These Outback Steakhouse Aussie BBQ Ribs are oven-baked until tender, then brushed with a smoky-sweet sauce and finished under high heat until sticky and charred. The flavor’s big, the steps are simple, and you don’t need a grill. It’s a great make-at-home weekend dinner when you’re craving ribs but not the hassle.
Jump to RecipeQuick Summary
- Prep time: 15 mins
- Cook time: 1 hr 30 mins
- Flavor: smoky, sweet, bold
- Great for: weekends, meat cravings, lazy rib nights
Why I Like This Recipe
Didn’t wanna drag out the grill. Oven was on, ribs were in the fridge, and that was that. Tossed together a dry rub from the usual spices, baked them low and slow. Sauce came together easy — ketchup, BBQ, brown sugar, done. Threw them back in for that caramelized finish. Honestly? No complaints.
Ingredients
For the ribs:
- 1.2kg pork ribs
- ⅓ cup barbecue sauce
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- ½ cup brown sugar
For the spice rub:
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground chili
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
How To Make Aussie BBQ Ribs
- Prep the ribs: Set oven to 160°C fan (320°F). Line a tray with baking paper. Mix up the rub and coat both sides of the ribs. Meaty side up on the tray. Add ⅓ cup water to the tray. Cover tight with foil.
- Bake slow: Pop them in for 1 hour 15 minutes. Low heat makes them soft. You want them bendy, not dry.
- Make the glaze: Mix BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire, paprika in a bowl. Don’t overthink it — just stir until smooth.
- Turn + glaze: Crank oven to 200°C fan (400°F). Pull the foil off, flip ribs so meaty side is down. Brush with sauce. Back in for 8 mins.
- Flip + glaze again: Turn ribs meaty side up. Brush again, heavy this time. Back in for another 8 mins. Sauce should be sticky and charred in spots.
- Serve: Cut between bones. Spoon leftover sauce over top. Eat with your hands — obviously.

Tips for Success
- Foil is key — keeps ‘em from drying out during the first bake.
- Let them rest a few minutes before cutting so the juices don’t run everywhere.
- Use a baking sheet with edges — sauce bubbles.
- Don’t skip the second glaze round. That’s where the good stuff happens.
- Sauce will thicken as it cooks — don’t add extra sugar.
Storage and Reheating
- Fridge: Wrap leftovers in foil or a sealed container. Stays good for 3 days.
- Oven (best bet): Cover with foil, warm at 160°C (320°F) for 10–15 mins.
- Microwave (okay-ish): Wrap in a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-sec bursts. Not ideal, but it works.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use beef ribs?
Sure. Just note they take a bit longer to get tender. - Do I have to use BBQ sauce?
Yeah, kinda. It’s what gives the glaze that bold flavor. But you can mix up brands or types. - How spicy is this?
Not much. The chili just adds depth — not heat. Add more if you want kick. - Can I grill instead?
Yep. Bake first, then finish on the grill for the last glaze step. - Do I need to remove the rib membrane?
It helps if you do. Makes them more tender. Use a butter knife to lift it, then pull.
Common Mistakes and How to Dodge Them
- Skipping the foil: That first bake needs moisture. No foil = dry ribs. Just trust it.
- Only glazing once: The double-glaze step makes that sticky top. One coat doesn’t cut it.
- Overbaking: They should bend when you lift them. If they snap, they’re overdone.
- Not seasoning enough: The dry rub sets the flavor foundation. Don’t go light on it.
- Trying to rush the bake: Low and slow is how ribs get tender. Cranking the heat won’t help.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – estimated)
- Calories: 560 kcal
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 780mg
- Potassium: 520mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 34g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 30g
- Protein: 41g
Aussie BBQ Ribs Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes1
hour30
minutes560
kcalTender oven-baked pork ribs with a smoky-sweet glaze, sticky edges, and bold flavor.
Ingredients
1.2kg pork ribs
⅓ cup barbecue sauce
⅓ cup ketchup
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp smoked paprika
½ cup brown sugar
- Dry Rub:
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp ground chili
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp salt
Directions
- Preheat oven to 160°C. Rub spice mix all over ribs. Place on tray with ⅓ cup water. Cover with foil.
- Bake for 1 hr 15 mins.
- Mix BBQ sauce, ketchup, sugar, Worcestershire, paprika.
- Increase oven to 200°C. Remove foil. Flip ribs, brush sauce. Bake 8 mins.
- Flip ribs again, brush more sauce. Bake 8 more mins.
- Rest, slice, serve with extra sauce.
Notes
- Covering in foil keeps moisture in.
- Second glaze bake = best texture.
- Flip ribs to get both sides sauced properly.
- Use lined tray — sauce will stick.