How to Cook Pork Spare Ribs in the Oven for Tender, Juicy Results

Pork spare ribs are a flavorful and delicious cut of meat that just need a little time and care in the oven to become fall-off-the-bone tender Learning how to properly prep and slow cook pork spare ribs in the oven results in ribs with moist, tender meat and incredible flavor.

Follow this guide to cooking spare ribs in the oven and you’ll turn out amazing ribs every time without needing a grill or smoker.

Benefits of Cooking Spare Ribs in the Oven

There are a few advantages to using the oven vs. other methods:

• Convenient and simple – No specialized equipment needed

• Even, consistent heat – Oven distributes heat evenly around ribs

• Temperature control – Easier to maintain exact temp compared to grill

• All weather cooking – Don’t have to wait for perfect grilling weather

• Lower temp roasting tenderizes – Longer cook time at ~300°F allows meat to become super tender

• Ability to braise – Adding liquid to the pan steams ribs as they cook, keeping them extra moist

How to Choose Good Spare Ribs for Oven Cooking

Look for racks of spare ribs that:

• Are meaty and well-marbled – More fat means more flavor and tenderness

• Have a nice layer of meat between bones – At least 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick

• Have flexibility – Slightly bend without cracking or snapping

• Have a reddish-pink color without graying

• Don’t have a strong odor – Should have little smell when raw

Allow ribs to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking for more even roasting.

Seasoning and Flavoring Pork Spare Ribs

To add great flavor to your oven-baked ribs, consider:

• Dry rubs – Generously coat ribs with spice mixes before cooking

• Barbecue sauce – Brush with BBQ sauce during last 10-30 minutes

• Braising liquids – Add flavor using beer, wine, broth, juice

• Marinades – Let ribs soak in a wet marinade before cooking

• Wood chips – Add soaked chips to the roasting pan for subtle smoke flavor

How to Cook Pork Spare Ribs Step-By-Step

Follow these simple steps for incredible oven-baked spare ribs every time.

Ingredients

• 1-2 racks pork spare ribs (2-4 lbs)
• Dry rub, enough to coat ribs
• 1 cup beer, wine, broth or juice
• Barbecue sauce (optional)

Instructions

1. Prep ribs: Remove membrane from back of ribs. Trim off excess fat and silverskin. Pat completely dry.

2. Season ribs: Generously apply dry spice rub all over ribs on both sides, pressing into meat.

3. Pour braising liquid in pan: Place ribs meaty-side up on a foil-lined baking sheet. Pour broth, beer, wine or juice in bottom of pan.

4. Cover and bake at 300°F: Seal pan tightly with foil. Bake 2-3 hours until tender and meat pulls back from bones.

5. Uncover and bake longer: Remove foil. Brush ribs with barbecue sauce if desired. Bake 30-60 mins more until browned and crispy.

6. Rest, slice, and serve: Let ribs rest 5-10 minutes before slicing into individual ribs.

Oven Pork Spare Ribs Tips

• For extra smoky flavor, add soaked wood chips to the braising liquid.

• Flip ribs halfway during uncovered baking time for even browning.

• To check doneness, meat should be very tender when poked with a fork.

• Let ribs rest before slicing or the meat can dry out.

• Slice ribs between each bone before serving.

How to Tell When Ribs Are Done

It can be tricky to tell when ribs are fully cooked without overcooking them. Watch for these signs:

• Internal temp of 195°-205°F – Use a meat thermometer to check doneness in thickest part.

• Bone exposure – Meat has contracted and pulled back from tips of bones.

• Tender but not falling off – Meat starts easily pulling away but is not completely falling off bones.

• Toothpick test – A toothpick or skewer slides easily through meat.

The ribs are done when they reach the sweet spot of being tender enough to bite through easily but still holding onto the bone.

##Delicious Sparerib Recipes to Try

Here are two excellent oven-baked spare rib recipes:

Fall Off the Bone Oven Spareribs

This simple method results in incredibly tender, juicy ribs.

Fall Off the Bone Oven Spareribs

Barbecue Pork Ribs with Homemade Sauce

Baked in a sweet and tangy homemade barbecue sauce until sticky and falling off the bone.

Oven Pork Ribs with Barbecue Sauce

Serving Suggestions for Baked Spare Ribs

Oven-cooked spare ribs pair well with these sides:

• Corn on the cob

• Coleslaw or potato salad

• Baked beans

• Mac and cheese

• Cornbread

• Collard greens

• Mashed potatoes

For something fresh, serve ribs with a crisp green salad or cut fruit like watermelon.

Oven Sparerib Leftovers

Leftover baked spare ribs keep well refrigerated for 4-5 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to prevent drying out. Ways to repurpose extras:

• Chop into cubes for fried rice or pasta dishes

• Toss with barbecue sauce, pile on buns for pulled pork sandwiches

• Make nachos, tacos, enchiladas or burritos

• Stir into soups, beans, chili or pasta sauce

• Top pizza, flatbreads or nachos

With the right prep and cooking technique, oven-baked spare ribs turn out incredibly moist, tender and full of flavor. Follow these tips for success every time. Ditch the grill and enjoy finger-licking good spare ribs conveniently cooked right in your oven.