I used to believe pork riblets were only a restaurant thing, but I was wrong. Here are 5 recipes that I live by and side dishes to pair for a full dinner!
If you’re a fan of finger-licking, fall-off-the-bone ribs, then you’re in for a treat with these game-changing riblet recipes. Forget everything you thought you knew about cooking riblets because these five recipes are about to change the game.
Picture sinking your teeth into tender, succulent riblets seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices that will transport your taste buds to barbecue heaven. Or how about indulging in sticky, caramelized riblets glazed with a sweet and smoky sauce? These recipes will take you on a flavor adventure.
Below I’ll toss in some awesome side dishes!
Recipes With Pork Riblets
Best Baked Riblets In The Oven
Baked riblets in the oven give you tender riblets with your favorite bbq sauce glazed across the top. I'll show you exactly how to do it!
Easy Crockpot Pork Riblets
Crockpot riblets are tender, fall off the bone pork riblets. Slow cooked then dipped in a sticky bbq sauce.
Applebee’s Riblets Copycat
Applebee's riblets copycat are a easy to make at home version of their fall of the bone riblets in a honey based barbecue sauce.
Crockpot Beef Riblets
Crockpot beef riblets are simple to make, fall off the bone beef riblets. Seasoned perfectly then covered in sticky bbq sauce.
Barbecued Rib Tips
Barbecued rib tips are an oven baked, fun recipe to make when craving tender, sweet cuts of pork and they're ready with little effort.
Different Types Of Pork Riblets
Baby back riblets
Baby back riblets, also known as loin back riblets, are one of the most popular cuts of pork. They are taken from the top of the rib cage and are characterized by their small size and curved shape. Baby back riblets are perfect for grilling or baking. Whether you prefer a classic barbecue sauce or a tangy honey mustard glaze, baby back riblets are sure to be a hit at your next cookout.
Spare riblets
Spare riblets are cut from the lower portion of the rib cage and are known for their meaty texture and rich flavor. They have more fat and connective tissue compared to baby back riblets, which gives them a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness when cooked low and slow. Spare riblets are a favorite for barbecue enthusiasts, as they are perfect for smoking or slow roasting. Whether you prefer a sweet and smoky barbecue sauce or a spicy dry rub, spare riblets are a delicious choice for any barbecue lover.
St. Louis style
St. Louis style riblets are cut from spare ribs, but with the sternum bone, rib tips, and cartilage removed. This results in a rectangular-shaped riblet that is meatier and more uniform in size. Some people believe that riblets are the “rib tips” but that isn’t the case. St. Louis style ribs are known for their tender and juicy meat, making them a popular choice for grilling or baking.
All riblets are not equal
Over my years of cooking I have seen so many versions of the rib or riblet. To add, I have had several different cuts of pork. These all come into play when selecting the best riblets for your recipes.
For example, baby back ribs are super popular yet you always find St. Louis style ribs at the nations top BBQ restaurants. To add, the pork tends to have a natural sweetness to it. This is due to them using duroc or iberico pork. These we do not have access to so easily grocery stores.
For the best flavor at home I always suggest using your favorite barbecue sauce. The sweetness not only adds flavor but it cuts through the fattiness for a delicious rib. Spice rubs are great for low and slow but do not work well at high temperatures.
The Perfect Side Dishes
Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes In 30 Minutes
Sour cream mashed potatoes are a refreshing twist on a classic recipe. Sour cream is added to create a creamy texture with a tart flavor that you can't stop eating.
Easy Turmeric Rice Recipe
Turmeric rice is a flavorful rice seasoned with turmeric, garlic and onion. Make soft, fluffy and flavorful rice in just 30 minutes.
Smothered Green Beans: An Addictive Southern Style Dish
Smothered green beans are a southern classic with bacon, onions and garlic slowly smothering fresh green beans for a savory, flavorful side dish.
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes With A Crispy Top
Fluffy, cheesy mashed potatoes with a smooth texture yet a crispy, cheesy top with little effort needed for an amazing side dish.
Creamed Cabbage
This easy creamed cabbage recipe brings out the tender, sweet flavors of the cabbage and mixes it with a creamy sauce that's full of flavor.
Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes With Crispy, Sweet Topping
Twice baked sweet potatoes with a sweet, crunchy pecan topping that gives you the feeling of your personal sweet potato casserole in a smaller version.
30 Minute Greek Potato Salad: Light Vinaigrette Dressing
Greek Potato salad that's perfect for summer with a light, flavorful vinaigrette dressing that's not heavy like mayo and taste 10x better!
Tips For Perfect Pork Riblets
- Marinate the flavor– Marinating your pork riblets is a good tip for store-bought riblets for infusing them with flavor. Allow at least and hour or two for the marinade to work into the rib. Any marinade with an acid such as lemon juice should not be left overnight. The acid can eat away at the muscle fibers.
- Preheat the grill or oven– Before cooking your pork riblets, make sure your grill or oven is preheated to the correct temperature. per the recipe you’re using.
- Cook low and slow– To achieve the perfect texture and tenderness, it’s important to cook your pork riblets low and slow. This allows the fat to render and the connective tissue to break down, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. For grilling, cook the riblets over indirect heat for about 2-3 hours. For baking, place the riblets in a baking dish and cover tightly with foil. Bake for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
- Glaze at the end– Adding a glaze to your pork riblets during the final stages of cooking will enhance their flavor and give them a beautiful caramelized finish. Brush the glaze onto the riblets during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
- Let them rest– After cooking your pork riblets, it’s important to let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender end result. Simply cover the riblets loosely with foil and let them rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.