The ultimate guide to perfectly juicy and crispy ribs
Soft, melt-in-your-mouth ribs are a dream for many food lovers. But how do you ensure the meat is perfectly juicy and the exterior delicately crispy? The secret lies in a few simple steps shared by a chef friend of mine. His method guarantees success, even if ribs have been a previous culinary challenge for you.
16 November 2024 13:09
Ribs are a classic dish that works brilliantly for family dinners and parties. However, to impress with flavour, proper preparation is key. My chef friend's technique involves combining marination, proper baking, and a brief grilling session, which ensures tenderness and a distinct taste.
Recipe for juicy ribs
With this approach, ribs will become the highlight of your culinary repertoire. Soft, tender, and full of flavour, they will satisfy even the most discerning gourmets.
Ingredients:
- Approximately 900 grams of ribs,
- 3 tablespoons of honey,
- 2 tablespoons of mustard,
- 3 cloves of garlic,
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce,
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika,
- 1 teaspoon of salt,
- 1/2 teaspoon of pepper,
- 200 millilitres of broth.
Preparation:
- Thoroughly wash the ribs and cut them into portions.
- In a bowl, mix honey, mustard, pressed garlic, soy sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the marinade thoroughly over the meat, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 160°C. Place the ribs in a heatproof dish, pour in the broth, and cover with aluminium foil.
- Bake for 2 hours until the meat becomes tender.
- Finally, increase the temperature to 200°C, remove the foil, and bake for another 15 minutes to achieve a crispy skin. Alternatively, you can briefly grill the ribs at this stage.
How to choose good ribs?
Choosing the perfect ribs is key to your kitchen success. Pay attention to a few important details to ensure the dish delights with flavour and texture. Fresh ribs should have a light pink or slightly red colour – a sign that the meat is of good quality. Avoid pieces with a bluish or overly dark hue, as they may indicate staleness.
Another important aspect is the smell. Fresh meat has a subtle and neutral aroma without acidic or unpleasant notes. A good choice would be ribs with an even layer of white fat—this keeps the meat juicy during baking or braising. However, a thick layer of fat can affect the taste, so choosing pieces with a moderate amount of fat is worth it.
