Southern-Style Rib Tips: Easy Oven-Baked BBQ Perfection

Fall-Off-The-Bone Southern BBQ Rib Tips

If you’ve never tried rib tips, you’re missing out on one of the most flavorful and succulent cuts of pork. These meaty morsels, often overlooked in favor of traditional ribs, deliver incredible flavor and tenderness when cooked properly. This oven-baked method produces mouthwatering results without needing a smoker or grill!

What Are Rib Tips?

Rib tips are the meaty, cartilage-filled end portions of spare ribs that get trimmed away when making St. Louis-style ribs. Rather than being discarded, these flavorful pieces are perfect for slow cooking until they become tender and juicy. In Southern cuisine, they’re a beloved delicacy worth celebrating!

Why You’ll Love This Rib Tips Recipe

• No special equipment needed – just your oven!
• Set-it-and-forget-it cooking method that’s nearly foolproof
• Budget-friendly – rib tips are often less expensive than full racks
• Amazing flavor and texture from the slow cooking process
• Customizable with your favorite rubs and sauces

Ingredients for Perfect BBQ Rib Tips

• 1.5 pounds pork rib tips
• 2 tablespoons seasoned salt (like Lawry’s)
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
• 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

How to Make Oven-Baked BBQ Rib Tips

1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (121°C).
2. Carefully remove the silver skin membrane from the underside of the rib tips if present. Use a paper towel to grip the membrane and pull it off in one piece if possible.
3. In a small bowl, combine the seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne (if using).
4. Generously rub this spice mixture all over the rib tips, making sure to coat all sides thoroughly.
5. Place the seasoned rib tips on a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil, then wrap them tightly, creating a sealed packet.
6. Set the foil packet on a baking sheet and place in the preheated oven.
7. Bake low and slow for approximately 7 hours, or until the meat is very tender and pulling away from the cartilage.
8. In a small bowl, mix the barbecue sauce with honey or brown sugar (if using) and apple cider vinegar.
9. When the rib tips are tender, carefully open the foil packet (watch out for hot steam) and drain off excess liquid.
10. Brush the rib tips generously with the barbecue sauce mixture.
11. Turn the oven to broil and place the sauced rib tips under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and slightly charred in spots.
12. Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then serve hot.

Chef’s Tips for Perfect Rib Tips

• Low and slow is key! Don’t rush the cooking process – this is what makes the rib tips tender.
• For extra flavor, try adding a few drops of liquid smoke to your barbecue sauce.
• Watch carefully during broiling as the sugar in barbecue sauce can burn quickly.
• Let the meat rest before serving to allow juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
• For a spicier version, add more cayenne or some hot sauce to your barbecue sauce.

What to Serve with BBQ Rib Tips

These succulent rib tips pair perfectly with classic BBQ sides such as:

• Creamy coleslaw
• Southern-style baked beans
• Cornbread or corn muffins
• Mac and cheese
• Potato salad
• Collard greens
• Corn on the cob

How to Store Leftover Rib Tips

If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in a 300°F oven covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes, then add a fresh brush of barbecue sauce before serving.

Can You Freeze Cooked Rib Tips?

Yes! These rib tips freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition Information

FAQs About Cooking Rib Tips

Can I cook rib tips in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Cook on low for 6-8 hours until tender, then finish under the broiler with sauce.

Do I need to soak rib tips before cooking?

No, soaking isn’t necessary. Just make sure to remove the silver skin membrane for tenderness.

How do I know when rib tips are done?

They’re done when the meat easily pulls away from the cartilage and has reached an internal temperature of at least 195°F.

Can I use a different type of meat?

This recipe is specifically designed for pork rib tips, but you could adapt it for regular spare ribs with adjusted cooking times.

Why are my rib tips tough?

If your rib tips are tough, they likely need more cooking time. This cut requires long, slow cooking to break down the connective tissues.

These oven-baked rib tips are the perfect introduction to this underrated cut of meat. They deliver big on flavor and tenderness while being surprisingly easy to prepare. Whether you’re serving them as a hearty appetizer at your next gathering or as the star of your family dinner, these BBQ rib tips are sure to become a requested favorite!

Recipe inspired by: Allrecipes