How To Cook Pork Ribs In A Tagine

Cooking pork ribs in a tagine is a unique and delicious way to prepare this cut of meat. While it is more common to cook ribs in an oven, on a grill, or in a slow cooker, using a tagine can add a North African flair to your dish. Tagines are perfect for cooking ribs low and slow, resulting in tender, fall-off-the-bone meat. You can use a variety of spices and ingredients like garlic, ginger, and paprika to create a mouthwatering sauce to accompany your ribs. Whether you're using baby back ribs, spare ribs, or country-style ribs, a tagine can be a fun and flavourful way to prepare this classic dish.

What type of pork ribs should I use?

When it comes to choosing pork ribs, there are a few different types available at your local grocery store. Here's a breakdown of the most common types of pork ribs and how they can be used:

Spare Ribs

Spare ribs are cut from the belly or side of the pig and can have up to 14 ribs per slab, also called a rack. When purchasing spare ribs, look for a slab that weighs at least 3 pounds, is well-trimmed, and has a good layer of lean meat on the bones, especially on the larger end of the slab. Spare ribs are ideal for feeding a group, as each slab can provide three servings.

Loin Back Ribs

Loin back ribs, also known as baby back ribs, come from the blade and center section of the pig's loin. They are smaller than spare ribs and should be meaty and lean. Look for ribs with at least 1 inch of meat attached to the bone. A slab of loin back ribs typically contains 10 to 13 ribs and weighs between 1.5 to 2 pounds. Use about half a slab per person. These ribs are versatile and can be used as a main course or cut into individual ribs for appetizers.

Country-Style Ribs

Country-style ribs are cut from the sirloin end of the pork loin and are the meatiest of the rib varieties. They are ideal for fork-and-knife dining rather than finger foods. This type of rib is perfect for braising and slow cooking. Country-style ribs are sold in slabs or individual servings, giving you the option to choose the amount you need for your recipe.

When selecting pork ribs, it's essential to look for ribs with a good amount of meat attached to the bone. Avoid ribs with excessive fat or a lack of meat, as this can affect the cooking process and the overall taste. Remember to plan accordingly, as the type of rib you choose will impact the number of servings you can get from each slab.

How do I defrost frozen pork ribs?

To defrost frozen pork ribs, you can use the refrigerator, cold water, or microwave method.

Defrosting Frozen Pork Ribs in the Refrigerator

The refrigerator method is the safest option for defrosting ribs. It ensures the ribs maintain their natural flavour, tenderness, and texture. However, it can take a long time, approximately 24 hours for every 5 pounds of meat. When using this method, place the wrapped ribs on a plate, shallow tray, or container to catch any drippings and prevent leaks.

Defrosting Frozen Pork Ribs in Cold Water

The cold water method is a faster option for defrosting ribs. It typically takes 30 minutes per pound. Ensure the ribs are sealed tightly in a leak-proof bag or packaging to prevent the introduction of bacteria and water. Submerge the sealed ribs in a large bowl or the kitchen sink filled with cold tap water, changing the water every 30 minutes. If the water gets warm quickly, add ice or change the water more frequently.

Defrosting Frozen Pork Ribs in the Microwave

The microwave method is the least recommended option as it can be very uneven, leading to some areas reaching the "Danger Zone" (between 40 and 140°F) where harmful bacteria multiply rapidly. If you choose to defrost in the microwave, remove the ribs from their plastic packaging and place them in a microwave-safe container, covering them loosely. Set your microwave to defrost and enter the weight, or set it to 30% power. Defrosting will take approximately 7 to 8 minutes per pound. Monitor the ribs closely to ensure they don't overcook.

It is important to note that regardless of the defrosting method chosen, pork ribs should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F to prevent foodborne illnesses.

How do I cook pork ribs in a tagine?

How to Cook Pork Ribs in a Tagine

Ingredients

• Pork ribs
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• BBQ spice rub (optional)
• BBQ sauce
• Vegetable stock
• Onion
• Garlic
• Ras el Hanout spice mix
• Tomatoes
• Dates
• Apricots
• Chickpeas
• Couscous
• Pistachio nuts
• Mint leaves

Method

Firstly, you will need to defrost your ribs if they are frozen. The best way to do this is to leave them in the fridge overnight. If you need to defrost them quickly, place the sealed package in a large bowl or tray, cover with cold water, and change the water every 30 minutes.

Once your ribs are defrosted, preheat your oven to 200°C. Heat some olive oil in your tagine and add the ribs, browning them on all sides. Remove the ribs from the tagine and set aside.

In the same tagine, add a little more oil if needed and cook your chopped onion and garlic for 1-2 minutes. Add the Ras el Hanout spice mix and stir well. Add the ribs back into the tagine along with the vegetable stock, tomatoes, dates, and apricots. Stir everything together, cover the tagine, and place it in the oven for 2 hours.

After 2 hours, remove the tagine from the oven and take off the lid. Add the chickpeas and couscous, stir well, and place the lid back on. Put the tagine back in the oven for another 20-30 minutes, or until the meat is tender.

Once the meat is tender, remove the tagine from the oven and sprinkle with the pistachio nuts and mint leaves to serve.

Tips

• If you want to add BBQ sauce to your ribs, simply brush the sauce onto the ribs before serving and place them under the grill for a few minutes until the sauce is caramelized.
• You can also add a spice rub to your ribs before cooking.
• If you are using a gas grill, preheat it and then reduce the heat to medium. Adjust for indirect cooking and grill as above, but place the ribs in a roasting pan.

What ingredients do I need for a pork rib tagine?

There are many different ways to cook pork ribs in a tagine, and the ingredients you will need depend on the recipe you choose to follow. Here is a list of ingredients you might need for a pork rib tagine:

• Pork ribs
• Olive oil
• Onion
• Garlic
• Ras el Hanout spice mix
• Vegetable stock
• Chopped tomatoes
• Dates
• Dried apricots
• Chickpeas
• Pistachio nuts
• Mint leaves
• Brown sugar
• Paprika
• Turmeric
• Ground ginger
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground cardamom
• Chicken broth
• Tomato paste
• Marcona almonds
• Green olives
• Parsley leaves
• Quinoa
• Butter

You may also want to add a marinade or a dry rub to your ribs before cooking. This could include ingredients such as:

• Salt and pepper
• BBQ spice rub
• Seasoned salt
• Cumin
• Hot chili sauce
• Brown sugar
• Apple cider vinegar
• Ketchup

How long do I cook pork ribs in a tagine for?

Yes, you can cook pork ribs in a tagine. The cooking time will depend on the type of pork ribs you are using, the desired doneness, and the specific recipe you are following. Here is a general guide on how long to cook pork ribs in a tagine:

Preparing the Pork Ribs:

First, if your ribs have a thin membrane covering the back of the rack, it is recommended to remove it as it can be tough when cooked. Gently slide a knife under the membrane and use your fingers or a kitchen towel to pull it away from the bones.

Cooking the Pork Ribs in the Tagine:

Place the ribs in your tagine, meaty-side up, and cover with a lid. Place the tagine in an oven preheated to a temperature between 200°C and 350°F. The cooking time will vary depending on the recipe and the type of ribs you are using.

For example, one recipe for Pork Tagine with Apricots and Pistachios recommends cooking boneless pork shoulder or leg, cut into cubes, in the oven for 2 hours. Then, remove the lid, add chickpeas and couscous, and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes until the meat is tender. This recipe has a total cooking time of about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Another recipe for Braised Short Rib Tagine with Figs and Almonds suggests cooking beef short ribs in the oven for 2 to 2.5 hours until the meat is very tender.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of ribs you are using. For example, baby back ribs, spare ribs, country-style ribs, and St. Louis-style ribs may have slightly different cooking times.

Checking for Doneness:

There are several ways to check if your pork ribs are done cooking:

• U Shape: Hold the rack of ribs in the middle with tongs. When they are cooked, the rack will sag in a reverse U shape, and the meat may crack.
• Rib Twist: Grab an exposed bone tip with tongs and gently twist. If the bone turns easily, the ribs are done.
• Toothpick Test: Insert a toothpick into the meat between the ribs. If the toothpick penetrates easily, the rib meat is tender.

By following these guidelines and adjusting the cooking time based on your specific recipe and type of ribs, you can cook pork ribs to your desired doneness in a tagine.

Frequently asked questions