Beef ribs are a quintessential BBQ dish, loved for their incredible rich flavor and fall-off-the-bone tenderness when cooked low and slow. However, not everyone has the luxury of spending hours tending a smoker or grill. The good news is you can make deliciously tender oven-baked beef ribs in a fraction of the usual time
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to cook beef ribs in the oven fast while maximizing flavor and ensuring they turn out succulent and juicy. With a few simple tricks and techniques you can enjoy these meaty ribs any night of the week without the mess and hassle of grilling or smoking.
Choosing the Best Beef Ribs for Oven Roasting
To achieve the ideal oven-roasted ribs, it all starts with choosing the right cut Here are the top options
Back Ribs
Back ribs come from the upper rib section near the spine and are usually more tender and meaty than other rib cuts. They have less fat than short ribs but still boast incredible flavor. Back ribs tend to cook faster than other rib varieties, making them a top choice for the oven.
Short Ribs
Cut from the belly side, short ribs contain more bone and fat. They are wonderfully rich and flavorful but do require a bit longer roasting time to reach tenderness due to their high collagen content.
For oven roasting, opt for back ribs if you’re really pressed for time. But short ribs will deliver unbeatable depth of flavor with just a little longer cook time.
Oven Roasting Method for Speedy, Delicious Results
Follow these simple steps for fork-tender beef ribs without the fuss:
Step 1: Prep the Ribs
- Choose ribs approximately 2-3 lbs to feed 4 people
- Pat dry well with paper towels
- Remove the thin membrane from the bone side for tenderness
- Season liberally with salt, pepper, garlic powder
Step 2: Wrap in Foil
- Wrap ribs completely in heavy-duty aluminum foil
- Foil helps trap moisture and speed cooking
- Fold tightly to seal all juices during baking
Step 3: Roast at High Heat
- Place wrapped ribs on a baking sheet
- Roast at 425°F for 1 hour
- The high heat helps reduce cooking time
Step 4: Unwrap and Finish
- Remove ribs from oven, carefully unwrap foil
- Brush with barbecue sauce or glaze
- Broil 3-5 minutes to caramelize the sauce
In less than 90 minutes, you’ll have amazingly tender, juicy oven-baked beef ribs ready to devour. The initial high-heat roasting reduces cooking time while the foil wrap locks in moisture.
Oven Roasting Tips for Foolproof Beef Ribs Every Time
With the right techniques, making beef ribs in the oven is easy and delicious. Follow these pro tips for incredible results:
Choose the right size ribs – Opt for racks approximately 2-3 pounds each to feed 4 people. Uniformly sized ribs will cook evenly.
Pat ribs very dry – This helps the rub adhere and promotes browning and flavor development.
Remove membrane – Slide a spoon underneath to loosen the membrane then pull it off for tenderness.
Season heavily – A salty, peppery rub is classic. You can also play with spices like garlic, onion, paprika, cumin or chili powder.
Tightly wrap in foil – This is key for braising and infusing with flavor. Use heavy-duty foil and wrap it tight.
Use a rib rack – Elevating the ribs allows air flow and even cooking. The juice catches in the pan below.
Check temperature – Use a meat thermometer to test doneness. 185-205°F is ideal.
Let rest before eating – Allow ribs to rest 5-10 minutes after cooking for juicy results.
Oven-Baked Beef Rib Recipes to Try
Beyond classic seasoned oven ribs, there are so many fantastic flavor possibilities.
Easy Balsamic Glazed Ribs
Coat ribs with a zesty blend of brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and Italian herbs before roasting. The sweet tangy glaze is finger-licking good.
Memphis-Style Dry Rub Ribs
For authentic Memphis flavor, rub ribs with a combo of paprika, brown sugar, garlic, mustard, chili powder and other warm spices.
Korean BBQ Short Ribs
Short ribs are braised in a Korean-inspired sauce with soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger and gochujang. The oven helps the sauce caramelize into the meat.
Coffee-Crusted Beef Ribs
Coffee adds a wonderfully unique flavor and aroma to the spice rub. Balanced with brown sugar and chili powder, it makes a stellar crust.
No matter which oven-roasted ribs recipe you try, you’ll enjoy juicy, richly flavored ribs any night of the week, rivaling the best BBQ — but without having to stand outside manning the grill!
The Perfect Sides for Oven-Roasted Beef Ribs
Here are some sensational sides to serve alongside your succulent oven-baked ribs:
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Cornbread – Warm buttery cornbread is classic for soaking up juices.
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Coleslaw – Cool, tangy coleslaw balances the rich ribs.
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Baked beans – Sweet, saucy baked beans pair perfectly.
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Mac and cheese – Ooey-gooey comfort food.
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Potato salad – Creamy potatoes are a great foil.
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Collard greens – Earthy, hearty collards cut the richness.
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Mashed potatoes – Butter-loaded potatoes are irresistible.
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Corn on the cob – Grilled corn with a sprinkle of chili powder.
With the right sides, you’ve got an amazing oven-roasted beef rib feast ready in no time. Dig in and enjoy!
Oven-Baked Beef Ribs: Satisfying Any Night of the Week
Cooking beef ribs in the oven fast may seem improbable for such a rich, flavorful rib recipe. However, with a few simple tricks like high heat, heavy foil wraps, and the right cut of ribs, you can enjoy incredibly tender, fall-off-the-bone oven baked ribs any night of the week.
In less than 90 minutes, you’ll be feasting on succulent beef ribs loaded with incredible flavor and juiciness to rival the best BBQ ribs. Free yourself from the grill and discover just how easy it is to make these crowd-pleasing ribs right in your own oven. Dinner just got a whole lot more delicious!
How to Make Oven-Baked Beef Ribs – The Steps
Step 1: Heat the oven to 225°F.
Step 2: Use a sharp knife to cut the membrane off the bottom of the ribs. Grab a corner of the membrane and slide your knife between the membrane and the meat. Then slowly cut away the sinews until you can remove the whole membrane.
Step 3: Place the ribs onto a baking sheet. Dab the meat dry with a paper towel. Sprinkle the barbecue spice all over the meat and rub it in.
Step 4: Cover the entire tray with foil and close completely. Then place the tray in the center of the oven to bake for 3 hours. Be sure to inspect it occasionally. If it seems a little dry and burnt in places, add a splash of water to the tray, cover, and replace in the oven. You want the meat to be falling off the bone.
Step 5: Remove the foil and smother the meat with the barbecue sauce. Replace in the oven, and bake for another 10 minutes until the sauce caramelizes.
Beef vs. Pork Ribs?
Ahh, the age-old question. Well, aside from the obvious—beef comes from cows; pork, from pigs—there are a few ways these ribs are dissimilar. Beef ribs are more robust, both in taste and size, and provide a heartier meal than their pork counterparts. You’re going to pay for all that meaty goodness, however, as beef ribs are, in general, more expensive. They also take longer to cook because of their girth, so they don’t lend themselves to a quick turnaround. Beef ribs though are versatile, and can be grilled, braised, slow-cooked, and smoked—that last one in particular is important to note, as they can easily absorb smoky flavors. Pork ribs, then, are cheaper and easier to cook. They have a milder flavor and are a bit more tender than beef.
- 2 lb. beef ribs
- 3 tbsp barbecue spice
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
How To Bake Beef Back Ribs
FAQ
How long do you cook beef ribs in the oven for?
Preheat oven to 160°C (140°fan-forced). Bring ribs to room temperature. Cover with foil and roast for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes or until tender.
How long do beef ribs take to cook at 400 degrees?
If wrapped in foil, the ribs can go for up to 3 hours at 300 degrees, or crank the oven up to 400 degrees for a briefer baking time—1 1/2 to 2 hours. Great big beef dino ribs need even longer in the oven, and it’s best to keep them covered so they don’t dry out.
How long does it take to cook a 2 rib of beef?
Place the Beef Rib joint in the centre of the hot oven and allow about 25 minutes cooking time for every 450g in weight, plus another 25 minutes (timings can …
Should I bake ribs at 275 or 300?
Bake the ribs.
Set the oven to 300°F. Move the ribs to an oven rack in the middle of the oven. Bake 2 1/2 to 3 hours for spareribs or 1 1/2 to 2 hours for baby back ribs. Halfway through cooking, cover the ribs with aluminum foil to protect them from drying out.