Ribs, or spare ribs, are a favourite of many people because of their juicy and flavoursome meat. Whether you cook them in the oven or on the BBQ, the secret is in the right preparation and the perfect sauce. In this guide, I share how to make the best ribs at home, with tips for both oven and BBQ, and some delicious sauces to take your ribs to the next level.
Making ribs in the oven
Ingredients
- 1 rack of pork ribs
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika powder
- 1 teaspoon chilli powder (optional for extra spice)
- 200 ml BBQ sauce of your choice
Tips
- Add a little honey to your BBQ sauce for an extra glaze.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the ribs is around 70°C (160°F) for best tenderness.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F).
- Remove the skin on the back of the ribs for a more tender result. You can do this by sliding a blunt knife under the skin and gently pulling it off.
- Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika and chilli powder, if desired, in a bowl. Rub the ribs with olive oil and coat evenly with the spice mixture.
- Place the seasoned ribs on a baking tray and cover tightly with aluminium foil. This helps keep the ribs juicy while cooking.
- Bake the ribs in the oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the thickness of the ribs. They should be soft and easy to separate.
- Remove the ribs from the oven and increase the temperature to 200°C (400°F). Remove the foil, brush the ribs with BBQ sauce and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the sauce starts to caramelise.
Making ribs on the BBQ
Ingredients
- 1 rack of pork ribs
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika powder
- 1 teaspoon chilli powder (optional)
- 200 ml BBQ sauce of your choice
Tips
- Add wood chips (such as apple or hickory) to the coals for a delicious smoke flavour.
- Be patient and avoid opening the BBQ too often to keep the temperature stable.
Instructions
- As with the oven method, remove the skin from the ribs and season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika and chilli powder after rubbing them with olive oil.
- Prepare the BBQ for indirect grilling. This means placing the coals or burners on one side of the BBQ, while the ribs are on the other side, away from the direct heat. Make sure the temperature is around 120-130°C (250-275°F).
- Place the ribs on the cool part of the BBQ and close the lid. Let the ribs cook slowly for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking process ensures tender and juicy ribs.
- Brush the ribs with BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Turn them regularly to get a nice glaze without burning the sauce.
Sauces to go with ribs
A good sauce can take ribs to the next level and balance the flavours perfectly. Whether you like sweet, spicy, smoky or a combination of these flavours, there is a sauce to suit your taste. Here are some delicious sauce options to try with your perfectly cooked ribs:
- Classic BBQ sauce: A mix of ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce and spices. Perfect for a sweet and savoury glaze.
- Spicy whisky sauce: Add a dash of whisky, tabasco and a little honey to your BBQ sauce for a spicy kick with a hint of sweetness.
- Mustard BBQ sauce: A southern favourite, made with yellow mustard, honey, vinegar and a little cayenne pepper for a unique, spicy flavour.
- Asian Glaze: Mix soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic and sesame oil for a sweet and salty sauce that goes perfectly with ribs.
Additional tips to the perfect ribs
- Rest: After cooking, let the ribs rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting. This helps redistribute the juices and makes for juicier meat.
- Smoke wood: Use different types of smoke wood (such as hickory, oak or cherry) to add unique flavours to your ribs.
- Moisture retention: place an aluminium container with water or apple juice in the BBQ to create a moist environment and prevent the ribs from drying out.
- Lubricate: Grease the ribs regularly with a mixture of apple juice and vinegar during grilling to keep them juicy and flavourful.
- Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings, marinades and sauces. Ribs are versatile and can be prepared in many ways.
- Temperature management: use a meat thermometer to ensure the ribs reach the right internal temperature without overcooking.
- Reverse searing technique: In this technique, the ribs are first slow-cooked at low temperature and seared off at high temperature at the end for a crispy exterior.
With these comprehensive tips and methods, you will start making the perfect ribs at home. Whether you use the oven or the BBQ, the key to success lies in the right preparation and sauces. Have fun cooking and enjoy your meal with our ultimate guide to making the perfect ribs!