Broiling Bbq Ribs: How Long?

There are many ways to cook ribs, but baking them in the oven is one of the best methods to achieve tasty results. The ideal oven temperature and cooking time depend on the type of ribs and whether they are covered or uncovered. For example, baby back ribs should be cooked at a lower temperature for a shorter period so they don't get overcooked and tough. On the other hand, larger and fattier ribs need to be cooked longer.

A simple way to make baked ribs is to first bake them in the oven until tender, and then broil the sauce until it caramelises. The cooking time for this method is typically around two hours at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it's important to note that the ribs should not be overcooked to the point of becoming fall-off-the-bone, as this indicates that they have become mushy and overcooked.

Additionally, removing the membrane from the ribs before cooking is crucial, as it can become tough and chewy if left on. Overall, with the right techniques and timing, you can enjoy tender and delicious oven-baked ribs all year round.

How to remove the membrane from ribs

The membrane, or peritoneum, is a thin, shiny, white piece of tissue attached to the underside of pork ribs. Leaving the membrane on will result in less flavorful ribs with a tough, chewy texture. Removing it is easy and only takes a few seconds.

First, rinse your ribs under cold water and pat them dry. Then, flip the ribs over so that they are curved toward you. You should see a thin, somewhat translucent layer of white tissue attached to the underside of the ribs.

To remove the membrane, slide a knife under the membrane at one end of the slab of ribs and over a bone. Gently lift and loosen the membrane until it tears. Then, pull the membrane away from the ribs. You can use a paper towel to help you get a grip on the membrane as it may be a little slippery. It should come off in one piece, but if not, just keep removing it in smaller pieces until it's all gone.

Once the membrane is removed, discard it and continue seasoning and preparing your ribs.

Broiling Baked Ribs with Sauce

After removing the membrane, season both sides of the ribs with salt and pepper, or a spice rub of your choice. Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil and bake at 275°F for 2 ½ to 3 ½ hours, or until tender.

When the ribs are ready, remove them from the oven and take off the aluminum foil. Generously brush both sides of the ribs with barbecue sauce. Place the ribs under the broiler for a few minutes until the sauce is caramelized.

How to cook tender ribs

Preparation

Firstly, decide on the type of ribs you want to cook. Baby back ribs are smaller, more curved, and more tender than spare ribs, but spare ribs contain more fat, making them more moist and flavourful.

Before cooking, remove the thin membrane from the back of the rack of ribs. This can be tough when cooked, so it's best to get rid of it. If it hasn't been removed already by your butcher, use a knife to gently slide under the membrane, then use your fingers to peel it away from the bones. If it's slippery, use a kitchen towel to help you grip and pull it off.

Rinse your ribs under cold water and pat them dry.

Cooking the Ribs

The secret to cooking tender ribs is to cook them "low and slow". Wrap the ribs tightly in foil and cook them in the oven at a low temperature (between 275°F and 325°F) for two to three hours. This will ensure the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender.

If you're short on time, you can cook the ribs at a higher temperature of 375°F for 1.5 hours if they're wrapped in foil, or for one hour if they're not wrapped.

For the most tender results, lay the ribs bone-side down in the oven.

Adding Sauce

Once the ribs are cooked, remove them from the oven and unwrap the foil. Baste both sides of the ribs with your chosen barbecue sauce.

Place the ribs back in the oven under the broiler or grill for a few minutes until the sauce is caramelized.

Serving

Let the ribs stand for five minutes before serving. Serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side, and your choice of side dishes. Enjoy!

How to make ribs in the oven

Ingredients

• 2 to 2 ½ pounds of baby back pork ribs
• BBQ sauce
• Olive oil
• Onion
• Garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Brown sugar
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Mustard powder
• Cayenne

Method

• Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
• Remove the thin membrane from the back of the rack of ribs. You can do this by sliding a knife under the membrane and peeling it away from the bones. If it's slippery, use a kitchen towel to help you grip it.
• Season both sides of the ribs generously with salt and pepper. You can also use a spice rub or seasoned salt if you prefer.
• Place the ribs, meatiest-side up, in a large roasting pan. You may need to cut the ribs in half to make them fit.
• Cover the pan tightly with aluminium foil. Alternatively, wrap the rack in tight foil packets and place them on a baking sheet.
• Bake the ribs for 2 ½ to 3 ½ hours, or until the meat falls easily from the bones. Check the ribs after 2 hours to see how they're doing.
• While the ribs are baking, make your barbecue sauce. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat, then add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent.
• Stir in ground cumin and cook for 30 seconds.
• Add ketchup, hot chili sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Stir to combine, season with salt, then cook for 2 minutes. Set aside.
• Once the ribs are tender, remove them from the oven and discard the foil.
• Brush both sides of the ribs generously with barbecue sauce.
• Turn your oven to broil and move an oven rack to the top.
• Place the ribs under the broiler for 3 to 4 minutes, until the barbecue sauce begins to caramelize. Keep a close eye on the ribs to make sure the sauce does not burn.

Tips

• You can use spare ribs, country-style, or St. Louis-style ribs instead of baby back ribs. The cook time should be similar, but keep an eye on them.
• If you're short on time, you can cook the ribs at a higher temperature of 300°F for 2 hours.
• For a charred look, finish the ribs on the grill or under the broiler for a few minutes after baking.
• Serve with sides like potato salad, coleslaw, cornbread, or roasted potatoes.

How to make sticky ribs

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make sticky ribs:

• Spare ribs or baby back pork ribs
• Olive oil
• BBQ sauce
• Garlic
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cumin
• Chili powder or cayenne powder
• Worcestershire sauce
• Ketchup
• Balsamic vinegar
• Honey
• Corn syrup
• Molasses
• Smoked paprika
• Bourbon

Method

Step 1: Prepare the ribs

Remove the thin membrane that covers the underside/bony side of the ribs. Place the ribs on a baking tray or sheet, lined with foil or parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the rub

Mix the dry rub ingredients together in a small bowl. Sprinkle the seasoning over the ribs and drizzle with oil. Rub the seasoning all over the ribs on both sides.

Step 3: Bake the ribs

Cover the tray with foil and bake for 2-3 hours at 275°F-350°F, until tender.

Step 4: Make the sauce

While the ribs are baking, make the barbecue sauce. Combine the sauce ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened and sticky, then set aside.

Step 5: Coat the ribs in sauce

Once the ribs are cooked, remove them from the oven and increase the temperature to 400°F-460°F. Remove the foil and spread the barbecue sauce over the ribs.

Step 6: Broil the ribs

Return the ribs to the oven, uncovered, and bake for a further 10-15 minutes. Change the oven setting to broil on medium-high heat to lightly char and caramelise the edges (about 2-5 minutes).

Step 7: Rest the ribs

Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before slicing, to allow the juices to recirculate back into the meat.

Tips

• If you want crispy, caramelised edges, don't skip the final broiling step!
• You can also cook the ribs on a grill or barbecue.
• For a chewier texture, leave the membrane on the ribs. For easier eating, remove it.

How to finish off the ribs

Now that you've got your ribs all prepped and ready to go, it's time to finish them off!

Finishing off the ribs

There are a few ways to finish off your ribs, depending on the type of ribs you're cooking and the equipment you have available.

Finishing off ribs in the oven

If you're cooking your ribs in the oven, you can finish them off by brushing them with barbecue sauce and broiling them for a few minutes until the sauce is caramelized. Keep a close eye on them while they broil so the sauce does not burn.

Finishing off ribs on the grill

If you're cooking your ribs on the grill, you can finish them off by placing them on the grill over direct but low heat, basting and turning them a few times for about 10 minutes.

Finishing off ribs in a smoker

If you're cooking your ribs in a smoker, you can finish them off by foiling them and putting them back in the smoker for about half an hour, or until they reach the desired level of doneness.

Finishing off ribs with a crispy crust

If you're looking for a crispy crust on your ribs, you can finish them off by broiling them for a few minutes per side before serving.

No matter which method you choose, make sure to keep an eye on your ribs so they don't burn. With these tips, you'll be well on your way to delicious, fall-off-the-bone ribs!

Frequently asked questions