when done.

Common Oven Baked Ribs Questions

How long should you bake ribs at 350°F?

• Baby back ribs take about 2-3 hours
• Spareribs take 3-4 hours
• St. Louis style ribs take 2.5-3 hours

Should ribs be covered while baking?

Yes, covering the ribs with foil locks in steam which helps break down collagen for tender meat. Cook covered for most of the baking time.

What temperature are ribs done at?

Ribs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 195°F-205°F. Use an instant read thermometer to check doneness.

Can you wrap ribs in foil while baking?

Absolutely! Wrapping the ribs completely in foil helps them braise in their own juices for tender results.

Should you flip ribs when baking?

It’s a good idea to flip the ribs once halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.

How do you keep oven baked ribs moist?

Cooking them covered, basting with sauce, and letting them rest before cutting helps keep oven ribs nice and moist.

Can I grill ribs after baking?

You can, but be gentle when transferring baked ribs to the grill since they will be very tender. Avoid overcooking.

Even More Delicious Oven Baked Rib Recipes

Once you master the basics, try out these tasty rib recipes cooked in the oven at 350°F:

• Dr Pepper Ribs – braised in Dr Pepper, garlic, and spices
• Hoisin Ribs – asian-inspired with hoisin, soy, and ginger
• Spicy Sriracha Ribs – sriracha gives these ribs a kick
• Cherry Coke Ribs – cola and cherry jam create sweet flavor
• Memphis Dry Rub Ribs – a combo of paprika, brown sugar, garlic, and pepper
• Cuban Mojo Ribs – citrus juice and garlic marinade, roasted

The options are endless for oven-baked ribs! Use your favorite sauces, rubs and marinades to put a unique spin on ribs.

Satisfying Oven Baked Ribs Are Easier Than You Think

The next time a rib craving hits, grab a couple racks of baby backs and fire up your oven. In just 3 easy steps, you’ll have tender, juicy and flavor-packed ribs ready to devour.

So skip the ribs at the restaurant and dig into your own homecooked barbecued ribs instead. You might even find that these oven-baked ribs are better than any you’ve had before. Enjoy!