Oven Braised Barbecue Pork Ribs
Overview
When it comes to achieving tender, flavorful barbecue ribs without the hassle of a grill, this Oven Braised Barbecue Pork Ribs recipe, inspired by Alton Brown’s foolproof technique, is a winner. With a careful blend of ingredients and a simple method, these country-style pork ribs become a succulent centerpiece for any meal, bringing a touch of barbecue flair right into your kitchen.
Recipe Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Oven Braised Barbecue Pork Ribs |
| Cook Time | 3 hours |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 3 hours 20 minutes |
| Description | A foolproof method to make tender, barbecue-style ribs in the oven. This variation is sure to impress! |
| Recipe Category | Meat |
| Keywords | Oven, < 4 Hours, Easy |
| Servings | 6 |
| Calories | 2057.3 |
| Fat Content | 121.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 24.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 757.8 mg |
| Sodium | 1033.1 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 29 g |
| Fiber | 0.4 g |
| Sugar | 23.8 g |
| Protein | 199 g |
| Review Count | 6 |
| Aggregated Rating | 5 |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Country-style pork ribs | 3 lbs |
| Tomato ketchup | 3/4 cup |
| Beer | 3/4 cup |
| Real maple syrup | 1/2 cup |
| Onion | 1, diced |
| Garlic cloves | 3, minced |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Hot sauce (optional) | to taste |
Instructions
Embarking on the culinary journey of making these tender, flavorful barbecue ribs involves a few essential steps, each designed to maximize flavor and tenderness, ultimately leading to a delightful dish that your family and friends will adore.
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Prepare the Foil: Start by folding each sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil in half lengthwise. This creates a double-thick layer, which helps retain moisture and flavor during cooking. You should have two sheets measuring approximately 18 inches by 18 inches.
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Create the Foil Bag: Stack the folded sheets on top of each other, ensuring the folded sides are facing upward. Next, take the three open edges and fold them together in a triple fold, crimping firmly to seal, while leaving the top open. This will form a sturdy foil bag that will contain the ribs and their cooking liquid.
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Arrange the Ribs: Place your newly formed foil bag on a large baking sheet to catch any potential drips. Carefully fill the bag with the pork ribs, taking care not to puncture the foil, especially if using bone-in ribs.
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Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the tomato ketchup, beer, maple syrup, diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and a dash of hot sauce, adjusting to your taste preferences. This mixture will create a robust and flavorful braising liquid that complements the pork beautifully.
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Add the Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture directly into the foil bag with the ribs. Ensure the ribs are well-coated and then triple fold and crimp the top edge of the foil bag securely. This locking in of flavors is crucial for the next step.
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Bake the Ribs: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the foil bag, still resting on the baking sheet, into the oven and allow the ribs to braise for a full three hours. This low-and-slow cooking method breaks down the connective tissues in the meat, resulting in tender, fall-off-the-bone goodness.
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Drain the Liquid: Once the ribs have cooked, carefully remove the foil bag from the oven. Using scissors, cut a corner of the foil bag to drain the liquid into a saucepan, while crimping the cut edge to reseal the ribs in the foil. This helps retain their heat and moisture.
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Reduce the Sauce: Bring the reserved braising liquid to a boil over medium-high heat, allowing it to reduce to a glaze-like consistency, similar to barbecue sauce. This step intensifies the flavors and creates a sticky, luscious coating for your ribs.
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Prepare for Broiling: While the sauce is reducing, preheat your oven’s broiler. As the sauce thickens, get ready to crisp up the ribs for that final touch.
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Broil the Ribs: Place the ribs on an oil-sprayed broiler pan, taking care to keep them as intact as possible since they will be exceptionally tender. Generously brush the ribs with the reduced sauce, then broil them close to the heat source for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until the sauce begins to bubble and caramelize.
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Finish the Cooking: Flip the ribs and repeat the broiling process on the other side, brushing more sauce as desired. For an even thicker coating, feel free to repeat the brush-and-broil process one more time on each side, allowing the sauce to create a delightful crust.
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Serve: Once caramelized to your liking, remove the ribs from the broiler and serve them immediately, garnished with any remaining sauce for extra flavor. Enjoy the juicy, smoky, and sweet flavors that this method achieves, and prepare for compliments all around!
Note
If you find yourself unable to source dark maple syrup, a suitable alternative is dark corn syrup, which will provide a similar sweetness and consistency in your sauce.
With this comprehensive guide to crafting Oven Braised Barbecue Pork Ribs, you can create a mouthwatering dish that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. Happy cooking!
