Pork spare ribs are a delicious and popular cut of meat that can be cooked in the oven for a quick and easy meal. These juicy and tender ribs are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re having a family dinner or hosting a barbecue with friends.

Cooking pork spare ribs in the oven is a great alternative to grilling, especially if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill or if the weather isn’t cooperating. Plus, it’s a faster method that still results in mouthwatering ribs.

Here’s a simple and fast recipe for cooking pork spare ribs in the oven:

Preparation

Before you start cooking the pork spare ribs in the oven, there are a few preparation steps you need to follow to ensure the best results:

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the oven is at the right temperature when you place the ribs inside.
Step 2: Cut the spare ribs into individual rib portions. This will make it easier to handle and cook the ribs evenly.
Step 3: Season the ribs with your preferred dry rub or marinade. This step is crucial for adding flavor to the ribs. You can use a pre-made dry rub or create your own using a combination of spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Place the seasoned ribs in a baking dish or on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. This will make cleanup easier and prevent the ribs from sticking to the pan.
Step 5: Cover the ribs with another sheet of aluminum foil. This will help keep the moisture in and prevent the ribs from drying out.

Once you have finished preparing the ribs, they are ready to be cooked in the oven! Make sure to follow the remaining steps in the recipe to ensure perfectly cooked and delicious pork spare ribs.

Choosing the right ribs

When it comes to cooking pork spare ribs in the oven, choosing the right ribs can make a significant difference in the flavor and tenderness of the final dish. Here are some factors to consider when selecting your ribs:

1. Cut of Ribs

There are two main cuts of pork spare ribs: St. Louis style and baby back ribs. St. Louis style ribs are cut from the belly area of the pig and are known for their rich, fatty meat. Baby back ribs, on the other hand, are cut from the upper back area and are leaner and smaller in size.

2. Meat Quality

When choosing ribs, it is important to consider the quality of the meat. Look for ribs that have good marbling, which is the fat that runs through the meat. This marbling will help keep the ribs moist and tender during cooking.

3. Freshness

Ensure the ribs you select are fresh and not past their expiration date. Fresh ribs will have a bright pink color and a slightly sweet smell. Avoid ribs that have a strong or unpleasant odor.

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4. Thickness and Size

The thickness and size of the ribs can also affect the cooking time and tenderness. Thicker ribs will require a longer cooking time to ensure they are tender and juicy. Additionally, larger ribs may require more seasoning or marinade to ensure the flavors penetrate throughout the meat.

Cut Description
St. Louis Style Ribs cut from the belly area, known for rich, fatty meat
Baby Back Ribs Ribs cut from the upper back area, leaner and smaller in size

By considering these factors and selecting the right ribs, you can ensure a delicious and satisfying meal of pork spare ribs cooked in the oven.

Gathering the ingredients

Before you begin cooking your pork spare ribs in the oven, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 2 racks of pork spare ribs
  • 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of paprika
  • 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon of onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional for some extra heat)
  • 1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce

Make sure to choose high-quality spare ribs and barbecue sauce for the best flavor. You can also customize the spices and seasonings based on your personal preferences.

Marinating the ribs

Marinating the pork spare ribs is an essential step to infuse them with flavor and ensure they turn out tender and juicy. Here’s how to marinate the ribs:

1. Choose the marinade

Select a marinade that complements the taste of pork ribs. You can choose from various options like barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, or a combination of herbs and spices. Make sure the marinade is well-seasoned and has a balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.

2. Prepare the marinade

In a bowl, combine the marinade ingredients as per the recipe or your preferences. This may include ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. Stir well to combine everything and dissolve the sugar completely.

3. Coat the ribs

Place the spare ribs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the ribs, ensuring they are well-coated on all sides. Massage the marinade into the meat gently to enhance absorption.

4. Marinate the ribs

Cover the bag or dish with plastic wrap or seal it tightly to prevent any leaks. Place the marinated ribs in the refrigerator and let them marinate for at least 2-4 hours, but preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and tenderize it.

5. Optional step: Baste during marination

If desired, you can baste the ribs with additional marinade halfway through the marination process. This helps to intensify the flavors and adds extra moisture to the meat.

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Marinating the ribs is an important step that enhances their taste and texture, ensuring a delicious eating experience. Once the ribs are thoroughly marinated, they are ready to be cooked and enjoyed!

Creating the marinade

Marinating the pork spare ribs is an essential step to infuse them with delicious flavors. Below is a simple and flavorful marinade recipe that you can use:

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and black pepper. This marinade will add a savory, slightly sweet, and smoky taste to the ribs.

Step 2: Place the pork spare ribs in a large zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Make sure the ribs are evenly coated with the marinade. Seal the bag tightly.

Optional: You can also use a large baking dish or airtight container instead of a zip-top bag.

Step 3: Refrigerate the marinated ribs for at least 2 hours, but ideally overnight. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and make it more tender.

That’s it! You now have a delicious marinade ready to impart incredible flavors to your pork spare ribs. In the next section, we will cover the steps for cooking the ribs in the oven.

Coating the ribs

Once you have prepared your pork spare ribs by trimming off excess fat and removing the membrane, it’s time to coat them with a delicious rub. This will add flavor and help to form a nice crust on the outside of the ribs.

Choosing a rub

There are countless rub recipes out there, so you can choose one that suits your taste preferences. A basic rub usually consists of a combination of spices such as salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can also add brown sugar for a touch of sweetness or cayenne pepper for some heat.

If you don’t have time to make your own rub, you can also use a store-bought one. Just make sure to read the label and check for any ingredients that you may be allergic to or don’t like.

Applying the rub

To apply the rub, generously coat both sides of the ribs with the mixture. Use your hands to massage the rub into the meat, ensuring that it is evenly distributed. Don’t forget to coat the edges of the ribs as well.

Once the ribs are coated, cover them with plastic wrap and let them sit in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible. This will allow the flavors from the rub to penetrate the meat and enhance its taste.

After the ribs have marinated, they are ready to be cooked in the oven. Keep reading to learn how to cook the pork spare ribs to perfection!

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Cooking the ribs

Once the marinade has had time to infuse the meat, it’s time to cook the pork spare ribs in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Remove the ribs from the marinade and place them on a baking sheet. Make sure to discard any excess marinade. Sprinkle salt and black pepper on both sides of the ribs, ensuring an even coating.

Cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil, sealing it tightly. This will help trap the moisture and create a steamy environment for the ribs to cook in.

Place the ribs in the preheated oven and cook for approximately 2 hours. During the cooking process, you can baste the ribs with the leftover marinade every 30 minutes to keep them moist and flavorful.

After 2 hours, remove the foil from the baking sheet and increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C). This will allow the ribs to develop a caramelized crust.

Continue cooking the ribs for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until they are tender and nicely browned. Keep an eye on them during this last stage to prevent them from burning.

Once the ribs are cooked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This will help the juices redistribute and make the meat even more tender.

Serve the pork spare ribs hot and enjoy!

FAQ

What are the ingredients needed to cook pork spare ribs in the oven?

The ingredients needed to cook pork spare ribs in the oven are pork spare ribs, barbecue sauce, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.

How long does it take to cook pork spare ribs in the oven?

The cooking time for pork spare ribs in the oven depends on the recipe and temperature settings, but generally, it takes about 2 to 3 hours to cook them thoroughly.

Can I marinate the pork spare ribs before cooking them in the oven?

Yes, marinating the pork spare ribs before cooking them in the oven is a great way to add flavor. You can marinate them for a few hours or overnight to enhance the taste.

What temperature should I set the oven to for cooking pork spare ribs?

The oven temperature for cooking pork spare ribs is typically set to 275 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (135 to 150 degrees Celsius). This low and slow cooking method helps to make the ribs tender and juicy.

Can I use a dry rub instead of barbecue sauce for cooking pork spare ribs in the oven?

Yes, you can use a dry rub instead of barbecue sauce for cooking pork spare ribs in the oven. Simply apply the dry rub generously to the ribs before placing them in the oven.