Are you a fan of juicy, succulent ribs with a crispy bacon twist? Look no further than your trusty oven!
Cooking bacon ribs in the oven is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this classic dish without the hassle of grilling or smoking. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner in the kitchen, this article will guide you through the steps to achieve perfectly cooked bacon ribs every time.
So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
How To Cook Bacon Ribs In Oven?
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 250°F. This low and slow cooking method will ensure that your bacon ribs are cooked to perfection.
Step 2: Season Your Ribs
Remove the silverskin from the back of the ribs and cut the slab into single bones. Sprinkle the ribs liberally with your favorite barbecue rub.
Step 3: Wrap With Bacon
Wrap each bone with a slice of bacon, making sure that most of the rib is covered. Lightly dust with more rub.
Step 4: Bake In The Oven
Place the seasoned and wrapped ribs on a baking sheet and stick them in the oven. Let the ribs bake low and slow for 1 1/2 hours.
Step 5: Add Sauce
In a small bowl, combine your favorite barbecue sauce with some maple syrup and hot sauce. Brush onto the ribs and sprinkle each rib with brown sugar.
Step 6: Continue Baking
Continue baking for another hour, or until the internal temperature of the ribs reaches 190°F.
Step 7: Crisp Up The Bacon
If you want your bacon to be crispy, turn up the oven to 325°F and place the ribs on a broiling pan for a few minutes before serving.
Step 8: Serve And Enjoy!
Once your bacon ribs are cooked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite sides and don’t forget to share with friends and family!
Choosing The Right Ribs
When it comes to cooking bacon ribs in the oven, it’s important to choose the right type of ribs. Pork spare ribs are a popular choice, but beef short ribs can also be used. The thickness of the ribs will also affect the cooking time, so make sure to adjust accordingly. As a general rule, you should cook your ribs for 20 minutes per pound at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it’s always best to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the meat reaches at least 190°F before serving. This will ensure that your bacon ribs are cooked through and safe to eat. Additionally, make sure to remove the silverskin from the back of the ribs and cut them into individual pieces for easier cooking and serving. Finally, don’t forget to season your ribs with your favorite barbecue rub and add a delicious sauce for added flavor. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to cook perfect bacon ribs in the oven every time!
Preparing The Ribs For Cooking
Before cooking your bacon ribs in the oven, it’s important to properly prepare them to ensure they turn out delicious and tender. Here are the steps you should follow:
Step 1: Choose The Right Ribs
When shopping for ribs, look for ones that have an even layer of meat across the ribs. Avoid slabs with exposed ribs, known as “shiners”, which means they were cut too close to the bone and the bone may fall out during cooking. Look for meat that has a light pink pale color, with even marbling across the ribs. Avoid ribs that are “enhanced”, meaning they have an added solution of 10-15 percent of its weight.
Step 2: Trim The Ribs
Once you have your ribs, it’s time to trim them. Start by laying them out on a cutting board meat side up. Inspect your ribs and with a sharp knife trim off any dangling meat, excess fat, loose rib bones on the ends, and any silver skin you might see. Turn the ribs over to remove the membrane covering the rib bones. It’s important to remove this membrane so your rub can get into the meat.
Step 3: Apply The Rub
With the ribs already meat side down, it’s time to apply your favorite rub. Apply a generous amount of rub across the bones and all edges of the rack. Turn the rack of ribs over and repeat on this side, making sure all surfaces are covered.
Step 4: Wrap With Bacon
For bacon ribs, wrap each bone with a slice of bacon, making sure that most of the rib is covered. Lightly dust with more rub.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to delicious bacon ribs cooked to perfection in the oven.
Seasoning Your Bacon Ribs
Seasoning your bacon ribs is an important step in the cooking process. To start, remove the silverskin from the back of the ribs and cut the slab into single bones. This will help the seasoning penetrate the meat more evenly.
Next, sprinkle the ribs liberally with your favorite barbecue rub. This can be a store-bought blend or a homemade recipe. Make sure to coat both sides of the ribs with the rub, using your hands to massage it into the meat.
After seasoning, wrap each bone with a slice of bacon, making sure that most of the rib is covered. This will help keep the meat moist and add a smoky flavor. Lightly dust with more rub for extra flavor.
Once your ribs are seasoned and wrapped, place them on a baking sheet and stick them in the oven. Let them bake low and slow for 1 1/2 hours before adding any sauce or additional seasoning.
By following these simple steps, you’ll have perfectly seasoned bacon ribs that are sure to impress your guests.
Cooking Your Bacon Ribs In The Oven
Cooking bacon ribs in the oven is an easy and delicious way to enjoy this classic barbecue dish without needing an outdoor grill. To start, preheat your oven to 250°F. This low and slow cooking method will ensure that your bacon ribs are cooked to perfection.
Next, remove the silverskin from the back of the ribs and cut the slab into single bones. Sprinkle the ribs liberally with your favorite barbecue rub. Then, wrap each bone with a slice of bacon, making sure that most of the rib is covered. Lightly dust with more rub.
Place the seasoned and wrapped ribs on a baking sheet and stick them in the oven. Let the ribs bake low and slow for 1 1/2 hours. After this time, take them out of the oven and add your favorite barbecue sauce. In a small bowl, combine your favorite barbecue sauce with some maple syrup and hot sauce. Brush onto the ribs and sprinkle each rib with brown sugar.
Continue baking for another hour, or until the internal temperature of the ribs reaches 190°F. If you want your bacon to be crispy, turn up the oven to 325°F and place the ribs on a broiling pan for a few minutes before serving.
Once your bacon ribs are cooked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite sides and don’t forget to share with friends and family!
Adding A Tasty Glaze (Optional)
If you want to take your bacon ribs to the next level, you can add a tasty glaze during the final stages of cooking. Here’s how:
Step 1: Make The Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce with 2 tablespoons of honey, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Heat over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Brush The Glaze On The Ribs
Remove the ribs from the oven and brush the glaze generously over each rib, making sure to coat both sides. Return the ribs to the oven and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes.
Step 3: Repeat The Glazing Process
After 15-20 minutes, remove the ribs from the oven and brush on another layer of glaze. Return the ribs to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the glaze has caramelized and the bacon is crispy.
Step 4: Serve And Enjoy!
Once your bacon ribs are fully cooked and glazed to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite sides and revel in the deliciousness!
Tips For Perfectly Cooked Bacon Ribs
1. Remove the silverskin: The silverskin is a tough membrane on the back of the ribs that can prevent seasoning from penetrating the meat. Removing it will help your ribs absorb more flavor.
2. Use a low and slow cooking method: Cooking your bacon ribs at a low temperature for a longer period of time will help to break down the connective tissue and make the meat tender.
3. Season your ribs liberally: Don’t be afraid to use a lot of seasoning on your bacon ribs. The more flavor you can pack in, the better they will taste.
4. Wrap your ribs with bacon: Wrapping your ribs with bacon will not only add flavor but also help to keep them moist during cooking.
5. Use a broiling pan: If you want your bacon to be crispy, use a broiling pan in the oven for the last few minutes of cooking.
6. Let your ribs rest: Letting your bacon ribs rest for a few minutes after cooking will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender rib.
7. Serve with your favorite sides: Bacon ribs are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with classic barbecue sides like coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread.