Oven Baked BBQ Spare Ribs

BBQ spareribs are a classic favourite, perfect for when you’re craving something hearty and full of flavour. While many associate spareribs with the grill, oven-cooked spareribs can be just as delicious, especially when slow-cooked in a thick, sticky BBQ sauce. The meat becomes tender and juicy, falling off the bone, and the rich sauce adds a smoky, sweet, and tangy punch with every bite.

The secret to great oven-cooked spareribs is giving them enough time to slowly cook until the meat becomes soft and succulent. Unlike grilling, which can sometimes dry out the ribs, oven cooking allows the sauce to really soak into the meat, locking in moisture and flavour. A thick, rich BBQ sauce that clings to the ribs as they bake makes all the difference. This sauce often has layers of sweetness from ingredients like brown sugar or honey, combined with a hint of tang from vinegar or mustard, and a touch of spice for balance.

While the ribs themselves are the star of the show, pairing them with the right sides can elevate the entire meal. Homemade coleslaw is a perfect match for spareribs. The cool, creamy texture of coleslaw balances the richness of the ribs, providing a refreshing contrast. However, not all coleslaws have to include cabbage.

In this version, you can mix things up by leaving out the cabbage and using other crisp vegetables. A blend of grated carrots, thinly sliced radishes, and maybe even a bit of apple for sweetness can create a unique and flavourful slaw. Tossed in a light, tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, lemon juice, and perhaps a touch of mustard, this coleslaw is both crunchy and refreshing. The sweetness of the carrots and apple pairs beautifully with the smoky, tangy flavour of the ribs.

The combination of tender BBQ spareribs and this alternative coleslaw creates a satisfying and balanced meal. The ribs provide that deep, hearty taste that satisfies meat lovers, while the coleslaw offers a lighter, more vibrant side that cuts through the richness of the BBQ sauce. Together, they make an irresistible duo, perfect for any family gathering, summer party, or just a casual weeknight dinner.

To complete the meal, you might want to add a few extra sides. Cornbread or buttery mashed potatoes would be ideal choices to mop up any leftover sauce. If you’re aiming for something lighter, grilled vegetables or a simple green salad can complement the ribs without overshadowing them. A glass of iced tea or a cold beer wouldn’t go amiss either!

Oven-cooked BBQ spareribs are a versatile dish, ideal for any occasion when you want something comforting but packed with flavour. Served with a homemade coleslaw that’s just a little different, it’s a meal that will leave everyone satisfied and coming back for more. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just indulging yourself, this combination of juicy ribs and crunchy, tangy slaw is a surefire hit.

Oven Baked BBQ Spare Ribs

These oven-cooked BBQ spareribs are tender, juicy, and coated in a rich, sticky sauce that melts in your mouth. Paired with a refreshing homemade coleslaw made without cabbage, this meal offers the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavours. Ideal for a family dinner or special occasion, this dish is satisfying and full of flavour.

5 from 9 votes

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Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Advance, Bake, Barbecue Sauce, Coleslaw, Spare Ribs, Vegetables

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours hours

Total Time: 3 hours hours 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 People

Calories: 1375kcal

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Ingredients

 

MetricImperial

For the BBQ Spareribs:

• 1.5 kg pork spareribs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• salt to taste
• pepper to taste
• 300 ml BBQ sauce
• 2 tbsp honey brown sugar (optional for extra sweetness)

For the Coleslaw:

• 3 medium carrots grated
• 4 medium radishes thinly sliced
• 1 medium apple thinly sliced or grated
• 4 medium spring onions finely chopped
• 4 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• salt to taste
• pepper to taste

Instructions

• Set your oven to 150°C (300°F).
• Pat the spareribs dry with a paper towel, then season them with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper on both sides.
  1.5 kg pork spareribs, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, salt, pepper
• Place the ribs on a lined baking tray, cover tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 2.5 hours. The slow cooking allows the meat to become tender and fall off the bone.
• Remove the ribs from the oven, discard the foil, and increase the oven temperature to 200°C (400°F). Brush the ribs generously with BBQ sauce (mixed with honey or brown sugar for extra sweetness if desired) and return them to the oven uncovered for another 15-20 minutes. This will caramelise the sauce and create a sticky, flavourful glaze.
  300 ml BBQ sauce, 2 tbsp honey
• Once done, let the ribs rest for 5 minutes before serving.
• For the Coleslaw:
• In a large bowl, combine the grated carrots, sliced radishes, apple, and spring onions.
  3 medium carrots, 4 medium radishes, 1 medium apple, 4 medium spring onions
• In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  4 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, salt, pepper
• Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss until everything is well coated. Chill in the fridge for 20 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve the sticky BBQ spareribs with the crunchy, refreshing coleslaw on the side for a deliciously balanced meal. Enjoy with additional sides like cornbread or mashed potatoes for extra indulgence!

Nutrition

Calories: 1375kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 60g | Fat: 99g | Saturated Fat: 30g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 21g | Monounsaturated Fat: 35g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 306mg | Sodium: 1377mg | Potassium: 1398mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 46g | Vitamin A: 8277IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 120mg | Iron: 5mg