What’s the secret to achieving fall-off-the-bone ribs? It all starts with choosing the right cut of pork and using a spice rub that not only adds flavor but also tenderizes the meat. And when it comes to cooking them, the key is to go slow and low. In this article, I’ll share a recipe that will leave you with the most tender and delicious ribs you’ve ever tasted!
We just had the most amazing meal: sweet and spicy, fall-off-the-bone ribs. Picture finger-licking goodness that requires three napkins and leaves you speechless. These ribs have quickly become a year-round favorite in our family. They are perfect for a family dinner or a get-together with friends. I love serving them alongside Grandma Joyner’s southern baked beans and a colorful vegetable potato salad. And to top it all off, a bowl of peach trifle for dessert brings pure happiness!
After making these ribs for my parents, my mom couldn’t resist asking for the recipe. She wanted to know my secret to achieving fall-off-the-bone perfection. And it’s really a combination of three things: selecting the right cut of pork (like Smithfield All Natural Fresh Pork back ribs from Walmart), using an amazing spice rub, and steaming the ribs slow and low before adding sauce and finishing them on the grill or in the oven.
Cooking ribs is easier than you might think. If you’ve struggled in the past to achieve tender ribs, this recipe and technique will solve that problem for good.
Discover Smithfield Ribs
When it comes to ribs, we always choose Smithfield because we’ve found them to be meatier and more tender than other brands we’ve tried. Recently, I came across Smithfield All-Natural at Walmart, a line of U.S. born and bred all-natural products that are free of hormones, steroids, and artificial ingredients. It’s a perfect match for our fall-off-the-bone ribs.
The Perfect Spice Rub
Now, let’s talk about the spice rub that will take your ribs to the next level. I usually make enough spice rub to tenderize and marinate several racks of ribs. Any leftover rub can be stored in a mason jar in the pantry for a few weeks. Just make sure to avoid any cross-contamination with uncooked pork.
To ensure the perfect flavor, generously coat the ribs with the rub, making sure to cover the top, bottom, and sides. Massage the rub into the meat to ensure it permeates every delicious bite.
The Steaming Process
To encapsulate all that flavor and tenderness, we’ll use a simple steaming technique. Take two pieces of aluminum foil and overlap them. Then, place a long sheet of parchment paper on top. Wrap the rack of ribs in both layers, folding the parchment first to create a steaming packet.
Bake the foil-wrapped ribs in a 350-degree oven for 60 to 90 minutes until the meat is tender and offers no resistance when pierced with a knife. Alternatively, you can cook the ribs on the grill using the same foil packet technique.
The Finishing Touch
For the ultimate flavor experience, we always finish our ribs on the grill. Carefully transfer the ribs (they’ll be tender!) to a preheated grill rack and brush both sides with your favorite barbecue sauce.
Grill the ribs over medium-low heat, flipping them once, until the sauce caramelizes. Keep an eye on them, as the sugar in the barbecue sauce can burn quickly. You want the meat to be charred and falling off the bone.
If grilling isn’t an option, you can finish the ribs in the oven at 425 degrees. Simply place them on a lined, rimmed baking sheet for about 15 minutes or until the barbecue sauce has caramelized to perfection.
Time to Dig In!
I bet your mouth is watering by now, imagining these succulent ribs. Trust me, they taste even better than you can imagine. So fire up your grill or preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a meal that will impress your family and friends.
Before you go, don’t forget to save this recipe for future reference. Pin it now to your favorite recipe board!
If you’re looking for more delicious recipes to enjoy at your next cookout, try our Asian Maple Chili Garlic Grilled Ribs, Southern Baked Beans with Bacon, and Summer Veggie Potato Salad. And for a delightful dessert, indulge in our Peach Trifle Icebox Cake.
Remember, the key to fall-off-the-bone ribs is in the selection of meat, the spice rub, and the slow and low cooking process. With this recipe and technique, you’ll become a master of ribs in no time.
Happy cooking and enjoy your mouthwatering ribs!
This article is brought to you by Ekilove.
