To cook ribs quickly in the oven while still achieving tender and flavorful results, follow these steps:
Quick Oven-Baked Ribs Method
- Preparation:
- Remove the silver skin (membrane) from the back of the ribs for more tender meat.
- Trim excess fat but leave some for flavor.
- Season the ribs with a dry rub or simply salt and pepper. You can use a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne for a good spice rub.
- Cooking Temperature and Time:
- Preheat your oven to a higher temperature than traditional low-and-slow methods, around 350°F (175°C). This speeds up cooking while still tenderizing the ribs.
- Place the ribs on a wire rack over a baking tray to allow even heat circulation.
- Bake uncovered for about 1.5 to 2 hours , flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Finishing:
- Remove ribs from the oven and brush both sides with BBQ sauce.
- Broil the ribs for a few minutes on each side until the sauce caramelizes and gets sticky. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before serving.
Summary of a Fast Oven Ribs Recipe
- Trim and season ribs.
- Bake at 350°F for 1.5 to 2 hours, flipping halfway.
- Brush with BBQ sauce and broil briefly.
- Rest and serve.
This method yields tender, juicy ribs in about 2 hours total, much faster than traditional slow baking at lower temperatures which can take 3+ hours
Additional Tips
- If you want even faster cooking, cutting ribs into individual pieces before seasoning and baking can reduce cooking time slightly.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of about 175-185°F for tender ribs.
- Wrapping ribs in foil can help retain moisture but may extend cooking time; for speed, baking uncovered is better.
This approach balances speed and tenderness for oven ribs without needing a grill or smoker