How To Make Tender Pork Ribs Every Time

Guess what? You do not need to spend on baby back ribs for tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs. You can do it too with regular pork ribs and make it super delicious. 

You have two options when it comes to cooking pork ribs until tender: 

1. 1 You can cook ribs long and slow. 
2. 2 You can cook it fast and easily. 

The long and slow way is to either bake it in the oven or on the grill for about three to four hours. The fast and easy way is to cut up the ribs into serving portions and simmer these until tender in 30 minutes or less. 

We think you’ll prefer doing the fast and easy way. What’s great about this technique is that you do not have to wait for the (more expensive) choice cut of baby back ribs to be available. Note that there are only a few of these per pig so if someone else has the same idea as you, you might not get this choice cut. 

Instead of lamenting the fact you didn’t get the cut you originally wanted, you can confidently settle for the more affordable cut and use regular pork ribs. It will have more bone than meat of course, but if you love to nibble on bones, these are the perfect cuts for you. Plus, you can cook it until tender just like baby back ribs. 

These tender pork ribs were cooked in the oven.

Photo by Riell Santos

This cooking shortcut of boiling the ribs should result in tender, fall of the bone pork ribs every time you want to make ribs that are just as tender and flavorful as any baby back ribs! Here’s how to do it: 

• 1 Prepare the ribs first by removing the membrane on the back of the ribs. (This membrane cooks up like a plastic sheet and is not edible.) Use a knife to make an incision in the membrane so you can grasp it with your fingers or a kitchen towel. Pull the membrane away from the ribs. Continue doing so until the meaty part of the ribs is exposed and most if not all of the membrane has been removed. 
• 2 Cut between the ribs so you have serving-size pieces. These should also fit your pot. 
• 3 Bring a pot of water with the ribs to a boil. (Alternatively, use a pressure cooker to speed up this process even more.) Season the water with salt and any seasonings you desire. Once boiling, remember to remove any scum that rises to the surface. 
• 4 Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes or until fork-tender. 
• 5 Turn off the heat and remove ribs from the water. Pat dry or let air dry and let cool completely. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap once cool and store in the freezer until you’re ready (and craving for) to make succulent, tender ribs. 

We know you’re excited now to make these ribs! Here are saucy and unique pork rib recipes to try: 

Photo by Aldwin Aspillera

1 Filipino-Style Pork Ribs Recipe

Be inspired and make these saucy and sticky pork ribs made with a barbecue sauce made with banana ketchup. (YES!) You’ll be amazed at how versatile banana ketchup can be when it’s used in this way, too. 

Photo by Miguel Nacianceno

2 Jack Daniel’s Baby Back Ribs Recipe

Got a bottle of whiskey? Then why not try a whiskey-infused barbecue sauce that will make you want to lick your fingers free of the sauce! Make the dry rub and the barbecue sauce for a double dose of flavor with every rib. You can also add honey to the barbecue sauce and make a delicious glaze instead of a sauce! 

Photo by Miguel Nacianceno

3 Cola Baby Back Ribs Recipe

Cola is what makes these sweet and sticky ribs irresistible and sticky! Use your preferred brand of dark soda to make into the marinade instead of using it as a braising liquid since your ribs will already be tender. Combine the ingredients of the marinade and simmer until thickened. Then brush this all over the ribs and roast in the oven or grill over hot charcoal for that unbeatable charred taste. 

Got ribs? Learn more about it and watch how easy it is to roast in the oven:  

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