Oven-Roasted BBQ Pork Ribs with Memphis Dry Rub

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Pork ribs rubbed with a spicy-sweet Memphis-style dry rub, slow-roasted until tender with a caramelized crust. This american-inspired pork ready in about 215 minutes pairs brown sugar, paprika, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 195 min Serves 6 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, and 1 tbsp chili powder to create the dry rub.
  2. Step 2: Remove the silver skin from the back of the 2 racks of pork baby back ribs, then generously coat both sides of each rack with the dry rub, pressing it into the meat.
  3. Step 3: Place the ribs on a large rimmed baking sheet lined with foil, pour 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar and 1/2 cup water into the bottom of the pan to keep ribs moist.
  4. Step 4: Cover the ribs tightly with foil and roast in the preheated oven for 3 hours until the meat is tender and pulls away from the bone.
  5. Step 5: Remove the foil and brush 1/2 cup barbecue sauce evenly over the ribs. Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and roast uncovered for an additional 15 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
  6. Step 6: Let ribs rest for 10 minutes before slicing between bones and serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Oven-Roasted BBQ Pork Ribs with Memphis Dry Rub take to make?

Total time is about 215 minutes (20 min prep + 195 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Oven-Roasted BBQ Pork Ribs with Memphis Dry Rub?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep brown sugar from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Oven-Roasted BBQ Pork Ribs with Memphis Dry Rub?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Oven-Roasted BBQ Pork Ribs with Memphis Dry Rub for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Oven-Roasted BBQ Pork Ribs with Memphis Dry Rub?

American pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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