Description

Tender, juicy beef ribs baked low and slow in the oven with a smoky brown sugar rub that creates a caramelized, flavorful crust. Perfect for easy, comforting dinners without the grill fuss.

Ingredients

Scale

3 to 4 pounds beef ribs (preferably short ribs with a good fat cap)
½ cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons smoked paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
Pat the beef ribs dry with paper towels. Trim any excess silver skin or thick fat caps if desired.
In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir until well blended.
Rub 2 tablespoons of olive oil all over the ribs to help the dry rub stick and promote browning.
Generously sprinkle the smoky brown sugar rub all over the ribs, pressing it into the meat on all sides.
Optionally, lightly spritz the ribs with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to add brightness.
Place the ribs bone-side down on a wire rack set over a foil-lined baking sheet.
Bake in the oven for 2 to 2.5 hours. Check at 2 hours for tenderness; meat should be tender and pulling away from the bone but not falling off completely.
Optionally broil the ribs for 3-5 minutes at the end for a caramelized finish, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute before serving.

Notes

For best results, apply the rub the night before and let ribs rest uncovered in the fridge to intensify the bark. Use a wire rack to prevent soggy bottoms. Check tenderness at 2 hours and add time in 15-minute increments if needed. Optionally broil at the end for a caramelized crust. Store leftovers wrapped tightly in foil or airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1
Calories: 375
Sugar: 6.5
Sodium: 900
Fat: 27.5
Saturated Fat: 10
Carbohydrates: 9
Fiber: 1
Protein: 32.5

Keywords: oven-baked beef ribs, smoky brown sugar rub, easy ribs recipe, tender beef ribs, low and slow ribs, comfort food, beef short ribs