As a working mom, I’m always looking for fast and easy dinner solutions to feed my family on hectic weeknights. While juicy, saucy oven-baked ribs are a favorite, I rarely have hours to spare tending them. Luckily, my microwave makes cooking tasty pork ribs a quick and simple process!
After much trial and error, I’ve perfected techniques for microwaving incredibly moist, flavorful ribs in a fraction of the usual time. No more waiting hours for ribs—my method takes just 20-30 minutes start to finish! Keep reading for my complete guide to quick and easy microwaved pork ribs any night of the week.
Why Cook Ribs in the Microwave?
Microwaving ribs offers several time-saving advantages
- Cooks ribs in just 20-30 minutes
- Requires only 5 minutes active prep time
- Allows for customizing flavors easily
- Uses just one dish for fast cleanup
- Frees up the oven for side dishes
The microwave’s rapid heat penetrates the ribs to cook them quickly without drying them out. When done right, the results are tender and delicious!
Choosing the Best Pork Ribs for the Microwave
You can microwave most types of pork ribs, but for ideal results look for:
- Individual ribs, not whole slabs
- Spareribs or loin back ribs
- 1.5 – 2 lbs to serve 4 people
- Uniform thickness and meat distribution
- Good marbling throughout
The fat content bastes the ribs from within as they cook, keeping them incredibly moist. Avoid super lean ribs, which can become dry.
Proper Prep is Vital for Great Results
Taking a few easy prep steps ensures your microwaved ribs turn out perfectly:
- Remove membrane from back of ribs
- Cut racks into individual ribs
- Season generously with dry rub or spice blend
- Arrange ribs in microwave-safe dish
- Add a bit of water to dish
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap
This sets you up for tender, flavorful ribs straight from the microwave!
Recommended Cook Times
Microwave cooking is fast, so sticking to the right cook times is crucial. For 2 lbs of ribs, cook:
- High power: Cook 8 minutes, flip ribs, cook 7 more minutes
- Medium power: Cook 15 minutes, flip ribs, cook 12 more minutes
Check for doneness by cutting into a rib to ensure no pinkness remains. Adjust times as needed for more/less ribs.
Resting Makes Ribs Succulent
Once cooked, always let ribs rest 5 minutes before eating. This allows juices to reabsorb so ribs stay incredibly moist and tender.
Tips for the Best Microwave Pork Ribs
Having trouble getting amazing results when microwaving ribs? These tips can help:
- Use individual ribs, not whole slabs
- Completely thaw ribs before cooking
- Trim excess hard fat to prevent greasiness
- Generously season ribs before cooking
- Arrange ribs evenly in dish
- Add water to dish for moisture and steaming
- Cover dish tightly to seal in steam
- Don’t overcook ribs past recommended times
With the right prep and techniques, the microwave can make weeknight ribs quick and easy!
Creative Flavor Ideas for Microwaved Ribs
Tired of plain old BBQ ribs? Kick things up with these tasty seasoning ideas:
- Mexican Dry Rub – Chili powder, cumin, garlic, cayenne, oregano, lime
- Jamaican Jerk Spice Rub – Allspice, thyme, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg
- Korean BBQ Wet Marinade – Gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger
- Thai Satay Sauce – Peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime, cilantro
The options for customizing microwave rib flavor are endless. Get creative!
Troubleshooting Common Microwaved Rib Issues
Having trouble getting perfect results when microwaving ribs? Refer to this handy troubleshooting guide:
Ribs are tough and chewy:
- Use individual ribs, not whole slab
- Cook at lower power for longer time
- Make sure ribs are fully thawed
- Don’t overcook past recommended time
Ribs are dry and shriveled:
- Leave membrane on ribs while cooking
- Add more water to dish
- Cover dish tightly to seal in steam
- Don’t cook too long past done point
Ribs are too fatty/greasy:
- Trim excess hard fat before cooking
- Drain fat drippings after cooking
- Use paper towels to blot greasy areas
Ribs have cold or uncooked spots:
- Arrange ribs evenly in dish
- Cover dish tightly to distribute heat
- Let ribs fully rest before cutting to allow heat distribution
- Cook slightly longer if needed
With a few simple adjustments, you can troubleshoot any microwaved rib issues.
While unconventional, microwaving truly is a fast and easy way to cook incredibly moist, tasty pork ribs any night of the week. With the right cut of ribs, proper prep, recommended cook times, and flavor customization, you can whip up amazing microwave ribs guaranteed to satisfy any rib craving in minutes. Give this quick cooking method a try and enjoy tender, juicy ribs without the wait!
BBQ ribs in microwave in 35 minutes
FAQ
How long to microwave a half rack of ribs?
Is it better to cook ribs in the oven or boiling them?
Do you need to flip ribs in oven?
How do you cook ribs in a microwave?
Mix first 5 ingredients in glass measuring cup. Microwave at hi 1 minute stirring once or twice. Arrange ribs in 13×9 inch glass baking dish. Pour sauce on top, cover with plastic wrap. Microwave on hi 5 minutes. Microwave at 50 for 20 minutes. Turn ribs over, microwave at 50 for 20 minutes. Drain liquid, reserve.
How do you cook ribs in the oven?
Set aside to marinate for 20 minutes (or overnight). Preheat oven to 160°C/320°F (all oven types). Place ribs on a tray in a single layer. Pour apple cider underneath the ribs, cover with foil then bake for 1 hour 30 minutes or until the meat is pretty tender (Note 5). Remove from oven, turn up to 180°C/350°F.
How do you cook pork spare ribs?
Place the pork spare ribs on a rimmed half sheet pan and drizzle with about 1 cup of your favorite bbq sauce: If you’ve got 20 minutes to spare, my homemade bbq sauce recipe is incredibly flavorful with smoky, sweet, and spicy notes. But sometimes I use store-bought to make prep easier.
How do you store oven baked BBQ ribs?
To store your oven baked BBQ ribs, transfer them to an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. They will then keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days or freeze for about 2 months. To reheat, just put the leftovers in the microwave for a few minutes on medium power or in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes.