Why You’ll Love this Slow Roasted Ribs Recipe
You’ll absolutely adore this slow roasted ribs recipe for its incredible flavor and tender texture. The magic happens when you blend the spices and rub them into the meat, creating a mouthwatering experience.
I love how the slow roasting makes the ribs fall-off-the-bone tender while infusing them with savory goodness. When I pop them under the broiler, the barbecue sauce caramelizes beautifully, adding that perfect touch of sweetness.
It’s a dish that impresses at gatherings or cozy dinners. Trust me, once you try these ribs, they’ll become a staple in your cooking repertoire. You won’t be disappointed!
Ingredients of Slow Roasted Ribs
When you’re ready to whip up some delicious slow roasted ribs, the first step is gathering your ingredients. Trust me, having everything at hand makes the cooking process so much smoother and more enjoyable.
Plus, there’s something so satisfying about laying out a spread of ingredients that are about to come together in such a magical way. So let’s plunge into what you’ll need to make these succulent ribs that will have everyone at the dinner table asking for seconds.
- 1 baby back rib rack
- 2 tablespoons five-spice powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 10 dashes ground black pepper (that’s about 10 grinds)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (I like using Mathews Chinese Style ChickN Rib Sauce)
Now, let’s chat a bit more about these ingredients. The baby back ribs are the star of the show, so pick a rack that looks fresh and meaty.
And don’t skimp on the spices; they’re what give those ribs a kick of flavor that you’ll dream about later. The five-spice powder brings a unique depth with its blend of sweet and savory notes, while the cayenne pepper gives just the right amount of heat to keep things interesting.
Oh, and the barbecue sauce? Well, that’s the cherry on top, providing a sweet glaze that just makes everything better. Feel free to experiment with different sauces if you’re feeling adventurous.
After all, cooking should be fun, and who doesn’t love a little culinary exploration?
How to Make Slow Roasted Ribs

Making slow roasted ribs is like giving a warm hug to your taste buds. You start with a beautiful baby back rib rack, about 1 rack, which is the foundation for all that deliciousness.
First things first, preheat your oven to a cozy 350 degrees. While that’s heating up, line a cookie sheet with heavy duty aluminum foil. This is vital because, let’s be honest, nobody wants to deal with a messy cleanup afterward.
Cut the rack in half—yes, you can do it—this way it fits better on your sheet. Place those meaty beauties on the prepared cookie sheet, and get ready to spice things up.
In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of five-spice powder, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, and about 10 dashes of ground black pepper. This blend is where the magic starts.
Rub this mixture generously on both sides of the ribs. Don’t be shy; these ribs are going to soak up all that flavor, and you want every bite to be packed with goodness.
Once that’s done, cover the ribs with aluminum foil to keep them nice and tender as they bake. Pop them in the oven and let them roast for 2 hours. It’s a great time to kick back, maybe watch an episode of your favorite show, or contemplate life’s mysteries—like why does the last bite of food always taste the best?
After the two-hour mark, it’s time to reveal your culinary masterpiece. Carefully remove the ribs from the oven and drain off any excess drippings.
Set your oven to broil, and here comes the fun part: brush about 1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce all over the ribs. I personally love Mathews Chinese Style ChickN Rib Sauce, but feel free to use whatever tickles your fancy.
Broil those ribs for a few minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning. Flip them over, brush again with sauce, and give them another round under the broiler.
This step is vital for that sticky, caramelized glaze that makes ribs downright irresistible. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even finish them off on the grill for an extra smoky flavor.
Just think of all the compliments you’re going to get—your dinner guests will be begging for the recipe, and you can smile and say, “Oh, it’s just something I whipped up.”
Slow Roasted Ribs Substitutions & Variations
While sticking to the classic recipe for slow roasted ribs is always a great choice, experimenting with substitutions and variations can elevate your dish to new heights.
For a different flavor, try using smoked paprika instead of five-spice powder. If you crave a bit more heat, add some chopped jalapeños to your barbecue sauce.
You can also swap baby back ribs for St. Louis-style ribs for a meatier bite. For a sweet twist, brush on a honey glaze instead of traditional sauce.
These small changes can make your slow roasted ribs uniquely yours while still delivering that delicious, tender goodness!
What to Serve with Slow Roasted Ribs
What pairs perfectly with slow roasted ribs to create a memorable meal? I love serving them alongside creamy coleslaw; its crunch and tang balance the rich flavors of the ribs.
Baked sweet potatoes are another favorite of mine—they’re sweet, soft, and complement the smoky barbecue sauce beautifully.
If you’re in the mood for something a bit heartier, consider cornbread; it’s a classic choice that adds a lovely texture.
And don’t forget a revitalizing salad to lighten things up! A mix of greens with a zesty vinaigrette rounds out the meal perfectly, making it simply irresistible. Enjoy!
Additional Tips & Notes
Pairing slow roasted ribs with the right sides elevates the meal, but there are also a few tips to keep in mind to guarantee your ribs turn out perfectly every time.
First, don’t rush the cooking process; low and slow is key for tenderness. Always let the ribs rest after cooking to lock in juices.
I recommend using a meat thermometer to verify they reach the perfect internal temperature.
Finally, feel free to experiment with different rubs or sauces to find your favorite flavor profile. Trust me, a little creativity goes a long way in making these ribs unforgettable!