Hickory Smoked Oven Baked Pork Ribs

For the Rib Rub

• 1 tablespoon meat tenderizer
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1/2 tablespoon white pepper
• 1 tablespoon hickory smoke powder
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• Smithfield pork loin back ribs, or pork ribs of your choice

For the Homemade BBQ Sauce

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 275°F.
2. Remove the ribs from the packaging and pat them dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix meat tenderizer, paprika, white pepper, hickory smoke powder, and light brown sugar.
4. Generously coat both sides of the ribs with the dry rub, pressing it into the meat.
5. Place the seasoned ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
6. Cover the ribs tightly with another piece of foil to create a sealed packet.
7. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and begins to pull away from the bones.
8. While the ribs bake, make the BBQ sauce by combining ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a saucepan.
9. Simmer the BBQ sauce over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
10. Carefully remove the ribs from the oven and discard the top foil.
11. Brush the homemade BBQ sauce over the ribs.
12. Increase the oven temperature to 350°F.
13. Return the ribs to the oven uncovered for 30 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
14. Let the ribs rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.
15. Serve with extra BBQ sauce and enjoy.

Why These Oven Baked Ribs Work

Low and slow baking helps the ribs become tender without a smoker or grill. The hickory smoke powder gives the ribs smoky flavor, while the brown sugar helps balance the spices.

Finishing the ribs uncovered with BBQ sauce gives them a sticky, flavorful, caramelized outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

Helpful Rib Tips

• Pat the ribs dry. This helps the seasoning stick better.
• Cover tightly with foil. This keeps moisture in while the ribs bake.
• Cook low and slow. Low heat helps the ribs become tender.
• Let the sauce thicken. Simmering the BBQ sauce gives it better texture.
• Rest before slicing. Resting helps keep the ribs juicy.

What to Serve with Oven Baked Ribs

• Macaroni and cheese
• Baked beans
• Coleslaw
• Potato salad
• Cornbread
• Collard greens