Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C)
Line a baking sheet with foil or use a roasting pan
Pat ribs dry with paper towels
Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs (optional but recommended)
Season both sides with salt, pepper, and your favorite dry rub
Place ribs bone-side down on the pan
Add moisture: pour in 1/2 to 1 cup water or apple juice (or add a thin layer of BBQ sauce if desired)
Cover tightly with foil
Bake 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until tender
Increase oven temperature to 400°F (205°C)
Brush ribs with BBQ sauce (optional)
Return uncovered ribs to the oven for 15 to 25 minutes, until sauce is tacky and edges are browned
Check tenderness: ribs should bend easily and the meat should pull slightly from the bones
Rest 5 to 10 minutes before slicing
Slice between the bones and serve