Unlock Maximum Flavor A Step-By-Step Guide to Cooking Seasoned Pork Button Bones
Pork button bones, also known as pork rib tails or button ribs are an underutilized and incredibly tasty cut of meat. These small circular ribs are packed with porky flavor and become melt-in-your-mouth tender when cooked properly.
Seasoning pork button bones is key to bringing out their natural sweetness and making them irresistibly delicious. Whether you opt to bake, braise, grill or smoke your button ribs, applying a flavorful dry or wet rub will take them to the next level.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to cook seasoned pork button bones. You’ll learn how to choose the best ribs apply mouthwatering rubs and marinades, master various cooking methods and serve them up in creative ways. Let’s get started!
What Are Pork Button Bones?
Pork button bones are oval-shaped bones cut from the loin section near the pig’s backbone. They consist of small rib bones surrounded by thin strips of fatty, flavorful meat.
Don’t let their diminutive size fool you. These mini ribs pack a flavor punch and their high ratio of bone to meat means they take beautifully to seasoned rubs. With the right prep and cooking method, pork button bones can rival pork spare ribs in both taste and tenderness.
Choosing Your Pork Button Bones
- Opt for ribs with bright pink meat and white fat marbling for optimal flavor and moisture
- Pick ribs that are similar in size to ensure even cooking
- Allow for 8-12 bones per person as an appetizer or 4-6 bones as a main dish
Craft Your Own Signature Seasoned Rub
Dry rubs infuse pork button bones with spices, herbs, sweetness and saltiness. Making your own lets you customize the flavors to your liking. Try this basic rub recipe:
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1⁄2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1⁄4 cup kosher salt
Mix ingredients together until well combined. Generously coat ribs all over with the rub at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Fire It Up! How to Grill Pork Button Bones
Grilling is a fantastic way to cook seasoned pork button bones. The high heat caramelizes the sugars in the rub, forming an irresistible crust.
- Preheat grill to medium heat, 300-350°F.
- Grill ribs meaty-side down first. Close lid and cook 15 minutes.
- Flip ribs and grill 15 minutes more until done.
- Baste ribs with your favorite BBQ sauce during last 5 minutes if desired.
Internal temp should reach 145°F. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Baked Button Bone Perfection
For oven-baked button ribs, a flavorful dry or wet rub is key. A honey glaze adds sweetness and promotes browning.
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Coat ribs all over with preferred rub or marinade.
- Arrange ribs meaty-side up on a rack in a baking sheet.
- Bake 1 hour, basting with honey glaze last 20 minutes.
- Broil 2-3 minutes until glaze is bubbly and slightly charred.
Fall-Off-The-Bone Braised Button Bones
Low and slow braising makes pork button bones incredibly tender and juicy. Try this recipe:
- Season ribs all over with a spicy rub. Sear meaty-side down in a pan.
- Place ribs in slow cooker and add 1 cup chicken broth.
- Cook on low 8 hours. Meat should shred easily when done.
- Shred ribs with two forks and toss with your favorite BBQ sauce.
In the pressure cooker, cook seasoned ribs with broth for only 20 minutes with a full natural release.
Fantastic Ways to Serve Your Button Bones
- Appetizer portions with tangy dipping sauces
- In banh mi sandwiches with pickled veggies
- Diced in fried rice or pasta dishes
- On nachos or pizza for some BBQ flair
- In tacos, burritos and enchiladas
Take Your Button Bones to the Next Level
Cooking seasoned pork button bones may seem intimidating, but have no fear! With the right seasoning and cooking method, you’ll have hands-down delicious ribs fit for any occasion. The smaller size means you can play around with different flavor combos.
Be adventurous and try rubs with Asian five spice, jerk spices, coffee grounds or other unique ingredients. Vary your cooking technique between smoking, braising, baking or grilling for totally different flavors.
In no time, these underrated little ribs will become a new favorite in your home kitchen rotation. Trust me, pork button bones bring maximum flavor and satisfaction in a small but mighty package. Dig in!
How to Cook Southern Braised Pork Button Bones: Cooking with Kimberly
FAQ
What are pork button bones good for?
What is pork loin button bones?
What are the three types of pork ribs?
Do pork spare ribs have bones?
How long do you cook pork button bones?
Place the seasoned pork button bones on a rack in a large baking pan, making sure that they are not touching each other. Cover the pan tightly with foil, shiny side out, to keep the moisture in. Bake the pork button bones in the oven for 2 1/2 hours until they are tender and fully cooked.
How to season pork button bones?
When it comes to seasoning your pork button bones, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First and foremost, you want to make sure that the seasoning complements the natural flavor of the pork without overpowering it. A good pork seasoning should strike a balance between sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.
Are pork buttons good for ribs?
Pork buttons, a unique and flavorful cut of meat, offer culinary versatility and nutritional value. Whether grilled, roasted, braised, or fried, pork buttons can elevate any meal. Their distinct flat, circular-shaped bones and lack of actual ribs set them apart from traditional ribs.
What are pork button bones?
Despite their name, pork button bones are not bones at all, but rather small segments of cartilage and bone with thin strips of meat holding them together. Pork button bones are a lean cut of pork that can be cooked in various ways. They are often used in dishes such as stews, soups, and casseroles to add flavor and texture.