If you crave barbecue but don’t have a grill, don’t worry! This excellent approach will teach you how to make BBQ pork ribs on the stovetop. No grilling is required.
Grill vs. No-Grill BBQ
People enjoy grilling pork barbecue for a variety of reasons beyond its taste. Grilling, for starters, enhances the flavor of food. The smoky flavor of the charcoal or wood, along with the crispy char on the outside of the meat, enhances the whole flavor.
The grill’s high heat helps to create the ideal texture—juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. But it isn’t all about the cuisine. Grilling is also an excellent opportunity to socialize with friends and family.
How to Cook It
Marinate the pork ribs
- Arrange pork ribs in a mixing bowl. Add the marinade ingredients and mix well.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes or until your ancestors give you the thumbs up!
Fry the marinated pork ribs
- Heat cooking oil in a pan.
- Afterward, fry the marinated pork ribs for 1 ½ minutes per side, then set aside.
Simmer the ribs
- Arrange all the fried ribs in the pan. Pour in 2 cups of water and let it boil.
- Once it has boiled, adjust the heat to a simmer, cover the pan, and continue cooking until the water evaporates completely.
Prepare the barbecue sauce
- Next, remove the pork ribs from the pan and set aside.
- Add all the barbecue sauce ingredients to the pan, turn on the heat, and stir.
- Bring to a simmer.
Coat the ribs with barbecue sauce
- Add the pork ribs back to the pan and toss until they are completely coated with the barbecue sauce.
- Continue cooking for 2 minutes.
Serving the No-Grill Pork Ribs Barbecue
Ingredients
- 3 lbs. pork ribs sliced into serving pieces
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
Marinade ingredients
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup banana ketchup
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke optional
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Barbecue sauce ingredients
- 1 cup banana ketchup
- 3/4 cup white vinegar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
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Arrange the pork ribs in a mixing bowl. Add the marinade ingredients and mix well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.3 lbs. pork ribs, 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, ½ cup banana ketchup, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon liquid smoke, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
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Heat cooking oil in a pan. Fry the marinated pork ribs for 1½ minutes per side. Set aside.2 tablespoons cooking oil, 3 lbs. pork ribs
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Arrange all the fried ribs back in the pan. Pour in 2 cups of water and let it boil. Adjust the heat to a simmer, cover the pan, and continue cooking until the water evaporates completely. Remove the pork ribs from the pan and set them aside.3 lbs. pork ribs, 2 cups water
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Add all the barbecue sauce ingredients to the pan. Turn on the heat and stir. Bring it to a simmer.1 cup banana ketchup, 3/4 cup white vinegar, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1/2 cup water
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Add the pork ribs back to the pan. Toss until the ribs are completely coated with the barbecue sauce. Continue cooking for 2 minutes.
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Transfer the ribs to a serving plate.
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Serve and enjoy!
Notes
What is liquid smoke?
Imagine if you could bottle up the smoky goodness of a backyard barbecue and take it with you wherever you go—well, that’s what liquid smoke is! Liquid smoke is made by burning wood to create smoke, then capturing that smoke and cooling it into a liquid. This liquid is filtered and concentrated to give foods a smoky flavor without needing to actually smoke them. Liquid smoke is generally safe to use because it’s filtered and processed to remove harmful substances. It’s approved for food use and meant to be added in small amounts for flavor.
Nutrition Information
FAQ
How do I cook pork ribs without a grill?
Pork ribs can be cooked in the oven or on the stovetop to achieve a similar tender, juicy texture as grilling. Oven-baking is a popular method, where the ribs are seasoned, wrapped in foil, and baked slowly at a low temperature, then finished with a broil for a crispy exterior.
What temperature should I cook pork ribs in the oven?
For tender ribs, cook them at a low temperature of around 275°F (135°C) for 2.5 to 3 hours. This slow cooking ensures the meat becomes fall-off-the-bone tender. Finish with a quick broil for caramelization.
Can I still get a smoky flavor without using a grill?
Yes, you can mimic the smoky flavor by using liquid smoke, smoked paprika, or adding wood chips to your oven. Brushing the ribs with a barbecue sauce that has a smoky flavor also helps achieve that traditional barbecue taste.
How do I ensure my ribs are tender?
To ensure tender ribs, cook them slowly at a low temperature. Wrapping them in foil during cooking helps retain moisture, creating a steam effect that tenderizes the meat. You can also marinate them overnight for extra tenderness.
Can I make this recipe with boneless ribs?
Yes, boneless ribs can be used, but the cooking time may be shorter as they cook faster than bone-in ribs. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking and drying out.