Mouthwatering Saint Louis Style Oven Baked Ribs

The Best St Louis Ribs Oven Baked Recipe _ Chef Jean-Pierre

 

Hello friends…Today, we’re are making something that makes every carnivore’s heart sing – St Louis Style Ribs Oven Baked to absolute perfection. I know some of you might be thinking, “Chef, why the oven? Aren’t ribs supposed to be on the grill?”

Well, let me tell you something, friends – when the rain is pouring down outside and your backyard feels like the Everglades, your oven becomes your best friend. And with this Easy St Louis Style Ribs Oven Baked Recipe, you’ll never feel like you’re compromising flavor.

These St Louis Style Ribs are not just any spare ribs. They’re trimmed into a neat, rectangular cut by removing the sternum bone, cartilage, and rib tips. This cut originated in St Louis in the mid-20th century when meatpackers realized people liked their pork ribs easier to handle, more uniform, and with less gnarly bits to chew around. Today, St Louis ribs are prized for their meaty goodness and their ability to turn any dinner table into a scene from the Flintstones – minus the dinosaurs.

 


Essential Tools for Oven Baked St Louis Style Ribs

Chef's KnifeA Sharp Chef’s Knife – Friends, a good sharp knife isn’t just for show. When preparing ribs in the oven, you need a knife that can help you slide under that pesky membrane and trim any excess fat or silver skin. A dull knife will slip and make you curse in French – trust me, I know. The clean, precise cut from a sharp chef’s knife ensures your St Louis ribs are prepped beautifully and ready for their oven spa day.

Paper Towels You may be thinking, “Chef, why is paper towel on this list?” Well, my friends, if you’ve ever tried removing the membrane from the back of your ribs with your bare fingers, you know it’s slipperier than an eel in olive oil. A paper towel gives you that grip to yank it off in one triumphant piece. Without it, you’ll be wrestling your ribs like a stubborn cat avoiding bath time.

Baking Sheet with Rack This is crucial. Placing your seasoned ribs on a rack set over a baking sheet allows air circulation all around, making sure the heat cooks them evenly and the fat drips away rather than pooling. Your ribs will come out fall off the bone tender without sitting in their own juices like a soggy sponge.


    3 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Oven Baked St Louis Style Ribs

     

    Best St Louis Style Ribs Oven Baked - Remove the Membrane

    1. Skipping the Membrane Removal

    Leaving the membrane on is like leaving the plastic wrap on your cheese before slicing it. This thin, stubborn layer prevents your dry brine and spices from penetrating the meat, leaving you with bland bites no matter how flavorful your rub is. Always take the time to remove it, friends – your taste buds will thank you.

     

    St Louis Style Ribs Oven Baked - Don't Rush Your Cooking Time

    2. Rushing the Cook Time

    These ribs need to be cooked low and slow. If you crank the oven up too high to finish faster, your ribs will seize up tighter than my jeans after Thanksgiving dinner. Cooking them at 275–300°F for a couple of hours ensures the connective tissue breaks down, leaving your ribs fall off the bone tender.

     

    Best St Louis Style Ribs Oven Baked - Wrap Your Ribs

     

    3. Not Wrapping Properly

    When you wrap the ribs in foil or parchment, you’re creating a steamy aromatic environment that makes the ribs more tender. If you just slap them on a pan uncovered, they’ll dry out faster than my jokes at a vegan dinner party. Always wrap your ribs well before baking for moist, succulent results.

     


      What Are St Louis Style Ribs and What Makes My Recipe Special?

      Best BBQ Ribs Recipe

      St Louis Style Ribs are spare ribs trimmed into a neat rectangle, removing cartilage and rib tips. This makes them easier to handle, cook, and eat. My recipe, friends, is special because it combines a dry brine, flavorful rub, and my quick bourbon barbecue sauce that creates a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and smoky. It’s not just ribs – it’s a culinary experience that will make your guests say, “Wow, I didn’t know oven baked ribs could taste like this!”


       

      How to Best Serve Oven Baked St Louis Style Ribs

       

      Ribs this good deserve an entrance worthy of a rockstar. Arrange them on a wooden board, glaze them with extra barbecue sauce, and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for color. For a twist, my secret is adding a touch of Liquid Smoke and Maple Bourbon to the sauce. It’s subtle, but when someone asks, “What makes these ribs so good?” – you’ll smile knowingly like you just won the lottery.

       


      Top 3 Side Dish Pairings

       
      3 Michelin Star Mashed Potatoes Recipe - Chef Jean-Pierre3 Michelin Star Mashed Potatoes Nothing soaks up barbecue sauce like a fluffy pile of mashed potatoes. My creamy mashed potatoes have just enough butter and cream to complement the smoky sweetness of the ribs without stealing the show. The velvety texture pairs with the slight chew of the pork, creating a harmony of mouthfeel and flavor.

       

      Easy Mac and Cheese RecipeMacaroni and Cheese If there’s one thing better than ribs, it’s ribs with mac and cheese. The gooey, cheesy goodness of this classic side cuts through the tangy barbecue flavors perfectly.

      It’s comfort food on top of comfort food – like a cashmere blanket on a winter day.

       

      Easy Brussels Sprouts Recipe with Bacon Cooked Perfectly!Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon – Brussels sprouts roasted with bacon bring a slight bitterness balanced by salty, crispy bacon. This adds a vegetable component that’s far from boring. The earthy flavors contrast beautifully with the sweet, smoky ribs, making each bite of rib taste even meatier.


       

       

      Storage and Reheating Best Practices

       

      • Refrigerator: Store leftover ribs in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
      • Freezer: You can freeze them tightly wrapped for up to 2 months, but note – freezing can change the texture slightly, making them less juicy upon reheating.
      • Reheating: Place ribs in the oven at 275°F covered with foil until heated through. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that perfect texture.

      A Heavenly Harmony of Flavors

      It all starts with a mouthwatering dry rub, carefully massaged into the meat, ensuring that every bite is packed with a symphony of spices. Then we lather on tangy and smoky barbecue sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together and to create a an incredible dish.

       

      Best St louis Style Ribs Oven Baked - A Harmony of Flavors

       

      A Step-by-Step Guide to the Best BBQ Ribs Recipe

      I am going to walk you through how to make these delicious ribs with an easy-to-follow, step-by-step recipe and video. This BBQ Ribs Recipe will transform your kitchen into a Southern smokehouse and your dinner into a feast.

      Remember, friends, food is about more than just eating—it’s about savoring, sharing, and creating memories.

      So, let’s get cooking!

      Easy BBQ Ribs Recipe

      Recipe - Saint Louis Style Ribs Oven Baked

      chef jean pierre 200x200 1Chef Jean-Pierre
      Hello friends! Barbequed Spare Ribs are an absolute treat when it comes to indulging in a finger-licking feast. Many believe in order to achieve that juicy, tender, and smoky perfection requires the magic touch of a grill. Well, guess what? I've got a little secret to share with you. In this amazing recipe for Saint Louis Style Ribs Oven Baked I'll show you how to create the most incredible BBQ Ribs Recipe using just your trusty oven.
      And that's not all! We'll whip up a simple yet incredibly flavorful smokey BBQ sauce that will perfectly complement these succulent ribs. I highly recommend checking out the video and giving these mouthwatering spare ribs a go in your own kitchen. Don't forget to drop a comment below and let me know how Your BBQ Ribs turned out for you!
      4.53 from 85 votes
      Prep Time 20 minutes
      Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
      Time in Frig before cooking 3 hours
      Total Time 5 hours 50 minutes
      Course Main Dish
      Cuisine American
      Servings 4
      Calories

      Recipe Video

      Recipe Ingredients
       
       

      For the Ribs:

      • lb Spare Ribs (or Short Ribs) Approximately 12 ribs to a rack

      For the Dry Rub:

      • 1 tablespoon Onion powder
      • 1 tablespoon Garlic powder
      • 2 teaspoons Smoked Paprika
      • ½ teaspoon Ground Cumin
      • ¼ teaspoon Ground Thyme
      • ¼ teaspoon Ground Oregano
      • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper freshly ground
      • 2 teaspoons Salt

      For the BBQ Sauce:

      • 2 cups Ketchup
      • 1 teaspoon Ground Pepper
      • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
      • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
      • 1 teaspoon Salt
      • ¼ teaspoon Cayenne
      • ¼ cup Corn Syrup
      • ¼ cup Honey (the Chef used Acacia Honey)
      • ¼ cup Molasses
      • 1/3 cup White Vinegar (the Chef used White Balsamic)
      • 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard
      • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
      • 1 teaspoon Hot Sauce
      • 1 tsp or 2 teaspoons Liquid Smoke (adjust to your taste)
      • 1 tbsp or 2 tablespoons Bourbon (the Chef used Cooper's Mark Maple Bourbon)

      Recipe Instructions
       

      Prepare the Rub:

      • Mix all ingredients together.
      • Rub the dry rub on both sides of your ribs. If you have the time, lay the ribs on a rack on a cookie sheet and place them uncovered in the fridge for 3 hours to 3 days. (If you are in a hurry, put them in the oven immediately).

      Preheat Oven to 275ºF / 135ºC

      • Wrap the ribs with aluminum foil and place them in the oven for about 2 ½ hours.

      Prepare the BBQ Sauce:

      • Mix all the ingredients and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

      Finish the Ribs:

        Preheat Oven to 450ºF / 230ºC

        • Take the ribs out of the aluminum foil and place them on a cookie sheet. Cover them with the BBQ sauce and return to the oven for another 15 minutes. ENJOY AND BON APPETIT!

        FAQs about Preparing Saint Louis Style Ribs Oven Baked

        What to look for when buying spare ribs

        1. What should I look for when buying St Louis style spare ribs?

        When buying spare ribs, consider the following:

        Quality of meat: Look for fresh, pink-colored meat. Avoid ribs that have a grey tone or seem slimy or smell off.

        Fat content: A moderate amount of marbled fat is good as it will render down during cooking, keeping the ribs juicy and flavorful. However, too much fat may result in greasy ribs.

        Meatiness: Choose ribs that have a good amount of meat on them. Some racks might have more bone than meat.

        Packaging: If buying pre-packaged ribs, ensure the packaging is tightly sealed and the meat is sitting in a minimal amount of juices.

         

        2. What is the difference between baby back ribs and St Louis Style ribs?

        Baby back ribs and spare ribs are both delicious cuts of pork ribs, but they come from different parts of the pig. Baby back ribs are smaller and leaner, cut from the top of the ribcage near the spine. St Louis Style spare ribs, on the other hand, come from the lower belly area and have more meat, fat, and connective tissue. St Louis Style spare ribs are slightly larger and have a richer flavor compared to baby back ribs.

         

        3. How many ribs should I plan per person?

        As a general rule of thumb, plan on half a rack (6-7 ribs) per person if you’re serving baby back ribs, and allow for 3-4 ribs per person if you’re serving spare ribs.

         

        4. Can BBQ ribs be prepared in advance?

        Yes, BBQ ribs can be prepared in advance. In fact, doing so can enhance their flavor as it allows the seasoning more time to permeate the meat. You can marinate or rub your ribs with your chosen spices and flavors, and let them rest in the refrigerator for several hours, or even overnight, before cooking. However, remember to take the ribs out of the fridge at least an hour before you plan to cook them to let them come up to room temperature.

         

        5. How long does it take to cook BBQ Ribs?

        The cooking time for BBQ ribs can vary depending on the cooking method and the size of the ribs. As a general guideline, it can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours to cook ribs low and slow. It’s best to use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 195°F (90°C) for tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs.

         

        6. Should I remove the membrane on the back of the ribs?

        It’s advisable to remove the membrane or the silverskin from the back of the ribs before cooking. This allows for the seasoning to better penetrate the meat and makes the ribs easier to eat, as the membrane can become tough when cooked.

         

        Wrap BBQ Ribs in Foil Before Cooking

        7. Should I wrap my ribs in foil when cooking?

        That is my preferred way of cooking ribs. It speeds up the cooking process and to makes the ribs more tender. I like laying in a sheet of parchement paper on top of the aluminum first because I don’t like my food touching aluminum. But if you don’t have parchment paper, don’t worry about it.

         

        8. How do I know when my ribs are done?

        Ribs are done when the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). However, many BBQ enthusiasts let ribs cook until they reach an internal temperature of around 190-203°F (88-95°C) as this allows the collagen in the ribs to break down, making the meat more tender. Another indicator is when the meat starts pulling away from the bone, but isn’t falling off completely.

         

        9. What sides pair well with BBQ Ribs?

        There are several delicious sides that pair well with BBQ ribs. Some popular choices include coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, macaroni and cheese, potato salad, grilled vegetables, and corn on the cob. Choose sides that complement the rich flavors of the ribs and provide a good balance of textures and tastes.

         

        10. How can I best store leftover BBQ ribs?

        Leftover BBQ ribs should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you plan on eating them within a few days, simply refrigerating them is fine. For longer-term storage, consider freezing them. Always ensure the ribs have cooled down before storing them.

         

        11. Can you freeze BBQ ribs and how long can they be kept frozen?

        Yes, you can freeze BBQ ribs. Make sure they have cooled down completely before wrapping them tightly in aluminum foil or a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze them for up to three months. For the best taste, however, it’s recommended to consume them within the first month of freezing.

         

        12. What is the best way to reheat BBQ Ribs?

        The best way to reheat BBQ ribs is to preheat your oven to a low temperature, around 250°F (120°C). Place the ribs on a baking sheet, cover them with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes, or until they are heated through. You can also reheat them on a grill over low heat, basting them with BBQ sauce to keep them moist.

        Pin It on Pinterest