Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with these mouthwatering Sweet and Spicy Oven Baked Ribs! Imagine tender, succulent pork ribs glazed with a perfect balance of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and a kick of chili powder that will have your guests begging for the recipe. This isn't just another rib recipe – it's a flavor journey that promises to elevate your home cooking from good to absolutely phenomenal!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork ribs
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low and slow cooking method will help to tenderize the ribs and infuse them with flavor.
- Prepare the pork ribs by removing the membrane on the back. This can be done by sliding a knife under the membrane and pulling it off with a paper towel for a better grip. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to penetrate the meat better.
- In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated, forming a thick marinade.
- Place the ribs in a large baking dish or on a rimmed baking sheet lined with aluminum foil for easier cleanup. Pour the marinade over the ribs, making sure they are evenly coated. For best results, let the ribs marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
- Once marinated, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This will help to trap moisture and steam the ribs as they cook, making them tender.
- Place the covered ribs in the preheated oven and bake for 2 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender.
- After 2 hours, carefully remove the foil from the baking dish. Be cautious of the steam that will escape. At this point, you can brush additional marinade over the ribs for extra flavor.
- Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and return the ribs to the oven, uncovered, for an additional 30 minutes. This will caramelize the sugars in the marinade and create a delicious glaze on the ribs.
- Once the ribs are nicely caramelized and have a sticky glaze, remove them from the oven and let them rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat.
- Slice the ribs between the bones and serve with your favorite sides. Enjoy your sweet and spicy oven-baked ribs!
Tips
- Remove the Membrane: Always remove the tough membrane from the back of the ribs. This simple step allows marinades to penetrate deeper and ensures more tender meat.
- Marinate Overnight: While 30 minutes works, letting the ribs marinate overnight in the refrigerator will dramatically intensify the flavor profile.
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go: The 300°F temperature for the first 2 hours is crucial for breaking down tough connective tissues and creating melt-in-your-mouth ribs.
- Caramelization is Key: The final 30 minutes at 400°F creates that irresistible sticky glaze that makes these ribs truly special.
- Resting Period Matters: Always let the ribs rest for 10 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is perfectly moist and flavorful.Pro tip: For an extra flavor boost, try adding a splash of bourbon or apple cider vinegar to the marinade for a more complex taste profile!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 120mg
