Pork Spare Ribs Recipe

Pork spare ribs: The main protein of the dish, these ribs are known for their rich flavor and tenderness.

Bbq sauce: Adds a sweet and tangy glaze to the ribs, enhancing their flavor.

Olive oil: Used to help the spices adhere to the ribs and to add a subtle richness.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the meat and other ingredients.

Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor to the spice rub.

Garlic powder: Provides a savory, aromatic note to the ribs.

Onion powder: Complements the garlic powder with a slightly sweet, pungent flavor.

For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the pork spare ribs overnight in the olive oil and spice mixture. This allows the seasonings to penetrate deeper into the meat, resulting in more flavorful and tender ribs. Additionally, when applying the bbq sauce in the final step, you can place the ribs under the broiler for a few minutes to achieve a caramelized and slightly charred finish.

• pork spare ribs - Substitute with beef short ribs: Beef short ribs have a similar texture and can be cooked in the same manner as pork spare ribs, providing a hearty and flavorful alternative.

• pork spare ribs - Substitute with chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are a versatile and juicy option that can absorb the flavors of the marinade or sauce well.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce offers a sweet and savory profile that can complement the meat similarly to BBQ sauce.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with hoisin sauce: Hoisin sauce has a rich, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor that can mimic the depth of BBQ sauce.

• olive oil - Substitute with vegetable oil: Vegetable oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil.

• olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil is another neutral-flavored oil that works well for cooking and marinating.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty and umami flavor, which can enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a slightly different texture and flavor, but it works similarly to regular salt.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor but can still add a peppery kick to the dish.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds heat and a different kind of spiciness, which can elevate the flavor profile.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic provides a more intense and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.

• garlic powder - Substitute with shallot powder: Shallot powder offers a milder, sweeter flavor that can complement the dish well.

• onion powder - Substitute with fresh onions: Fresh onions can provide a more robust and aromatic flavor compared to onion powder.

• onion powder - Substitute with leek powder: Leek powder has a subtle onion-like flavor that can work as a milder alternative.

• Allow the pork spare ribs to cool completely after cooking. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to soggy ribs.
• Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Ensure there are no gaps to keep the ribs fresh and prevent them from drying out.
• Place the wrapped ribs in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This adds an extra layer of protection against freezer burn.
• Label the container or bag with the date. This helps you keep track of how long the ribs have been stored.
• Store the ribs in the refrigerator if you plan to eat them within 3-4 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer where they can last up to 3 months.
• When ready to reheat, thaw frozen ribs in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures they defrost evenly and safely.
• Reheat the ribs in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until they are heated through. You can brush them with additional bbq sauce before reheating for extra flavor.
• For a quicker option, you can reheat the ribs in the microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
• If you prefer a crispy texture, finish reheating the ribs under the broiler for a few minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
• Enjoy your reheated pork spare ribs with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
  2. Place the pork spare ribs on a baking tray lined with aluminum foil.
  3. Cover the ribs with another sheet of aluminum foil to keep them moist.
  4. Reheat for about 20-30 minutes, or until the ribs are heated through.
  5. Optionally, brush with additional bbq sauce during the last 5 minutes of reheating for extra flavor.

• Grill Method:

  1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
  2. Wrap the pork spare ribs in aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  3. Place the wrapped ribs on the grill and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
  4. Unwrap the ribs and brush with bbq sauce.
  5. Grill for an additional 5 minutes, uncovered, to caramelize the sauce.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the pork spare ribs on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover the ribs with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through.
  4. If needed, continue microwaving in 1-minute increments until heated through.
  5. Optionally, brush with bbq sauce before serving.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Place the pork spare ribs in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even heating.
  5. Brush with bbq sauce during the last few minutes of reheating.

• Sous Vide Method:

  1. Preheat your sous vide machine to 140°F (60°C).
  2. Place the pork spare ribs in a vacuum-sealed bag.
  3. Submerge the bag in the water bath and heat for about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  4. Remove from the bag and optionally brush with bbq sauce before serving.

• Oven: Used to bake the pork spare ribs at a consistent temperature.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

• Baking tray: Holds the pork spare ribs while they bake in the oven.

• Aluminum foil: Covers the ribs to keep them moist during the initial baking period.

• Basting brush: Used to apply the BBQ sauce to the ribs.

• Knife: Useful for trimming any excess fat from the ribs before seasoning.

• Tongs: Handy for handling the hot ribs when removing them from the oven.

• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

• Measuring cup: Used to measure the BBQ sauce.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface for preparing the ribs before seasoning.

Prepare the rub in advance: Mix the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder ahead of time and store in an airtight container.

Use a slow cooker: Cook the ribs in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours instead of baking, then finish with BBQ sauce in the oven for 15 minutes.

Pre-cut the ribs: Cut the ribs into smaller sections before cooking to reduce baking time and ensure even cooking.

Line the tray with parchment paper: Use parchment paper instead of aluminum foil for easier cleanup.