Pork Ribs

Available from the PRIME Butcher Counter at Arkadia Foodstore Gozo

Recipe: BBQ Pork Ribs

Ingredients:

• 2 racks of pork ribs
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey

A wide variety of quality ingredients for our recipes are available from Arkadia supermarkets in Malta and Gozo, including Arkadia FoodExpress Swatar and Arkadia Food Market Valletta.

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 150°C.

2. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chilli powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper to create a dry rub.

3. Place each rack of ribs on a large piece of aluminium foil. Rub the dry rub mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs.

4. Wrap the ribs tightly in the foil and place them on a baking sheet.

5. Bake the ribs in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.

6. In a small saucepan, combine the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

7. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

8. Carefully remove the ribs from the foil and place them on the grill. Brush the ribs generously with the BBQ sauce mixture.

9. Grill the ribs for 5-10 minutes per side, or until nicely charred and caramelised, basting with additional sauce as desired.

10. Once done, remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

11. Serve the BBQ pork ribs hot with your favourite sides, such as coleslaw, cornbread, or grilled vegetables.

Tips for Tender Ribs

1. Remove the membrane: Before seasoning your ribs, peel off the tough membrane from the underside of the ribs. This helps the seasoning penetrate the meat and prevents the ribs from becoming tough.

2. Use a dry rub: Season the ribs generously with a dry rub mixture containing salt, sugar, and various spices. Let the ribs sit with the rub for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat.

3. Low and slow cooking: Slow cooking is key to achieving tender ribs. Whether you're baking in the oven or using a smoker or grill, maintain a low and consistent temperature (around 107°C to 135°C) and cook the ribs slowly for several hours until they are tender and juicy.

4. Wrap for moisture: After the initial cooking period (usually around 2-3 hours), wrap the ribs tightly in aluminium foil or butcher paper with a bit of liquid (such as apple juice or broth). This helps keep the ribs moist and tender during the remaining cooking time.

5. Test for doneness: Ribs are done when the meat has pulled back from the bones and is tender enough to easily tear apart with a fork. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches around 90.5°C to 96°C.

By following these tips, you can achieve perfectly tender and flavourful pork ribs every time!

Recipe: Dry Rub for Pork Ribs

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon chilli powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

A wide variety of quality ingredients for our recipes are available from Arkadia supermarkets in Malta and Gozo, including Arkadia FoodExpress Swatar and Arkadia Food Market Valletta.

Method:

1. In a small bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chilli powder, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.

2. Mix the ingredients until well combined.

3. Rub the dry rub mixture generously all over the surface of the ribs, ensuring they are evenly coated.

4. Let the ribs sit with the dry rub for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate them overnight for even more flavour infusion.

5. Once the ribs are seasoned, you can proceed to cook them using your preferred method, whether baking in the oven, grilling, or smoking.

This dry rub recipe will add a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavours to your pork ribs, creating a delicious crust as they cook. Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences and enjoy tender and flavourful ribs every time!

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