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Tender pork ribs glazed with barbecue sauce on a white plate, glistening and fall-apart tender
Dinner

Tender Pork Ribs

I have lots of rib recipes but this happens to be the easiest and our absolute favourite!

5.0 (1)
Prep
15 min
Cook
1hr 40min
Total
1hr 55min
Serves
4
Style
💰 Everyday

I have lots of rib recipes, but this one happens to be the easiest and our absolute favourite!

Tender Pork Ribs preparation step 1
Tender Pork Ribs preparation step 2
Tender Pork Ribs preparation step 3

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 3 lbs (1.4 kg) pork ribs
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • kosher salt to taste
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 cup (240 ml) of your favourite barbeque sauce

Instructions

  1. 1

    Slice the pork ribs into individual ribs. Place them in a pot with red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and bay leaves. Add enough water to just cover the ribs. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce to a simmer, and simmer very gently for 1.5 hours. Check to make sure your ribs are perfectly tender, then drain.

  2. 2

    Cook the onions in 1 tbsp (15ml) of olive oil until softened.

  3. 3

    Smother the ribs with barbecue sauce. Place them in a 9x13 inch (23x33cm) baking dish. Spoon the onions on top. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, until heated through. You can also broil the ribs for a minute or two for better colour and texture.

FAQ

Can you make these pork ribs ahead of time?+
Yes! You can simmer the ribs up to 2 days ahead and store them in an airtight container in the fridge, then finish them with the onions and barbecue sauce when you're ready to serve. This actually makes them easier to handle since they'll be firmer when cold.
What can you substitute for barbecue sauce in this recipe?+
You can use any sauce you like—try teriyaki, hot sauce, maple glaze, or even a simple mixture of ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar. The simmering method works with whatever final flavor profile you prefer.
Why are my ribs still tough after 1.5 hours of simmering?+
Make sure you're keeping the heat low and gentle—a rolling boil will toughen the meat instead of tenderizing it. If your ribs still feel tough, give them another 15-20 minutes at a bare simmer, as cooking time can vary based on rib thickness and type.
How should you serve these tender pork ribs?+
Serve them hot with the caramelized onions and barbecue sauce spooned on top, alongside coleslaw, cornbread, or mashed potatoes for a comforting dinner that feels restaurant-quality.

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Tender Pork Ribs | Easy BBQ Recipe | Food 400°