Perfect Pan Size For Succulent Ribs

Whether you're slow-roasting, grilling, frying, or baking ribs, the right equipment is essential. For frying, a sturdy, large pan is best, while a baking sheet or sheet pan is ideal for baking. If you're using a grill, you might want to invest in a rib rack, which can be placed directly on the grill.

How to fry ribs in a pan

Frying ribs in a pan is a great alternative to grilling, and can be just as tasty and satisfying. With a few simple steps, you can achieve tender and flavourful ribs right in your kitchen. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you fry ribs like a pro!

Step 1: Prepare the Ribs

Make sure the ribs are trimmed and remove the membrane on the bone side. This will help the flavours penetrate the meat and result in a more tender texture.

Step 2: Season the Ribs

Season the ribs generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add any other dry rub or seasoning of your choice to enhance the flavour. Allow the ribs to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes so that the seasoning can penetrate the meat.

Step 3: Preheat the Pan

Heat a large, sturdy pan over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil, and let it heat up. You want the pan to be hot enough to sear the ribs without smoking.

Step 4: Sear the Ribs

Place the ribs in the hot pan, bone-side down. Allow them to sear for about 3-4 minutes until they develop a nice golden brown crust. Flip the ribs and sear the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Reduce the Heat

Once the ribs are seared, reduce the heat to low or medium-low. This will ensure that they cook evenly without burning.

Step 6: Add BBQ Sauce

Generously brush your favourite BBQ sauce over the ribs, making sure that the sauce covers both sides evenly. The sauce will enhance the flavour and add a delicious caramelised glaze.

Step 7: Cover and Simmer

Cover the pan with a lid and let the ribs simmer in the BBQ sauce for about 1 hour. This slow cooking process will make the meat tender, allowing the flavours to develop and meld together.

Step 8: Baste and Finish

Every 15 minutes or so, open the pan and baste the ribs with more BBQ sauce to keep them moist and flavourful. Cook for a total of about 1 hour, or until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bones.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Remove the pan from the heat and let the ribs rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Then, transfer the ribs to a cutting board and slice them into individual servings. Serve your delicious fried ribs with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Tips:

• Any type of ribs can be fried in a pan, but baby back ribs and spare ribs tend to work best due to their size and tenderness.
• It is recommended to remove the membrane from the ribs before frying to allow for better flavour absorption and a more tender eating experience.
• When frying ribs in a pan, use a pan that is large enough to fit the ribs without overcrowding. Overcrowding the pan can cause the meat to steam instead of searing properly, resulting in a less flavourful dish.
• To achieve a crispy texture, increase the heat to high during the last few minutes of cooking or lightly coat the ribs with a thin layer of flour or cornstarch before frying.

How to sear ribs in a pan

Preparation

Firstly, prepare the ribs by trimming them and removing the membrane on the bone side. This will help the flavours penetrate the meat and result in a more tender texture.

Seasoning

Season the ribs generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add any other dry rub or seasoning of your choice, such as garlic powder or paprika, to enhance the flavour. Allow the ribs to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes so that the seasoning can penetrate the meat.

Preheat the Pan

Heat a large, sturdy pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil or butter to the pan and let it heat up. You want the pan to be hot enough to sear the ribs but not smoking.

Sear the Ribs

Place the ribs in the hot pan, bone-side down. Allow them to sear for about 3-4 minutes until they develop a nice golden brown crust. Flip the ribs and sear the other side for another 3-4 minutes.

Adjust the Heat

Once the ribs are seared, reduce the heat to low or medium-low to ensure they cook evenly without burning.

Check for Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ribs. For pork ribs, the safe internal temperature is 145°F, while beef ribs should reach 145-150°F for medium-rare to medium doneness.

Rest and Serve

Once the ribs reach the desired doneness, remove them from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and succulent ribs. Then, slice and serve the ribs.

Pan Size

When selecting a pan, it is important to choose one that is large and sturdy enough to accommodate the number of ribs you are cooking. A pan that is too small may prevent proper searing and even cooking.

How to bake ribs in the oven

Preparation

Firstly, you will need to decide on the cut of ribs you want to use. Baby back ribs are leaner, smaller, and more tender than spare ribs, but spare ribs have more fat, which can make them more flavourful.

If you want to remove the membrane from your ribs, slide a knife under the thin skin on the back of the ribs and use a paper towel to grip the edge and gently pull it away from the meat.

Seasoning

You can season your ribs with a dry rub, salt and pepper, or a combination of the two. Allow the ribs to sit for around 20 minutes so that the seasoning can penetrate the meat.

Cooking

Preheat your oven to between 225-300°F. Place the ribs, meat-side down, on a baking sheet and smother with onion and garlic. Seal the ribs with aluminium foil and bake for 2-3 hours, or until tender.

Once the ribs are tender, remove them from the oven and increase the temperature to 300-350°F. Open the foil, drain any juices, and brush barbecue sauce onto the ribs. Return the ribs to the oven and bake for another 30 minutes to an hour, or until the meat is sizzling and well browned.

Serving

Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before cutting them into serving-sized pieces.

Tips

• You can add vegetables to your tray in the final 10 minutes of cooking.
• You can add a glaze to your ribs by brushing them with olive oil before adding the barbecue sauce.
• If you want to add a crispy texture to your ribs, increase the heat to high during the last few minutes of cooking.

How to cook pork ribs on a frying pan

Cooking pork ribs on a frying pan is a quick and convenient method that yields delicious and tender results. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve mouthwatering, fall-off-the-bone ribs right on your stovetop.

Ingredients and Tools:

• Fresh pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs work well)
• Dry rub or marinade of your choice
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• A large frying pan with a lid
• Tongs or a spatula for flipping the ribs

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:

• Prep your ribs by removing the membrane from the back. This step is optional but recommended as it helps the flavors penetrate the meat better and removes a layer of toughness.
• Season the ribs generously with your chosen dry rub or marinade. Rub it gently into the meat, ensuring an even coating. Let the ribs sit at room temperature for about 20 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
• Heat your frying pan over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil or spray with cooking spray.
• Place the ribs meat-side down in the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes until a golden brown crust forms. Flip the ribs and repeat on the other side.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with its lid, and let the ribs continue cooking for about 1-2 hours. This low and slow process ensures tender and flavorful ribs. Check the ribs periodically and add a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent sticking. The liquid will also help create steam, keeping the ribs moist.
• Once the meat is tender and cooked to your liking, remove the ribs from the frying pan and let them rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
• Finally, serve your delectable pork ribs with your favorite sides and sauces. You can even brush them with BBQ sauce and finish them off under the broiler for some caramelized goodness.

Tips for the Best Pork Ribs:

• Experiment with different dry rubs and marinades to find your favorite flavor combination. From sweet and smoky to spicy and tangy, the options are endless!
• For extra tender ribs, consider parboiling them for 30 minutes before pan-frying. This will help break down the collagen and shorten the cooking time.
• Don't rush the cooking process. Low and slow is the key to achieving tender and flavorful ribs.
• Feel free to get creative with the seasonings. Add herbs, spices, or even a touch of liquid smoke to amp up the flavor profile.

Frying Pan Size:

When choosing a frying pan, consider the size of your rib rack. You may need to cut the rack into smaller pieces to fit in the pan. Look for a large, sturdy pan that can accommodate the size of your ribs and has a lid to trap in heat and moisture.

Now you're ready to fire up that frying pan and enjoy some delicious BBQ pork ribs without ever needing to fire up the grill!

One-pan baby back ribs

Ingredients

• 1 rack of baby back ribs, halved
• 2 teaspoons of chili powder
• 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
• 1 cup of BBQ sauce
• 3 corns, husked and halved
• 4 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Cumin
• Paprika

Method

• Preheat your oven to 275°F (140°C).
• Place the half racks on a baking sheet lined with foil.
• Sprinkle the cumin, chili powder, pepper, garlic powder, salt, and paprika evenly over the ribs.
• Rub the seasoning in evenly on both sides.
• Cover with foil and bake for 2 hours.
• Increase the oven temperature to 500°F (260°C).
• Remove the ribs from the foil and place them back on the baking sheet.
• Spread the BBQ sauce evenly on the top of the ribs.
• Place the corn on one side of the pan and the asparagus on the other.
• Drizzle the olive oil, salt, and pepper evenly over the veggies, and rub the seasoning in evenly.
• Bake for 10 minutes.
• Rest the ribs for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Tips

• You can use a variety of seasonings on your ribs, such as cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• If you want your ribs to be extra saucy, you can use up to 1 cup of BBQ sauce.
• You can also add vegetables to the pan, such as corn and asparagus, for a complete meal.
• If you don't have an oven, you can fry the ribs in a pan on the stovetop.
• When frying ribs, use an oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil.
• Allow the ribs to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the juices redistribute throughout the meat.

Frequently asked questions