How to cook pork ribs: 5 recipes from around the world

Pork ribs are a truly delicious and flavorful dish that conquers palates during summer barbecues by lending itself to various preparations, from the most traditional to modern recipes. Pork is a particularly popular cut of meat in Hong Kong, the same can be said about pork ribs, for which traditional cuisine can boast a great variety of recipes.

All over the world, pork ribs are a dish of great convivial value with a long history and interesting recipes worth knowing about. It is a main course often served at family barbecues, where the ribs are accompanied by side dishes such as fries or baked potatoes with rosemary, roasted corn on the cob, and the classic coleslaw.

Before cooking the meat, it is a good idea to follow a few steps starting with cleaning the ribs, removing the membrane and any excess bone, hair or fat residue. Once cleaned, they will need to be dried of excess liquids. This will help the marinade adhere better to the meat and promote even cooking. If necessary, cut the pork ribs into smaller pieces for even cooking.

How to marinate meat is always a topic of great debate, so let's take a journey through the 5 tastiest marinades to prepare delicious marinated pork ribs.

Barbecued pork ribs: an American classic

In the United States, there are two types of ribs known as "baby back ribs" or "spare ribs" based on the rib cuts from which they are made. Baby back ribs are made from the top of the ribs and are prized for their tenderness and very juicy meat. Spareribs, on the other hand, are obtained from the lower part of the pork ribs and have a larger amount of meat.

The preparation of this recipe in the United States is a true culinary ritual. The ribs are marinated with bbq sauce, honey, chili and paprika giving a smoky, sweet and spicy flavor. Once marinated, the meat is cooked slowly on the barbecue grill over indirect heat to allow the meat to soften and fall off the bones. During cooking, ribs are often brushed with barbecue sauce to create an irresistible caramelized crust.

Sweet and sour Chinese pork ribs recipe

In China, pork ribs, known as "豬 肋骨" in Chinese, are a beloved dish that offers a unique taste experience that enchants palates to take you on a journey through the most authentic China. Chinese cuisine is known for its attention to detail, presentation and balance of flavors. Pork ribs are no exception.

The cooking of this dish in China varies from region to region, but the most iconic recipe is definitely sweet and sour pork ribs, a typical dish in the south of the country. The delicate balance of dark soy sauce, sugar, ginger, and vinegar makes the recipe a popular dish that is often served cold. This recipe is prepared with small ribs about 2 inches long that are cooked in a wok pan for about 30 minutes, until the ribs are coated with glaze.

Pibil-style pork ribs: the Mexican flavor

Pibil-style pork ribs are a recipe with roots in Mexican cuisine. This traditional dish originated in the Yucatán region of southern Mexico. Preparation begins with a marinade rich in flavors and spices, such as a sauce made from annatto, bitter oranges, black pepper, garlic, and oregano.

After marinating, the pork ribs are wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in the oven. This 6-hour slow cooking allows the meat to absorb all the flavors of the marinade, becoming incredibly nice and tender. The end result is ribs that are rich in flavor, with a slight smoky note and a very tender texture. This Mexican recipe is served with warm corn tortillas for delicious tacos. The pork flavor pairs perfectly with guacamole and hot sauce, creating an explosion of flavors that will satisfy even the most discerning palates.

Pork ribs in teriyaki sauce: a trip to Japan

Japanese cuisine offers a delicious version of pork ribs in teriyaki sauce. Teriyaki sauce is a sauce made from soy sauce, sugar, mirin (a sweet rice wine) and sake, which gives the pork an irresistible taste and an oriental touch. This dish is a taste journey into the heart of Japanese cuisine, offering a combination of authentic flavors and refined simplicity.

Preparation begins with marinating the ribs in the sauce, which allows the meat to absorb all the flavors and become tender and juicy. Once marinated, the ribs are grilled or baked, allowing the Teriyaki sauce to caramelize and create a delicious glaze on the surface. The end result is pork ribs that are sweet, aromatic and full of umami flavor.

Spicy pork ribs: an explosion of Korean flavors

Korean-style pork ribs are a dish that combines intense, sweet and spicy flavors typical of traditional Korean cuisine. Pork ribs are prepared with a spice rub and a rich marinade made from soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, chili powder, fermented chili paste, and sesame oil.

Preparing this Korean-style pork recipe takes time and care, but the result is a true delicacy. Once marinated, the meat is cooked in the oven or on the grill so that the marinade can create a slightly crispy crust on the surface. The end result is a unique combination of tenderness and flavor. In Korea, this pork recipe is accompanied by white rice and a variety of side dishes called banchan, which include pickled vegetables, stir-fried vegetables, and omelets.