Pork ribs in a pan! I’ve never had anything tastier!

Pan-fried pork ribs can indeed be incredibly delicious! The combination of a crispy exterior and tender, juicy meat is hard to resist. Here’s a recipe and some tips to help you achieve that “tastiest ever” result:

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs pork ribs (spare ribs or baby back ribs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or other high-heat oil)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Your choice of seasonings (see suggestions below)

Optional Seasonings:

• Simple: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika
• Spicy: Cayenne pepper, chili powder, cumin
• Sweet and Savory: Brown sugar, smoked paprika, mustard powder
• Herby: Dried thyme, rosemary, oregano

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ribs:
   • If your ribs have a membrane on the back, remove it. This will help them cook more evenly and tenderly. You can use a knife to lift a corner of the membrane and then pull it off.
   • Cut the ribs into individual or 2-3 rib portions.
   • Pat the ribs dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better.
   • Season the ribs generously with salt, pepper, and your chosen seasonings.
2. Pan-Fry the Ribs:
   • Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
   • Once the oil is hot, add the ribs to the pan in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will prevent them from browning properly. You may need to cook them in batches.
   • Sear the ribs on all sides until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes per side.
3. Cook the Ribs Through:
   • Once the ribs are browned, reduce the heat to medium-low.
   • Cover the pan and cook the ribs for another 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender and cooked through.
   • Alternatively, you can transfer the browned ribs to a preheated oven (350°F/175°C) to finish cooking, which can help them become even more tender.
4. Serve:
   • Remove the ribs from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
   • Serve them hot with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or grilled vegetables.

Tips for Extra Flavor:

• Marinating: For deeper flavor, marinate the ribs for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) before cooking.
• Deglazing: After removing the ribs, deglaze the pan with a splash of wine, broth, or vinegar. This will create a delicious sauce.
• Sauce: Brush the ribs with your favorite barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.

Enjoy your delicious pan-fried pork ribs!