Foolproof Dry Rubbed Oven Ribs

Foolproof Dry Rubbed Oven Ribs

It may be the first full day of Spring but it is still very much winter here in Newfoundland and it seems like an eternity yet until my backyard grill and smoker get put to good use. My back deck still has about 4 feet of snow on it.

I love slow smoked ribs, it is my favorite way to prepare them during the summer months but when that's not possible, I make very simple dry rubbed ribs in the oven using my own blend of herbs and spices. This recipe is practically foolproof. Plenty of time but no skill at all is required to produce succulent, fall apart tender ribs.

These ribs are perfect party food because the spice rub provides all the flavor with no need for messy sauces that always land on your favorite outfit. If you like however, a favorite glazing barbecue sauce can be brushed on at the end. My kids are quite fond of honey barbecue sauce on these ribs.

The recipe here makes about 2 cups of rub so you can scale it down if you like but I like to keep it on hand for terrific roast chicken, chops or even burgers. You will find many ways to use it. I just keep a supply on hand in a mason jar in my spice drawer. It also makes a wonderful thank-you gift if someone invites you to dinner. You're sure to receive another invite before long.

Makes about 2 cups dry rub.

• 3 tbsp paprika
• 2 tbsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 3 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp powdered ginger
• 1 tbsp chipotle powder
• 6 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp ground oregano
• 1 tbsp ground thyme
• 1 tbsp ground coriander 
• 2 tbsp dry mustard powder
• 2 tbsp garlic powder
• 3 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Mix together well and store any unused dry rub in an airtight container in a cool place.

There is a thin membrane called silver skin on the back of all pork ribs that I like to remove first. If left on, it will shrink during cooking and cause the ribs to curl. It also prevents the spice mix from seasoning the underside of the ribs. I push a butter knife between the silver skin and the first bone on the rack of ribs to loosen the skin, then I poke my finger into the slit the knife has made, grasp the silver skin and pull it off all the way down the length of the rack of ribs.

Liberally rub the spice mix all over the surface of the pork ribs on both sides. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for several hours or as I prefer, overnight.

Place the ribs, uncovered, on a wire rack over a baking sheet and place in a 225 degree F oven for 8-9 hours depending on the thickness of the ribs.

Foolproof Dry Rubbed Oven Ribs