How to cook ribs like a pro

For any grill master or BBQ aficionado, learning how to cook ribs is a life skill. To impress your family and mates, we’ll share with you how to create finger-licking BBQ ribs you can dish up with the perfect sides and snacks. 

As an online grocer, we offer premium, free-range pork ribs as well as all the bells and whistles to turn your next cooking adventure into a memorable one. 

Oven baked ribs

This is a popular way to prepare and cook ribs for those of you who perhaps live in an apartment or don’t have access to a BBQ grill. What makes this method so great is that it’s mostly ‘hands off’ – meaning, once your ribs are in the oven, all you need to do is wait! 

Preheat your oven to 180C (350F) and grab yourself a shallow baking tray. 

To prep your ribs, start by removing the outer membrane from the rack. This membrane is hard to take off once the ribs are cooking, so slide a knife under the membrane to pierce it, then use your hands (or a tea towel if it’s slippery) to gently peel it away. 

Some butchers may do this for you, so make sure you ask. For chewier ribs, you can also leave the membrane on (it’s up to you!).

Next, you can keep the rack intact, or, separate it into portions. Rub plenty of salt and pepper onto the ribs and place them in aluminium foil. Bake them for around 2hrs (or at 140C/275F for up to 4hrs if you want ribs that are mouthwateringly tender).

Once they’re done, you can slather them in the sauce of your choosing. We’ve got some ideas for you below, so keep scrolling! 

Barbeque ribs

Get those smokey flavours grilled into your ribs by cooking them on the BBQ! Cook times and methods will largely depend on the type of BBQ you have, but the key to this is placing the rack of ribs bone side down on the grill grate over a drip pan (to catch the fat). 

Grill the ribs for about 2hrs or until they’re tender, basting them in a sauce of your design during the last 15 minutes. What we love about BBQ ribs recipes is that you can experiment with flavours to reach your goal of sticky, tangy ribs that just fall apart in your hands. 

BBQ ribs recipes

There are so many different BBQ ribs recipes out there, but we’ve found a really simple one you can use, whether in the oven or on the grill. 

Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

• 1 tbsp Mount Zero extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ C diced brown onion
• ½ tsp ground cumin seeds
• ½ C tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp Ceres Organics sriracha
• 2 tbsp Lakanto monkfruit sweetener (it’s like brown sugar!)
• 1 tbsp Bragg apple cider vinegar.

Heat a frying pan over medium heat, add the olive oil and cook the onions until they’re translucent and soft. Add the ground cumin and cook for around 30 seconds to release the aroma. 

Add the remaining ingredients and cook for a further 2 minutes, then set aside to brush onto your ribs when they’re almost done cooking. 

Busy person’s BBQ ribs marinade recipe

If the BBQ ribs marinade recipe above is too much to handle for you or you’re short on time, we have a couple of readymade options for you to try. Check out Fody Foods original BBQ sauce or Burn City Smokers BBQ sauce. They boast rich, smokey BBQ flavours and can add a depth of taste to any pork rib recipe. And don’t worry – we won’t tell anyone if you opt for these sauces (your secret is safe with us!). 

Boiling pork ribs

Another way to prepare your BBQ ribs is by boiling them. Yes, it sounds strange, but trust us – it’s just as tasty! 

For this recipe, you’ll need:

• 2L of water
• 6 garlic cloves, chopped finely or crushed
• ½ brown onion, diced
• 1 tsp Pantry to Plate chilli flakes
• 1 tbsp Pantry to Plate Chinese five spice powder
• 2 tbsp sea salt
• ¼ C Mount Zero red wine vinegar
• And of course your pork ribs!

In a large pot, mix all the ingredients together and bring it to a boil. Turn the heat down low and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Gently lower the pork ribs into the broth, turn up the heat to a simmer and cook for one hour. 

After an hour, you can finish off your ribs in the oven or on the grill by basting them in your chosen sauce. This method should give you juicy, moist and tender ribs. 

Best sides to pair with pork rib food

Planning a BBQ menu and need a bit of inspo? On iPantry, you can find a world of sides to complement those tasty BBQ ribs recipes you’re going to whip up. Let’s start with the basics: salads. 

Salads

When you think of ribs, you will likely think of coleslaw (the classic match for BBQ ribs). It’s a staple when cooking on the BBQ, but it’s not the only option! Check out a few of our amazing readymade salads, all available in iPantry:

• Superfood Salad
• Roast Vegetable, Couscous and Feta
• Vietnamese Bun Do Chua.

Savoury sides

We’re talkin’ mac and cheese here friends! And not just ANY mac and cheese – the legends at Burn City Smokers have crafted the tasty Mac N 3 Cheese. Dish it up with your ribs but it’s just as delicious on its own. 

Fruit and vegetables

Get creative with your sides and serve up some options. From classics like mashed potato and crispy brussels sprouts to a fresh salad with all your faves, we’ve got a healthy range of fruit and veg you can order for your next gathering or cooking extravaganza.

Fire up the grill with iPantry

Whether you’re new to how to cook ribs or an old hat at it, we’ve got the goods to get you there. Get yourself free shipping on all orders over $75, too – it’s just one way we’re taking the stress out of grocery shopping with iPantry.