The Ultimate Soul Food Ribs: A Recipe That’ll Have You Coming Back for More

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Imagine the tantalizing aroma of perfectly seasoned, slow-cooked ribs filling your kitchen, with a sticky, finger-licking sauce that’s impossible to resist. This recipe combines the rich flavors of southern tradition with a modern twist, creating a mouthwatering culinary experience that will leave you craving more.

Get ready to embark on a journey through generations of soul food goodness, as we explore the secrets behind these irresistible ribs. Trust us, once you’ve tried this heavenly dish, you’ll never see barbecue the same way again. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into the world of ultimate soul food ribs!

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Flavor Explosion: This recipe combines a unique blend of spices, herbs, and a tangy-sweet sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that will dance on your taste buds and leave you craving more.
• Tender Perfection: Slow-cooked to perfection, these ribs boast a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that’s unmatched, ensuring every bite is an unforgettable experience.
• Crowd Pleaser: Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a special event, this soul food ribs recipe is guaranteed to impress your guests and have them asking for seconds (or thirds!).
• Easy to Follow: With step-by-step instructions and handy tips, even novice cooks can create this mouthwatering dish with confidence, making it the perfect addition to your culinary repertoire.

What are Soul Food Ribs?

Soul food ribs are a popular dish in African American and Southern cuisine, known for their rich flavors and tender, succulent meat. They are typically made from pork ribs, although beef ribs can also be used, and are seasoned with a blend of spices and herbs that give them a distinctive taste.

The ribs are often slow-cooked or smoked, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat and resulting in a tender, fall-off-the-bone texture. The dish is usually finished with a tangy-sweet barbecue sauce that complements the savory flavors of the meat. Soul food ribs are not only delicious but also have a deep cultural significance, representing the comfort, warmth, and love that is often associated with traditional soul food dishes.

Ingredients

• Pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
• Light brown sugar
• Paprika
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Ground black pepper
• Salt
• Cayenne pepper
• Dried thyme
• Dried oregano

For the sauce:

• Ketchup
• Apple cider vinegar
• Molasses
• Honey
• Worcestershire sauce
• Yellow mustard
• Hot sauce (optional)
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Grab the full ingredients details and instructions in the recipe card below!

Substitutions and Additions

For those who prefer alternatives or have dietary restrictions, here are some substitutions for the ingredients mentioned:

Pork Ribs: You can use beef ribs or even bone-in chicken pieces (such as thighs and drumsticks) as a substitute for pork ribs. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the choice of meat.

Paprika: If you don’t have paprika, you can substitute it with an equal amount of smoked paprika for a slightly different flavor, or use a mix of chili powder and ground cumin (2 parts chili powder to 1 part cumin) to achieve a similar taste profile.

Cayenne Pepper: To replace cayenne pepper, you can use red pepper flakes, ground red chili powder, or hot sauce. Adjust the quantity according to your preferred spice level.

Molasses: A good substitute for molasses is dark corn syrup or maple syrup. You can also use brown sugar dissolved in a little hot water as an alternative.

Honey: If you need to replace honey, you can use agave nectar, maple syrup, or corn syrup as a sweetener in the sauce.

Worcestershire Sauce: To substitute Worcestershire sauce, you can mix together equal parts soy sauce and apple cider vinegar, then add a pinch of sugar and a few drops of hot sauce. This will create a similar flavor profile.

Yellow Mustard: For an alternative to yellow mustard, you can use Dijon mustard or whole grain mustard. Alternatively, mix together 1 teaspoon of dry mustard powder with 1 teaspoon of white vinegar and a pinch of sugar to create a quick homemade mustard substitute.

Instructions

1. Prepare the dry rub for the ribs by mixing brown sugar, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano in a small bowl.
2. Before seasoning, remove the membrane from the back of the ribs if it’s still attached. After patting the ribs dry with paper towels, generously apply the dry rub on both sides and press it into the meat. Let the ribs rest for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, refrigerate them for 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to infuse.
3. To prepare your grill or smoker, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Alternatively, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
4. For oven cooking, place the ribs on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, meaty side up. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 2-2.5 hours until the meat is tender and starts to pull away from the bones. If using a grill or smoker, cook the ribs over indirect heat at 225-250°F (110-120°C) for about 4-5 hours, or until the meat is tender and starts to pull away from the bones.
5. As the ribs cook, prepare the sauce by combining all the ingredients in a saucepan. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat, occasionally stirring. Cook for 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors together, then adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Once the ribs are cooked to perfection, it’s time to add the finishing touch. Remove them from the oven or grill, and generously brush with the prepared sauce. Now, turn up the heat in the oven to 400°F (200°C), and return the sauced ribs. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the sauce caramelizes and becomes deliciously sticky.
7. After taking the ribs out of the oven or grill, let them rest for a few minutes before cutting them into individual portions. Serve with extra sauce on the side and savor the rich flavor of the soul food ribs!

Recipe tips

• Meat Quality: Choose ribs with a good amount of marbling for maximum tenderness and flavor. Avoid ribs that have been previously frozen, as they can become dry when cooked.
• Removing the Membrane: When preparing the ribs, make sure to remove the thin membrane on the backside of the ribs. This will allow the flavors to penetrate better and result in more tender meat.
• Dry Rub Application: Apply the dry rub evenly and generously to ensure maximum flavor. For best results, let the ribs marinate with the rub for at least 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
• Slow Cooking: Cook the ribs low and slow to ensure the meat becomes tender and falls off the bone. Cooking times may vary depending on the type of ribs and cooking method used, so adjust accordingly.
• Basting: Baste the ribs with the sauce during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to avoid burning the sugars in the sauce. This will create a beautiful caramelized glaze on the ribs.
• Resting Time: Allow the ribs to rest for a few minutes after cooking before cutting into portions. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.

Storage & reheating

To store the cooked soul food ribs:

1. Refrigerator: Allow the ribs to cool down to room temperature. Wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and place them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Store the ribs in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
2. Freezing: You can also freeze the cooked ribs for longer storage. Once cooled, wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil and then place them in a freezer-safe airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Label the container with the date and contents, and freeze the ribs for up to 2-3 months.

To reheat the stored ribs:

1. From the refrigerator: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the ribs from their container and place them on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Cover the ribs loosely with another piece of foil and reheat them in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. If desired, you can baste the ribs with additional sauce during the last few minutes of reheating to refresh the flavors.
2. From the freezer: Thaw the frozen ribs overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, follow the steps for reheating from the refrigerator. If you’re in a hurry, you can reheat the frozen ribs directly in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil, for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Keep in mind that reheating time may vary depending on the thickness of the ribs and the efficiency of your oven.

Recipe FAQ

Can I make the dry rub and sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dry rub and sauce in advance. Store the dry rub in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month. Keep the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Can I cook the ribs in a slow cooker or pressure cooker instead of an oven or grill?

Yes, you can cook the ribs in a slow cooker or pressure cooker. For a slow cooker, place the seasoned ribs in the cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. For a pressure cooker or Instant Pot, place the ribs on a trivet inside the pot with 1 cup of water and cook on high pressure for 25-30 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release. After cooking in either method, finish the ribs under a broiler or on a grill for a few minutes to caramelize the sauce.

What are some good side dishes to serve with soul food ribs?

Classic southern sides pair well with soul food ribs. Some popular options include collard greens, mac and cheese, cornbread, coleslaw, baked beans, and potato salad.

Can I use this recipe for beef ribs or chicken instead of pork ribs?

Yes, you can use beef ribs or bone-in chicken pieces (such as thighs and drumsticks) as a substitute for pork ribs. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the choice of meat.

My ribs turned out too dry/tough. What went wrong?

Dry or tough ribs may be due to overcooking, cooking at too high a temperature, or using ribs that were previously frozen. To avoid this issue, ensure you cook the ribs low and slow, and choose fresh, well-marbled ribs.

Can I use a store-bought barbecue sauce instead of making my own?

Yes, you can use your favorite store-bought barbecue sauce as a substitute for the homemade sauce in this recipe. However, the homemade sauce adds a unique flavor that complements the dry rub well, so we recommend giving it a try if you have the ingredients on hand.