Craving tender, juicy ribs that practically melt in your mouth? Forget the messy grill – this recipe for oven-baked St. Louis ribs delivers incredible flavor and satisfying texture without the fuss. It's a perfect example of delicious dishes achievable even on a busy weeknight. This easy recipe is ideal for quick dinner ideas and makes a fantastic healthy meal, too! Get ready to experience the best ribs you’ve ever made, all from the comfort of your own kitchen. Let's dive into this homemade cooking masterpiece!
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs St. Louis-style pork ribs
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade – see variations below!)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Ribs
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Pat the ribs dry with paper towels. This helps the rub adhere better and creates a crispier bark.
Step 2: Make the Dry Rub
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well.
Step 3: Season the Ribs
Generously rub the spice mixture all over the ribs, ensuring every surface is coated.
Step 4: Braising Magic
Place the ribs in a large roasting pan. Pour the apple cider vinegar into the bottom of the pan. This adds moisture and helps tenderize the meat. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil.
Step 5: Oven Time
Bake for 2.5-3 hours, or until the ribs are fork-tender. You should be able to easily pierce the meat with a fork.
Step 6: Sauce it Up
Remove the ribs from the oven and carefully remove the foil. Increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Slather the ribs generously with your BBQ sauce.
Step 7: Broil to Perfection (Optional)
Place the ribs back in the oven and broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning, to caramelize the sauce and achieve that beautiful glossy finish.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender meat. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious homemade St. Louis ribs!
Cooking Tips for Food Recipes Success:
- Choosing Your Ribs: St. Louis-style ribs are generally preferred for their meaty, rectangular shape.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Ensure your ribs have enough space in the roasting pan for even cooking.
- Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ribs reach an internal temperature of 190-200°F (88-93°C) for optimal tenderness.
- Adjusting Cooking Time: Cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your ribs.
Variations:
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of chili powder or chipotle powder to the rub for extra heat.
- Sweet and Smoky: Use a smoky BBQ sauce and add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to the sauce for extra sweetness.
- Dry Rub Experimentation: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices in your dry rub, like cumin, oregano, or thyme.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. For a general estimate, one serving (approximately 6oz) contains roughly:
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This recipe offers a fantastic opportunity to showcase your culinary skills and impress your friends and family with a truly memorable meal. These easy recipes are a great way to elevate your weeknight dinners and enjoy healthy meals without sacrificing flavor. Happy cooking!