Mouthwatering Oven-Baked Buffalo Ribs: Fall-Off-The-Bone Perfection

Prepare yourself for an explosion of flavor with these incredible oven-baked buffalo ribs! Imagine tender, succulent ribs that literally fall off the bone, infused with the perfect balance of spicy buffalo sauce and a secret smoky twist that will have everyone convinced you cooked them in a smoker. This recipe is a must-try for any barbecue enthusiast or buffalo sauce lover seeking an easy yet impressive dish. Forget complicated grilling or specialized equipment – achieve restaurant-quality ribs right from your home oven, delivering a taste experience that’s both comforting and exciting.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Buffalo Rib Recipe

These isn’t just another rib recipe; it’s a culinary revelation designed to bring joy to your taste buds and simplify your kitchen adventures. Here’s what makes these oven-baked buffalo ribs truly exceptional:

• Unforgettable Flavor and Spice: These buffalo ribs burst with an irresistible blend of savory spices and the iconic tangy heat of buffalo sauce. We’re talking about a rich, deep flavor profile that elevates classic buffalo to a whole new level. The addition of a touch of liquid smoke creates an authentic, slow-cooked barbecue essence without the need for an actual smoker, making these ribs taste like they’ve been lovingly tended all day.
• Effortless Oven-Baked Perfection: Forget standing over a grill or investing in bulky smoking equipment. This recipe utilizes a “low and slow” oven baking method that mimics the gentle, long-duration cooking of a smoker. The result? Ribs that are incredibly tender, juicy, and literally fall off the bone with minimal effort from you. It’s a hands-off approach that guarantees consistent perfection every time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings.
• Surprisingly Simple to Prepare: Cooking ribs can often seem daunting, but we promise this recipe is much easier than you think. With clear, step-by-step instructions and practical tips, even novice cooks can achieve show-stopping results. Once you experience how straightforward and rewarding it is to create these succulent ribs, you’ll want to add them to your regular meal rotation. Get ready to impress your family and friends with your newfound rib-making prowess!
• A Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a family dinner, or a casual barbecue, these buffalo ribs are guaranteed to be a hit. The familiar and beloved taste of buffalo sauce appeals to almost everyone, while the tender texture makes them an enjoyable eating experience. They pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes, offering endless possibilities for a complete and satisfying meal.

Chef’s Expert Tips for the Best Buffalo Ribs

Mastering the art of rib cooking is easier with a few professional secrets. These tips will ensure your buffalo ribs are consistently moist, tender, and packed with flavor:

• Effortless Membrane Removal is Key: The membrane, a thin, somewhat iridescent layer found on the bone side of your ribs, can become tough and chewy when cooked. Removing it is crucial for achieving that desired fall-off-the-bone tenderness. To make this process incredibly simple, carefully slide a small, sharp knife under the membrane on one end of the rack to loosen it. Once you have a small section lifted, grab it firmly with a paper towel. The paper towel provides excellent grip, preventing the slippery membrane from tearing as you steadily pull it away from the bones. This quick step makes a huge difference in the final texture of your ribs.
• Wrap Ribs Tightly for Maximum Flavor and Moisture: Before baking, it’s essential to wrap your buffalo ribs securely to lock in moisture and allow the spices to truly penetrate the meat. This tight seal creates a steaming environment, ensuring the ribs become incredibly tender. We highly recommend using heavy-duty aluminum foil for this purpose, as it’s more robust and less likely to rip during handling and cooking. If heavy-duty foil isn’t available, simply double-wrap your ribs with regular aluminum foil to create an equally effective barrier.
• Don’t Skimp on the Dry Rub Application: Ensure every surface of the rib rack is generously coated with the spice mixture. Rub it in well, massaging the flavors into the meat. This dry rub forms the foundational layer of flavor, complementing the buffalo sauce later on.
• Resting is Crucial After Baking: Once the ribs are out of the oven and before they hit the broiler, allow them to rest in their foil for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in even more tender and flavorful ribs.
• Achieve the Perfect Crispy Finish: The final broiling step is what gives these ribs their beautiful caramelization and slightly crispy edges, adding another layer of texture. Keep a close eye on them during this stage, as broilers can vary in intensity. You want a nice char without burning.

Expand Your Buffalo Flavor Repertoire

If you’re a true aficionado of buffalo flavor, these ribs are just the beginning! Explore more delicious ways to incorporate that zesty, spicy kick into your meals with these fantastic recipes:

• Easy Buffalo Ranch Dressing
• Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
• Buffalo Chicken Fries
• Easy Buffalo Shrimp
• How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Oven-Baked Buffalo Ribs

Indulge in these perfect buffalo ribs, cooked with a low-and-slow oven-baked method that flawlessly mimics the tender, fall-off-the-bone goodness of smoked ribs. Each rack is generously coated with an incredible smoky buffalo sauce, making for an unforgettable meal.

Cheryl Malik

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes

Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Ribs

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (see Notes)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• ½ tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ tablespoon cumin
• ½ tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 slab baby back ribs (about 3 pounds)
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke

For the Sauce

• 1 cup buffalo sauce
• 1 stick butter
• 2 tablespoons honey (optional, for sweetness)

Serving Suggestions (All Optional)

• Ranch dressing
• Blue cheese dressing
• Celery sticks
• Baby carrots

Equipment

• Small bowl
• Heavy-duty aluminum foil
• Baking sheet
• Small saucepan
• Kitchen brush

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 275° F (135° C). In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir until all spices are thoroughly combined to create your flavorful dry rub. Set this mixture aside.

2. Prepare the ribs by first removing the membrane from the bone side (refer to the “Chef’s Tips” section or “Notes” for detailed instructions on this important step). Once the membrane is removed, thoroughly rub the spice mixture over both sides of the entire rib rack, ensuring an even coating. Next, sprinkle the liquid smoke over the seasoned ribs, distributing it evenly for that authentic smoky flavor. Tightly wrap the seasoned ribs in heavy-duty aluminum foil and place them on a sturdy baking sheet.

   

3. Place the baking sheet with the wrapped ribs into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 2 ½ hours, or until the ribs are incredibly tender and nearly fall-off-the-bone. This low and slow cooking process is key to their succulent texture.

4. About 15 minutes before the ribs are finished baking, prepare your buffalo sauce. Warm a small saucepan over low heat. Add the buffalo sauce, butter, and honey (if you’re using it for an added touch of sweetness and glaze) to the saucepan. Stir the mixture well until the butter is melted, the sauce is hot, and all ingredients are fully combined into a smooth, luscious sauce.

   

5. Carefully remove the ribs from the oven. Set your oven’s broiler to high. Gently unwrap the foil to expose the top side of the ribs, being cautious of the steam. Using a kitchen brush, generously coat the ribs with about half of the prepared buffalo sauce mixture. Return the baking sheet to the oven and broil for 6 to 7 minutes, or until the ribs achieve a beautiful caramelization and slightly crispy edges. Watch them closely to prevent burning. Serve these mouthwatering buffalo ribs immediately with the remaining warm buffalo sauce for dipping, alongside any desired side dishes like ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery sticks, and baby carrots.

   

Notes

• Membrane Removal: To effectively remove the membrane, carefully slide a sharp knife under it on one side to detach it from the bone. Once a section is loose, grasp the membrane with a paper towel for a secure grip and pull it firmly away from the ribs. This crucial step prevents the ribs from becoming tough.
• Make it Keto-Friendly: For a low-carb alternative, substitute the brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like Brown Swerve. Omit the honey entirely from the sauce.
• Make it Paleo-Friendly: Replace brown sugar with coconut sugar. For the sauce, use ghee instead of traditional butter.
• Make it Whole30 Compliant: For a Whole30 meal, completely omit both brown sugar and honey (no substitutes). Use ghee in place of butter. Ensure your buffalo sauce is store-bought compliant, or consider making your own Whole30-approved version following a recipe like this one.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 741kcal | Protein: 42g | Fat: 58g | Saturated Fat: 27g | Trans Fat: 1g | Total Carbs: 14g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Net Carbs: 13g | Vitamin C: 1mg | Cholesterol: 209mg | Sodium: 3161mg | Potassium: 633mg | Calcium: 95mg | Iron: 3mg

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. The result will be the weight of one serving.

© Author: Cheryl Malik

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Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Ribs

Storage and Reheating Instructions

If you happen to have any leftover buffalo ribs (a rare occurrence!), proper storage ensures they remain delicious for future enjoyment.

• Storage: Allow the ribs to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. If freezing, wrap individual ribs tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat ribs slowly to maintain moisture. If refrigerated, preheat your oven to 250-300°F (120-150°C). Place the ribs in an oven-safe dish, add a tablespoon or two of water or broth to create steam, and cover tightly with foil. Heat for 20-30 minutes, or until warmed through. If frozen, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven. You can also give them a quick broil or grill after reheating to re-crisp the exterior and reapply a fresh coat of warm buffalo sauce.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Rib Recipe Awaits!

These oven-baked buffalo ribs are more than just a meal; they’re an experience. Combining the legendary kick of buffalo sauce with a fool-proof method that yields incredibly tender, smoky ribs, this recipe is destined to become a staple in your home. Perfect for impressing guests, satisfying a barbecue craving, or simply enjoying a hearty family dinner, these ribs deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Dive in and discover the simple joy of creating perfectly cooked, fall-off-the-bone buffalo ribs right in your own kitchen!