Juicy, fall-off-the-bone boneless pork ribs cooked slowly in an oven bag deliver incredibly tender, flavorful results with minimal fuss. Read on to learn my secrets for oven-baked boneless pork ribs that rival the taste of low and slow barbecued ribs.
Why Cook Boneless Ribs in an Oven Bag?
Oven bags create a mini slow cooker environment right in your oven, trapping in steam to keep ribs ultra moist as they cook low and slow This method gives boneless ribs time to become meltingly tender without drying out
Cooking in an oven bag also makes cleanup a breeze – no splatters to scrub off the walls of your oven. The ribs roast right in the bag so all you have to do is toss it when finished.
I love how oven bags let you achieve succulent, fall-off-the-bone ribs without having to monitor and tend to a grill or smoker for hours. Just season your boneless ribs, seal them up and let the oven bag work its magic!
Tips for Choosing Boneless Pork Ribs
Look for racks of boneless country-style pork ribs at your grocery store meat counter or butcher shop. Avoid pre-cut boneless “riblets” which can dry out more easily.
For the best results, choose thicker, meatier ribs around 1 1/2 inches thick. Thinner boneless ribs run the risk of overcooking and drying out.
Boneless ribs are quicker cooking than ribs with bones. Plan on cooking for 45 minutes to 1 1/4 hours depending on thickness. (Check my timing recommendations below).
My Favorite Rib Rub Spice Blend
While plain salt and pepper lets the pork flavor shine I like to add garlic powder paprika and a touch of brown sugar to form a basic rib rub. Adjust the amounts to suit your tastes
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper
For bolder flavor, add chili powder, cumin, cayenne or smoked paprika. Or use your favorite store-bought rib seasoning blend.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for foolproof boneless pork ribs cooked in an oven bag:
1. Prep the Ribs
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Rinse racks of boneless ribs and pat dry with paper towels. Trim off any excess fat or sinew.
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Place ribs in a single layer on a large baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Generously Season the Ribs
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Sprinkle both sides of the boneless ribs liberally with the rub blend. Gently press so the seasoning adheres.
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Feel free to reserve a bit of the spice mix to add more flavor at the end.
3. Prepare the Oven Bag
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Take a Reynolds Oven Bag and cut about 6 slits across the top as directed on the box. This allows steam to escape.
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Lightly coat the inside of the bag with nonstick cooking spray so the ribs don’t stick.
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For easy cleanup, place the oven bag inside a rimmed baking sheet.
4. Put Ribs in Oven Bag & Seal
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Carefully transfer the seasoned ribs to the oven bag.
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Remove as much air as possible and seal with the nylon tie provided.
5. Roast at Low Temp
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Preheat oven to 300°F.
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Place sealed oven bag on a baking sheet and roast for:
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45 mins – 1 hour for thin boneless ribs
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1 – 1 1/4 hours for thicker, meatier ribs
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Check occasionally to make sure the bag isn’t puffing up and deforming. Carefully poke another vent hole if needed.
6. Finish with Sauce (Optional)
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When ribs are fork tender, remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes.
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Carefully open bag, watching out for hot steam. Transfer ribs to a platter.
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For caramelized flavor, brush with barbecue sauce, then broil 2-3 minutes until lightly charred.
7. Enjoy Your Tender Oven-Baked Ribs!
The boneless ribs should be fall-apart tender and juicy. If any pieces seem dry or tough, return to the oven bag for 10-15 more minutes.
Let the meat rest a few minutes before cutting into individual ribs. Serve while hot alongside classic barbecue sides like coleslaw, baked beans and cornbread.
Oven Bag Benefits for Boneless Ribs
Cooking boneless pork ribs in an oven bag offers several advantages:
Moist and Tender – Oven bags seal in steam which keeps ribs incredibly moist. The low slow cooking renders the meat ultra tender.
Infuses Flavor – Enclosing the seasoned ribs allows them to soak up flavor as they roast.
Minimal Drying – Ribs cooked low and slow in a sealed bag means very little moisture evaporates.
Easy Cleanup – No splatter mess! Just throw away the oven bag when done.
Convenient – Achieve amazing ribs with minimal time tending a grill or smoker.
Consistent Results – Oven bags give reliably tender, juicy ribs every time.
Oven Bag Tips and Tricks
Follow these tips when cooking with oven bags for best results:
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Always make slits in the bag per package instructions so steam can escape.
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Reduce oven temp by 25°F compared to recipes not using a bag.
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Spray inside of bag with oil to prevent food from sticking.
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Place bag on a rimmed baking sheet in case of drips.
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For browning or char, broil ribs after removing from bag.
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Check bag occasionally to make sure it’s not puffing up. Make extra vent slits if needed.
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Let food rest 5 minutes before carefully opening bag – hot steam can burn!
More Oven Bag Recipes to Try
Beyond ribs, oven bags are great for cooking moist turkey, tender roasts, flavorful chicken and more. Give these delicious recipes a try:
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Oven Bag Greek Chicken and Vegetables
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Garlic Herb Pork Roast in an Oven Bag
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Oven Bag Apple Cider Pot Roast
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Lemon Pepper Salmon Baked in an Oven Bag
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Oven Bag Turkey Breast with Gravy
Get Perfectly Tender Boneless Ribs Every Time
Cooking boneless pork ribs in an oven bag is a foolproof way to get incredibly moist, fall-off-the-bone meat. Follow my seasoning and oven bag tips for ribs that taste like you spent all day tending a smoker, with way less effort. Ditch the grill hassle and let oven bags do the work for you!