Mmm, pork ribs. They’re an American classic that always stars at BBQs and summer cookouts. Smoky, sticky, fall-off-the-bone ribs hot off the grill are pretty hard to beat. But ribs don’t always have to be barbecued – there are so many other wonderful ways to cook them!
If you love pork ribs but are looking to mix up your repertoire, then read on my friends. I’m sharing 12 creative and mouthwatering ways to prepare ribs besides your standard BBQ method. With recipes like braised ribs, ribs tacos, rib skewers, and more, your tastebuds are sure to be delighted Time to move beyond barbecue and expand your rib game!
1. Slow Roast Them in the Oven
One easy way to cook ribs besides grilling is to slowly roast them in the oven. Simply season the ribs with a dry rub, wrap them tightly in foil, and bake at 275°F for 2.5-3 hours. The low temperature gently breaks down the connective tissue, giving you tender, juicy results. Finish them with your favorite BBQ sauce or glaze during the last 30 minutes if desired.
2. Make Delicious Braised Ribs
Braising is absolutely perfect for pork ribs First, sear the ribs briefly on the stovetop until brown Then transfer them to a Dutch oven or braising pot along with some liquid like broth or wine. Simmer everything on low heat for 1.5-2 hours, until fork tender. The braising liquid creates a wonderful sauce for the ribs. Heavenly!
3. Transform into Tasty Tacos
Shredded rib meat piled high on warm tortillas along with spicy salsa and cool guac? Yes please! Cook the ribs as normal, let them cool a bit, then shred the meat with two forks Toss the shredded pork with taco seasoning and build your tacos to your heart’s content
4. Make a Delightful Stir-Fry
In the mood for something new? Use pork ribs in a tasty Asian-inspired stir-fry! Cut the ribs into bite-size pieces, marinate them for 30 minutes, then stir-fry with veggies in a hot wok. The ribs cook up quickly and absorb all the great flavors. Serve over rice or noodles – so fast and delicious.
5. Grill ‘Em Up
You can absolutely grill ribs instead of low-and-slow barbecuing too. Apply a flavorful dry rub, then cook them over direct medium heat for 25-35 minutes per side, with the hood closed as much as possible. The high heat helps render the fat and create a lovely char. Glaze the ribs in the last 5 minutes for finger-lickin’ good results.
6. Make Some Hearty Rib Soup
Another way to change up your rib game is to simmer them into a comforting soup loaded with veggies. Simply add the ribs to a big pot of chicken or vegetable stock along with carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic, and whatever else you like. Let it all simmer for 1-2 hours, remove the bones, and voila – rib soup heaven!
7. Transform into Rib Sandwiches
Tender, juicy rib meat piled high on a soft bun? Yes please! After cooking the ribs, let them cool a bit before pulling or chopping the meat into bite-sized pieces. Pile it onto your favorite bread or rolls along with BBQ sauce and toppings like pickles, slaw, and melted cheese if desired. Rib sammies for the win!
8. Serve on Skewers for Finger Food
Cut cooked ribs into bite-sized chunks and thread them onto skewers with veggies of your choice, like bell peppers, mushrooms, pineapple, or cherry tomatoes. Brush with a tasty glaze and grill or broil until sizzling. These colorful rib skewers make a fun appetizer or meal all summer long.
9. Make Rib Carnitas
Cook the ribs until fall-apart tender, then chop them up and toss with lime juice, cilantro, chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of orange zest. Bake everything at 425°F for 15-20 minutes to crisp up the edges. Pile the rib carnitas into warmed tortillas or taco shells and go to town!
10. Toss with Pasta
In the mood for something Italian-inspired? Try using cooked, shredded ribs in a pasta dish! Toss the rib meat with roasted veggies, pasta, and a tomato cream sauce. Grate over some parmesan for a hearty, flavorful meal that’s beyond basic BBQ.
11. Throw Them on the Grill
If you’re grilling up burgers and dogs, why not throw some ribs on too? Apply a sweet and spicy rub, then grill them for 30-40 minutes over indirect medium heat, flipping occasionally. Move them over direct heat for the last few minutes to caramelize the sauce. Easy grilled ribs, sans smoker required!
12. Make Delicious Sliders
Ribs + slider buns = an unbeatable combo! Cook the ribs fully, let them rest, then chop or pull the meat. Pile it onto mini brioche buns along with BBQ sauce, caramelized onions, and slider-sized slices of pickle. Serve while hot for self-contained, saucy rib goodness in every bite.
There you have it – over a dozen tantalizing ways to move beyond basic barbecue and expand your pork rib repertoire. Whether roasting, braising, grilling, or transforming them into tacos, sandwiches, skewers and more, the possibilities are endless. I hope these recipes inspire you to cook up some lip-smacking ribs in creative new ways. Just be warned – once you deviate from standard BBQ, it’s hard to go back! Now get cookin’!
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FAQ
What’s another way to cook ribs?
What goes well with grilled pork ribs?
A quick vinaigrette gives watermelon chunks a bit of extra brightness, perfect for pairing with charred ribs and sweet cherry tomatoes. These grilled pork ribs are all about the sauce. This stir-together gochujang situation has everything you want—heat, sweetness, and palate-gripping acid—but with extra tang.
Can one eat pork ribs if they have diabetes?
It is not recommended. People with diabetes should limit or avoid high-fat cuts of meat, such as hot dogs, sausage, bacon, and pork ribs, as they are high in saturated fats. These can increase body weight and deregulate blood glucose levels.
What to eat with pork spare ribs?
Doused in a vinaigrette and topped with feta, this salad of fresh, firm green beans and sweet onion would cut through even the fattiest pork spare ribs . “Turn boring Brussels sprouts into a sophisticated side dish by combining earthy thyme, sour cranberries, and sweet maple syrup,” says recipe creator France C.
Can you cook ribs with barbecue sauce?
Slather the baked ribs with barbecue sauce, and then broil (or grill) the ribs for a few minutes until the sauce is caramelized. You can use any barbecue sauce you like, but for us, we like to cook up our quick sweet and spicy sauce — it only takes a few minutes.