Ribs can feel intimidating, but this method makes them completely foolproof. Low and slow cooking at 140°C fan-forced ensures the meat becomes tender and juicy, while a quick high-heat finish in the oven (or on the BBQ if you prefer) gives a sticky, caramelised crust that’s packed with flavour.
The homemade BBQ sauce only takes about 15 minutes to make, but if you’re short on time or just want to keep things simple, a good-quality store-bought sauce works perfectly. Despite the long cooking time, this recipe is mostly hands-off—once the ribs are in the oven, you can relax and let them slowly become tender and juicy.
I love serving these ribs for a relaxed lunch or weekend BBQ with simple, complementary sides. They pair beautifully with my Miso Butter Corn and a potato salad—choose something lighter like my No Mayo Potato Salad or go indulgent with my Creamy Potato Salad with Crispy Pancetta, Capers & Lemon Zest. I’ve also paired these ribs with my Orange and Fennel Salad—the crisp, fresh flavours contrast beautifully with the rich, sticky ribs.
Why You’ll Love It
- Tender & Juicy: Low and slow at 140°C fan-forced ensures the meat falls-off-the-bone soft.
- Perfectly Caramelised: The high-heat finish creates a sticky, flavour-packed glaze.
- Homemade Sauce: No need for store-bought sauces—smoky, sweet, and tangy all in one.
- Flexible Finish: Finish in the oven or on the BBQ/grill for extra smoky flavour.
- Mostly Hands-Off: Once in the oven, very little effort is needed. Perfect for relaxed lunches or weekend BBQs.
Ingredients Explained
For the dry rub:
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Adds sweetness and helps caramelisation.
- Paprika (2 tbsp) & smoked paprika (1 tsp): Provide colour and smoky flavour.
- Garlic powder & onion powder (1 tbsp each): Adds depth of savoury flavour.
- Ground cumin & dried oregano (1 tbsp each): Give warmth and a touch of earthiness.
- Cayenne pepper (1/2 tsp, optional): Adds a gentle kick.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning.
For the Homemade BBQ Sauce:
- Ketchup (1 cup): Base for sweetness and body.
- Apple cider vinegar (1/4 cup): Adds tang; balance with sugar.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens and rounds out the tang.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp): Adds umami and depth.
- Dijon mustard (1 tbsp, optional): A mild tang; can reduce if you prefer less acidity.
- Smoked paprika & garlic powder (1 tbsp each): Reinforces smoky, savoury notes.
- Cayenne pepper (1/2 tsp, optional): For heat if desired.
- Salt & pepper: To taste.
Tip: If the BBQ sauce tastes too tangy, add 1–2 tbsp more brown sugar or a small splash of honey to balance it.
Pro Tips
- Make sure all ribs are roughly the same thickness for even cooking.
- Broil in the oven for 2–3 minutes if you want extra caramelisation—watch carefully.
- Serve with corn, potato salad, or a crisp fresh salad to balance the richness.
- Leftovers can be reheated gently in the oven wrapped in foil.
Storage
- Fridge: Wrapped in foil for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Low oven (150°C/130°C fan-forced) for 10–15 minutes until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I make the BBQ sauce ahead of time?
Yes, it keeps in the fridge for up to a week.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze cooked ribs in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven wrapped in foil.
Wine Pairing
A medium-bodied red wine like Shiraz or Zinfandel pairs beautifully with the smoky, sweet ribs. For white wine lovers, try a dry Riesling to complement the sticky sauce.
Final Thoughts
These oven-baked pork ribs (spare ribs) are a relaxed, fuss-free way to enjoy ribs at home. Cooking low and slow at 140°C fan-forced ensures melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, while the high-heat finish gives a sticky, caramelised glaze. Serve with corn, potato salad, or a crisp fresh salad for a casual lunch or weekend BBQ that’s full of flavour, but with very little hands-on work.
Oven-Baked BBQ Pork Ribs (Spare Ribs)
Equipment
- Large baking tray
- Foil (for covering ribs)
- Saucepan (for BBQ sauce)
- Sharp knife and cutting board
Ingredients
For the Ribs:
- 1.5 –2 kg pork ribs spare ribs, membrane removed
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper optional
- Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Homemade BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard optional
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper optional
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 140°C fan-forced.
- Prepare the Ribs: Pat the ribs dry. Remove the membrane from the back if not already done.
- Prepare the Spice Rub: Mix brown sugar, paprika, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Rub evenly over both sides of the ribs.
- Protect the Ribs: Place ribs bone-side down on a large tray. Lay a sheet of baking paper on top of the ribs before covering with foil.
- Slow Cook: Bake in the oven for 3.5–4 hours, checking for tenderness after 3.5 hours. The meat should pull away from the bone easily. If not, continue cooking for another 20–30 minutes.Tip: If the ribs look a little dry during cooking, baste lightly with a little olive oil before returning to the oven.
- Make the BBQ Sauce: Combine all BBQ sauce ingredients in a saucepan. Simmer over low heat, stirring frequently until slightly thickened, about 10–15 minutes. Taste and adjust sugar or seasoning if needed.Tip: If you’re in a rush or prefer convenience, a good-quality store-bought sauce works perfectly.
- High Heat Finish: Oven: Increase oven to 220°C (200°C fan-forced). Brush ribs with BBQ sauce and bake 15–20 minutes, uncovered, basting halfway through, until caramelised and sticky.
- Optional BBQ/Grill Finish: Preheat the grill. Brush ribs with BBQ sauce and cook over medium heat 5–10 minutes, turning once, until caramelised and lightly charred.
- Rest & Serve: Let ribs rest 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with extra BBQ sauce and your choice of sides such as corn, potato salad, or a crisp fresh salad.
Video
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Just delicious 👏😋❤️
I love ribs and these were fabulous