Place ribs in a large pan with enough water to cover. Season with onion, bay leaves and salt. Cook for at least 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350F (180C).
Remove ribs from pan, and place them in a baking dish/tray. Mix barbecue sauce, ketchup and brown sugar. Pour barbecue sauce mixture over ribs, covering both top and bottom of ribs.
Bake for approximately 30 minutes, until sauce is caramelized.