Imagine tender, succulent pork spare ribs so incredibly delicious that they literally fall off the bone with minimal effort. This American-style braised rib recipe is your ticket to becoming a home cooking hero, transforming an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a BBQ enthusiast or a weekend cooking warrior, these ribs are about to revolutionize your meal game with their perfect blend of smoky, tangy, and rich flavors.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Pork spare ribs
- Onion
- Garlic
- BBQ sauce
- Apple cider vinegar
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the pork spare ribs by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels to ensure proper seasoning and browning.
- Season the ribs generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides, ensuring even coverage.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Dice the onions and mince the garlic cloves.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil and sear the ribs on all sides until they develop a rich, golden-brown crust, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove the ribs from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, sauté the diced onions and minced garlic until they become soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Return the ribs to the pot. Pour in the BBQ sauce and apple cider vinegar, making sure the ribs are partially covered with liquid.
- Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and transfer to the preheated oven. Braise the ribs for
- 5 hours, or until the meat is extremely tender and begins to pull away from the bones.
- Remove the pot from the oven and let the ribs rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the meat to reabsorb some of the cooking liquid and become even more tender.
- Optional: For a glazed finish, brush additional BBQ sauce on the ribs and place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the sauce caramelizes.
- Slice the ribs between the bones and serve hot, accompanied by your favorite side dishes.
Tips
- Always remove the tough membrane from the back of the ribs for maximum tenderness and better sauce absorption.
- Pat the ribs completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect sear and flavor penetration.
- Use a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or cast-iron pot for even heat distribution and better braising results.
- Don't rush the cooking process - low and slow is the secret to incredibly tender ribs.
- Let the ribs rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum moisture.
- For extra flavor, consider marinating the ribs for 2-4 hours before cooking.
- If you want a deeper color and caramelization, don't skip the optional broiling step at the end.
- Choose a high-quality BBQ sauce that complements the natural pork flavor for best results.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 120mg
