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This easy St Louis ribs recipe makes pork ribs in the oven using a simple dry rub and foil. They turn out tender, super flavorful and delicious every single time!
Oven Baked Ribs
Yes, you CAN bake ribs in the oven. pork spare ribs, baby back ribs, country style ribs and even beef ribs are all perfect for baking. I actually started cooking ribs in the oven last summer because it was just way too hot to be outside in 100-degree heat!
The process is super easy, and a great alternative to grilling or smoking, especially if you don’t own a grill or a smoker!
I have made ribs many different ways, and baking is hands-down my favorite way because it’s so easy. My family agrees. In fact, even my picky eater, who doesn’t usually like ribs, ate them all up!
Why you’ll love this easy baked pork ribs recipe
It’s almost completely hands-off. No standing over a hot grill or babysitting the meat. Just rub, wrap and bake!
There are no complicated steps or ingredients here. I like to finish the ribs under the broiler or on the grill for a few minutes for extra flavor, but that’s it!
If you have an oven, you can make the best baked ribs ever, in any weather all year long!
St. Louis vs Baby Back
Chances are, you’ll find spare ribs or baby back ribs in most grocery stores. St. Louis-style ribs are just spare ribs that have been trimmed so that they are nice and uniform.
Baby backs come from the top of the rib cage and are usually curved, shorter and not as uniform. Spare ribs come from the bottom of the rib cage and are longer and flatter with more meat between the bones.
They may take a little longer to cook than baby backs, but they tend to be a little fattier, which makes them less prone to drying out during the cooking process. Personally, I feel St. Louis ribs are better form baking, but it’s ultimately your choice.
What You Need
Here are the basic ingredients. Full amounts are located in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Pork ribs — This recipe works with 1 or 2 racks of ribs.
- Spices — a simple blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar and smoked paprika. I use this blend for all of my BBQ pork and rib recipes. You can use your favorite rub here
- BBQ sauce — I love Sweet Baby Rays, buy you can use your favorite brand or make a homemade BBQ sauce.
How to Make St Louis Ribs in the Oven
First, you make the dry rub. Then, trim any excess fat and remove the membrane (silver skin) from the back of the ribs if necessary. You may not need to do this if it has been trimmed by the butcher.
Pat ribs dry with a paper towel and rub the spice mixture all over, pressing the spices into the meat. Place the ribs on a foil lined baking sheet, cover tightly with foil, and bake for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until cooked to your liking. Brush with BBQ sauce and broil for about 5 minutes or finish on the grill for extra flavor.
Serve with your favorite BBQ side dishes like potato salad, broccoli cauliflower salad, corn on the cob or corn salad.
Quick Tips
To remove the silver skin, slide a dull knife or butter knife under the edge of the membrane, lift it up, and pull until it comes off. Using a paper towel to grab the skin helps if it is too slippery.
If you don’t want fall-off-the-bone ribs, check for doneness after 2 hours. The temperature should be around 195-200 degrees, and the meat should be pulling away from the ends of the bones. After 3 hours in the oven, the meat should be sliding off of the bones easily.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months.
More Ways to Cook Ribs
Easy Oven Baked St Louis Ribs
Ingredients
- 4 pounds pork ribs St. Louis style, 2 racks
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 teaspoons sea salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300℉
- Pat ribs dry with a paper towel, and remove silverskin if needed
- Rub ribs all over with dry rub mixture, pressing into meat with your hands
- Place ribs on 9×13-inch foil lined baking sheet, and cover tightly with aluminum foil
- Place in preheated oven, and bake for 2 ½ to 3 hours or to desired doneness
- Brush with BBQ sauce, and, if desired, broil for 3-5 minutes or finish on grill over medium heat
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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