Easy Baked Ribs

Ribs are super fun to eat and make a great show-piece when serving to company.  Most people don’t like to make them, however, because they think they are too involved and take too long to make.  Many people think you have to have a smoker in order to make ribs as well or at least simulate a smoker. 

Follow my recipe and let me take the mystery out of ribs.  In less than three hours, with a hands-on time of about 20 minutes, you can have mouth-watering, fall-off-the-bone ribs.  My number one tip when making ribs is to use baby back ribs, they are a lot meatier and more tender than short ribs.  

Start by placing a rack of baby back ribs, meat side up, on a foil-lined baking sheet (easy clean-up).  Sprinkle ribs with a couple tablespoons of liquid smoke and season with your favorite seasoning.  You can use a seasoning blend, salt and pepper, or a spice rub. 

Bake ribs (uncovered) at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for two hours.  By leaving the ribs uncovered, you allow the edges to caramelize which adds great flavor to the meat. 

After baking, allow the ribs to cool for about 10 - 20 minutes; then, cut the ribs.  I like to cut them into one rib portions.  Feel free to cut them into two or three rib portions or not at all.  To cut, hold the ribs on their side and, using a sharp knife, slice ribs in between the bones. 

To finish the ribs, you have three options.  One, you can cut and serve alongside your favorite sauce.  Two, you can cut and baste with your favorite sauce and bake in the oven (425 degrees Fahrenheit) for 7 – 15 minutes to allow the sauce to adhere to the ribs and the meat to caramelize more.  Or, three, you can cut the ribs and grill for 7 – 15 minutes basting with your favorite sauce.