Fall-off-the-bone tender baby back ribs smothered in a rich, homemade BBQ sauce—with zero need for a grill—this oven-baked recipe delivers unbeatable flavor and stickiness straight from your kitchen!

If there’s one recipe that disappears fast in my house during the summer, it’s these easy oven-baked BBQ pork ribs . The moment they come out of the oven, my kids and husband are already hovering—sticky fingers, full plates, and big smiles every time. These baby back ribs turn out so tender and juicy, coated in a sweet, smoky glaze that’s hard to resist. While I love baking them in the oven, they’re just as amazing finished off on the grill for that extra charred flavor.

The first person who ever taught me how to make ribs was my Aunty Ann back home in Guyana. She was known for her BBQ—so much so that she used to host yard sales selling her ribs with the most flavorful sauce you could imagine. Over the years, I’ve created my own version of that recipe, simple but packed with bold flavor. And every time I make these ribs, I smile knowing she’d be proud—and probably sneaking a plate for herself, too.

If you’re loving this BBQ ribs recipe, then you’ll definitely want to try my Jerk Chicken , Chinese-Inspired Chicken and Crispy Fried Chicken - definitely summer favorites!

Tips for making delicious Pork ribs

When making BBQ pork ribs in the oven, here are a few things you must keep in mind:

• Preparation of ribs: Removing the membrane or the silver skin on the pork ribs ensures that the ribs get tender and you get that “fall-off-the-bone” experience.

• Applying the Homemade Sauce: Let the ribs bake uncovered for the first hour without any sauce. Then take them out, generously brush on your BBQ sauce, and return them to the oven. This allows the ribs to develop a deeper savory base.

• Check for Doneness: If you’re unsure the ribs are done, you can pierce the meat with a fork – it should feel very tender with little resistance. You can also pick up one end of the rack with tongs and see if the meat starts to crack or split from the bone (a sign of tenderness). Avoid over-baking, as the meat can actually start to dry out if cooked far too long even with foil.

• Broil for Bark: After the ribs are tender, a few minutes under the broiler (or a high-heat blast) is crucial for that glossy, caramelized “bark” on the outside. This replicates the char you’d get on a grill. Just be attentive to prevent burning. You’ll be rewarded with ribs that have both amazing texture and flavor: tender meat plus sticky, charred edges.

Ingredient breakdown

Here is a detailed description of everything you will need for this recipe:

• Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard was used as a binder. If you don’t have Dijon, yellow mustard works just as well to help the seasoning stick. The mustard flavor itself mellows out during cooking, so even non-mustard fans won’t notice it in the final dish. Another great option is honey Dijon mustard . I have also used this a couple of times and it takes your ribs to the next level.

• Brown sugar: Brown sugar has a rich and deep flavor and color. It gives the sweetness and stickiness required for this recipe and helps in balancing out the flavor. You can use light or dark brown sugar either one works well .

• Cinnamon spice: Cinnamon has a unique, slightly sweet flavor. It brings in warmth.

• Garlic and ginger paste: Ginger and garlic paste brings in a savory flavor to the marinate.

• Ketchup: Ketchup adds tanginess and tomatoey flavor.

• BBQ sauce: The main hero is the BBQ sauce. It has a very well-balanced flavor and makes these ribs stand out.

• White wine: The fruity and slightly sweet flavor of white wine goes so well with the pork.

• Seasoning: Salt, Black pepper, and Creole Seasoning are enough to add flavors to the ribs.

What to serve with BBQ pork ribs?

BBQ pork ribs are super delicious and are served as the main course. These are quite wholesome and fulfilling. However, there are several sides you can serve with pork ribs. Here are a few ideas:

• Salad: Whether it is fresh garden salad, macaroni salad, or potato salad, the choices are unlimited. Serve a salad alongside this delicious dish, and it will bring in the freshness of the fresh fruits and vegetables.

• Mashed potatoes: Nothing can go wrong with creamy, smooth, and satisfying mashed potatoes. The simple and delicate flavor of the mashed potatoes goes so well with the BBQ pork ribs.

• Roasted vegetables: Italian herb roasted vegetables like carrots, peas, broccoli, cauliflower, and asparagus not just taste delicious but are also go so well with the ribs.

• Mac n cheese: What else do you need when you have mac n cheese? Serve it alongside pork ribs to make the meal super luxurious and comfortable at the same time.

• Baked beans: Baked beans are also an amazing choice when you are looking for sides with the ribs. These are also delicious and full of healthy nutrients.

How to store BBQ pork ribs?

If you are wondering what to do with the leftover BBQ pork ribs, it is not a problem. You can place the leftover ribs in an air-tight container and store them in the refrigerator. It is good to go for about four days. Furthermore, you can also place it in a zip-lock plastic bag and store it in the freezer. This way, it will last for almost a month in the freezer.

When reheating it, simply place it in the oven to broil for about 10 to 20 minutes, depending on whether the ribs are frozen or not.