Introduction:
This Delicious Braised Pork Ribs recipe offers a savory and tender dish, perfect for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests. The slow-cooking process results in fall-off-the-bone ribs infused with rich flavors from herbs, spices, and a flavorful braising liquid. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe will help you achieve perfectly cooked pork ribs every time.
Ingredients:
2 racks of pork ribs (about 4-5 pounds)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups chicken or beef broth
1 cup dry red wine (or apple cider vinegar for a non-alcoholic option)
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Prep the Ribs: Begin by removing the silver skin from the ribs. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels and season them generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and ground cumin (if using). Set aside.
Sear the Ribs: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe pot (Dutch oven) over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ribs and sear them for about 4-5 minutes per side until browned. Remove the ribs from the pot and set them aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add chopped onions and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Prepare the Braising Liquid: Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute. Then, add chicken broth, red wine, soy sauce, brown sugar, and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Braise the Ribs: Return the seared ribs to the pot. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and transfer the pot to a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C). Let the ribs braise for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
Finishing Touches: Once done, remove the ribs from the pot and set them aside. If you want a thicker sauce, bring the remaining braising liquid to a boil over medium heat and cook for 10-15 minutes until reduced to your desired consistency.
Serve: Slice the ribs between the bones, drizzle with the reduced braising sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite sides.
Description:
Braised pork ribs are a classic comfort food, tender and full of deep, savory flavor. This recipe creates ribs that are juicy and perfectly seasoned, with a rich braising sauce that enhances the pork’s natural sweetness. The slow-cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Serve with sides that can soak up the tasty sauce, and enjoy a meal that’s both satisfying and comforting.
Tips:
Slow Cooking: Make sure to cook the ribs low and slow. This will allow the collagen in the ribs to break down, resulting in super tender meat.
Braising Liquid: If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, replace the red wine with apple cider or apple juice for a mild sweetness.
Searing the Ribs: Don’t skip the searing step. It helps develop flavor and caramelizes the exterior of the ribs, which enhances the overall taste.
Make-Ahead: This recipe is perfect for preparing in advance. You can braise the ribs the day before and store them in the fridge. Reheat gently when ready to serve.
Consistency of Sauce: If you want a thicker sauce, use a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken it before serving.
Variations:
Spicy Braised Pork Ribs: Add chili flakes, hot sauce, or jalapeños to the braising liquid for a kick of heat.
BBQ Style: For a barbecue twist, brush the ribs with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes of braising or finish them off on the grill for a smoky flavor.
Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, sage, or bay leaves to customize the flavor profile.
Corrections:
Ensure you remove the silver skin from the ribs before cooking, as it can cause the meat to be tough.
If using a slow cooker instead of the oven, set it on low for 6-8 hours to achieve the same tenderness.
Enjoy:
Now that you’ve made your delicious braised pork ribs, it’s time to dig in! Enjoy the rich flavors and tenderness of these ribs with your favorite side dishes. Perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or a comforting weeknight meal.