Oven Barbecue Pork Ribs

Oven Barbecue Pork Ribs

Vintage oven barbecue pork ribs baked with a sweet-tangy homemade sauce made from orange juice, ketchup, and brown sugar. This page also includes a classic molasses-based rib sauce — perfect for ribs or chicken when you want old-fashioned barbecue flavor at home.

Recipes on this page

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🍖 Barbecue Pork Ribs

Tender pork ribs roasted with sweet sliced onions and basted in a tangy, homemade citrus barbecue glaze.

⏱️ Bake Time: 1 hr 30 mins 🍽️ Servings: 4 🍳 Equipment: Shallow Roasting Pan & Saucepan

Ingredients

Meat & Aromatics:

  • 3 to 4 lb pork ribs
  • 1 large onion (sliced)
  • 1½ cups orange juice (divided)

Zesty Citrus BBQ Sauce:

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • ⅓ cup Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 dashes Tabasco sauce

Baking Instructions

🌡️ Stage 1: 450°F | Stage 2: 350°F

  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F. Arrange the pork ribs in a shallow roasting pan and scatter the sliced onion evenly over the top.
  2. Pour exactly ½ cup of the orange juice across the ribs and bake uncovered for 30 minutes to develop a quick sear.
  3. While the ribs are in the oven, combine the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, Tabasco, water, brown sugar, and the remaining 1 cup of orange juice in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a full boil.
  4. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F. Carefully pour the hot sauce mixture completely over the ribs.
  5. Bake for an additional 1 hour, taking time to baste the ribs with the pan juices every 15 minutes to lock in flavor and moisture.

🍯 Barbecue Pork Ribs Sauce

A rich, molasses-forward simmered sauce enhanced with dry mustard and vinegar—ideal for glazing ribs or chicken pieces before baking.

⏱️ Simmer Time: 10 mins 🔥 Flavor Profile: Sweet Molasses & Mustard 🍳 Equipment: Covered Saucepan

Ingredients

  • ½ cup tomato sauce
  • ½ cup water
  • ¼ cup molasses
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons minced onion
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons dry mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 dash pepper

Preparation Instructions

  1. Combine all the ingredients into a medium saucepan.
  2. Bring the mixture up to a boil, place a lid on top, and lower the heat to simmer gently for 10 minutes.
  3. Pour the warm sauce completely over your pork ribs or chicken pieces, then bake in the oven until the meat is completely tender.

FAQ

Can I use baby back ribs instead of spareribs?

Yes. Baby back ribs will work well but may cook a bit faster — check tenderness after 45–50 minutes at 350°F.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes. The sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 5 days. Reheat before using.

How do I get fall-off-the-bone ribs?

Bake covered for the first hour, then uncover and baste frequently for the last 30 minutes.

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