Oven Lovin' Ribs

Nothing compares to ribs out of a real BBQ pit that were slow cooked over wood coals for probably close to twelve hours, tended to by a loving BBQ pit master. Unfortunately, many of us do not have a BBQ pit in our back yards, or we don’t live close to what I would call BBQ country; Kansas City or Memphis where one can get true BBQ. So what’s a rib lover to do? Turn to the oven I say! With a few simple steps the oven can help you produce some seriously good ribs. However, the one thing they will be lacking is that smoke flavor that accompanies open pit cooking. If you are a smoke lover you can try liquid smoke or a smoky BBQ sauce. Or just forgo the smoke flavor and concentrate on the tender, moist ribs you will be eating in a few hours. Yes, oven ribs are going to take a few hours, but some things just shouldn’t be rushed and aren’t we already rushing this process by going from a traditional twelve hours to just a few? Trust me, your little bit of effort will be worth it.

Tip: figure ½ rack ribs per person

Equipment needed:
Large skillet
Large roaster with rack inside
Saucepan
Cookie sheet lined with foil
Oven

Ingredients:
Pork ribs, excess fat removed, cut into 3-4 inch slabs
Salt and pepper
Cooking oil
3-4 cups cooking liquid: beef broth, red wine, or water would work
Your favorite BBQ sauce

Preheat oven to 250 degrees.

When ribs have been cut into slabs and excess fat has been removed sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper. In large skillet heat a few tablespoons of oil over medium high heat. In batches, sear ribs on both sides until golden brown, do not overcrowd pan. Ribs will NOT be cooked through at this point. Also, the underside of the ribs will be difficult to brown, as it will not come in contact with pan, simply heat for a few minutes on underside.

When ribs are golden brown, place on rack inside large roaster. In a separate saucepan heat your preferred cooking liquid to boiling. Pour cooking liquid into bottom of roaster. Liquid should cover the bottom but not be so high that it is immersing ribs. Cover ribs and cook at 250 degrees for three hours.

When ribs have finished cooking, remove from oven. Turn broiler on high. Place oven rack 6-8 inches from broiler. Place ribs on cookie sheet underside facing up. Brush with BBQ sauce. Broil ribs for 2-3 minutes or until brown and bubbly. Watching carefully, they will burn easily! Remove ribs from oven, turn ribs over and brush with BBQ sauce. Broil again for 2-3 minutes or until brown and crispy looking. This last step is to give them a grill-like finish. Enjoy your oven lovin’ ribs!