Pork riblets are a delectable treat, featuring succulent, tender meat that effortlessly falls off the bone. These smaller, shorter cuts of pork ribs are packed with flavor and lend themselves to various cooking methods. In this article, I will instruct how to cook pork riblets in 4 different ways.
1. How To Cook Pork Riblets in Oven
Oven-baking pork riblets is a straightforward method that results in tender and flavorful meat with a delightful caramelized glaze. Here’s a delicious recipe to create mouthwatering oven-baked pork riblets:
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of pork riblets
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until the marinade is well blended.
Place the pork riblets in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the riblets, ensuring they are evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and let the riblets marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or overnight for best results).
Remove the riblets from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later.
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange the marinated riblets on the wire rack.
Bake the pork riblets in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, basting them with the reserved marinade every 10 minutes. The riblets should be tender and caramelized with a beautiful glaze.
Once cooked, remove the oven-baked pork riblets from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
2. How To Cook Pork Riblets on Grill
Grilling pork riblets infuses the meat with a smoky flavor, making it an excellent choice for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. Here’s a mouthwatering grilled pork riblets recipe:
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of pork riblets
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
In a bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, vegetable oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside a small portion of the sauce for basting during grilling.
Rinse the pork riblets under cold running water and pat them dry with paper towels.
Brush the riblets generously with the barbecue sauce mixture, coating them on all sides.
Place the sauced riblets on the hot grill, and cook them for about 6 to 8 minutes per side, basting with the reserved sauce during grilling.
Grill the pork riblets until they are cooked through, and the sauce has formed a caramelized glaze on the meat.
Once cooked, remove the grilled pork riblets from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
3. How To Cook Pork Riblets in Air Fryer
Air-frying pork riblets offers a healthier alternative that still yields crispy, succulent meat. Try this easy and delightful air-fryer recipe for pork riblets:
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of pork riblets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes.
Rinse the pork riblets under cold running water and pat them dry with paper towels.
In a bowl, combine vegetable oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Add the pork riblets to the bowl and toss them until evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
Place the seasoned riblets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
Air-fry the pork riblets for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The riblets should be crispy and cooked through.
Once cooked, remove the air-fried pork riblets from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
4. How To Cook Pork Riblets on Stove
Stove-top cooking offers a quick and convenient way to prepare pork riblets with a savory glaze. Here’s a delightful stove-top recipe for pork riblets:
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of pork riblets
- 1/2 cup chicken or beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
In a bowl, whisk together chicken or beef broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, minced garlic, ground ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Set the sauce aside.
Rinse the pork riblets under cold running water and pat them dry with paper towels.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
Add the riblets to the skillet and brown them on all sides for about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
Pour the prepared sauce over the riblets in the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the riblets are tender and the sauce has thickened.
Once cooked, remove the stove-top pork riblets from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added flavor and presentation.
Each recipe brings out the best in pork riblets from the caramelized glaze of oven-baked riblets to the smoky char of grilled riblets. With these methods outlined in this article, you can now confidently cook pork riblets to impress your family or indulge in the savory pleasure of pork riblets at any time.
