Irresistible Spicy Pork Ribs Recipe

Ready in: 3 hours 15 minutes · Serves: 8 · Technique: Oven-Baked & Grilled · Storage: Up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Quick Answer

These Spicy Pork Ribs are slow-cooked in the oven until tender, then finished on the grill for a deliciously sticky glaze.

Ah, the vibrant energy of New York City in the fall! As the leaves turn amber and the air gains that crispy edge, my kitchen becomes a little haven of warmth. With Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, my mind is racing with ideas for succulent dishes that will impress family and friends. One recipe that has been a personal favorite among my circle is these tantalizing Spicy Pork Ribs. They’re robustly flavored, finger-lickin’ good, and perfect for festive gatherings!

A Perfect Holiday Dish

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Finger-lickin’ good flavor that will impress your family and friends.
• Perfectly tender ribs thanks to a slow cooking process.
• Customizable heat levels to suit your taste preferences.
• Great for festive gatherings and holiday celebrations.
• Easy to prepare with simple ingredients and steps.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create delicious Spicy Pork Ribs:

Pork Ribs

• 2 racks of baby back pork ribs (about 3 lbs)

Spice Rub

• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Other Ingredients

• 1 cup barbecue sauce (homemade or your favorite store-bought)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Honey or brown sugar (for glazing, optional)

How to Make Spicy Pork Ribs (Step-by-Step)

Follow these easy steps to prepare mouthwatering Spicy Pork Ribs:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). The low temperature is essential for achieving tender, juicy ribs.

Step 2: Prepare the Ribs

Remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs to allow the spices to penetrate better. Use a butter knife to lift the skin and a paper towel to pull it off easily.

Step 3: Make the Spice Rub

In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. The vibrant colors and aromas will remind you of market spices.

Step 4: Rub the Spice Mixture

Generously rub the spice mixture onto both sides of the ribs. For maximum flavor, let the ribs marinate for at least an hour, or ideally overnight in the refrigerator.

Step 5: Bake the Ribs

Wrap the ribs in foil and place them on a baking sheet to trap steam during cooking. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and nearly falling off the bone.

Step 6: Broil or Grill the Ribs

After baking, carefully unwrap the foil. Preheat your grill or broiler to high, then brush a layer of BBQ sauce over the ribs. Grill or broil for about 5-10 minutes, watching closely for caramelization.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before cutting. Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side and consider pairing with classic coleslaw.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the silver skin removal: This can lead to tough ribs that are difficult to bite into.
• Not marinating long enough: Giving the spice rub time to penetrate the meat can make a significant difference in flavor.
• Overcooking on the grill/broiler: Keep a watchful eye to avoid drying out the already tender ribs!

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Try varying the spice rub for different flavor profiles—adding a bit of cinnamon can yield warm, sweet notes.
• If grilling, consider using wood chips for smoking to give an extra layer of flavor.
• Serve with refreshing sides like grilled corn or a tangy potato salad to balance the heat.

Variations

• Use different meats such as beef ribs or chicken for alternative flavors.
• Substitute apple cider vinegar with citrus juice for a fresh twist.
• Add honey or brown sugar for a sweeter glaze.

How to Serve

• Serve ribs with additional BBQ sauce on the side.
• Pair with classic coleslaw for a crunchy contrast.
• Offer sides like corn on the cob or baked beans for a complete meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: Marinate the ribs overnight for better flavor.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn; they freeze beautifully.

Recipe Notes / What I Learned

Throughout my culinary journey, I’ve found that patience is key when it comes to ribs. The slow cooking process not only tenderizes the meat, but it allows those flavors to develop in a way that just can’t be rushed. Each batch teaches me something new, where the fragrant spices and tender meat lure friends and family to my table time and time again. Enjoy the warmth of your kitchen this holiday season!

Yield and Serving Size

Yield: 2 racks · Serving Size: 4-6 people

Nutrition Snapshot

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~400 calories · 25g protein · 16g carbs · 30g fat

Amberly Vahn

Irresistible Spicy Pork Ribs

These Spicy Pork Ribs are slow-cooked in the oven until tender, then finished on the grill for a deliciously sticky glaze.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 400

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Group: Ingredients

• 3 lbs. baby back pork ribs
• 2 Tbsp. smoked paprika
• 1 Tbsp. ground cumin
• 1 Tbsp. chili powder
• 1 Tbsp. garlic powder
• 1 Tbsp. onion powder
• 1 tsp. cayenne pepper adjust for heat preference
• 2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
• honey or brown sugar for glazing, optional

Equipment

• Oven
• Grill
• Baking sheet
• Aluminum foil
• Small bowl

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs to allow the spices to penetrate better.
3. Combine the smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
4. Rub the spice mixture onto both sides of the ribs and let marinate for at least an hour, ideally overnight.
5. Wrap the ribs in foil and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours until tender.
6. Unwrap the foil, brush BBQ sauce over the ribs, and grill or broil for 5-10 minutes until caramelized.
7. Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before cutting and serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Notes

Marinate overnight for stronger flavor and be careful not to overcook on the grill/broiler.

FAQs

• Q: Can I use a different type of ribs?
  A: Yes, you can use spare ribs or St. Louis style ribs, but cooking times may vary. Adjust as necessary to ensure tenderness.
• Q: How can I make these ribs less spicy?
  A: You can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper and chili powder in the spice rub. Additionally, opt for a milder barbecue sauce.
• Q: Is it necessary to marinate the ribs overnight?
  A: While it’s not strictly necessary, marinating the ribs overnight allows the spices to penetrate better, resulting in more flavorful meat.
• Q: Can I cook the ribs in a slow cooker?
  A: Yes, you can cook the ribs in a slow cooker. Cooking on low for 6-8 hours will yield tender, flavorful ribs without the foil wrapping.
• Q: What should I serve with Spicy Pork Ribs?
  A: Pair them with sides like coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, or grilled vegetables to complement the flavors of the ribs.