Are you craving juicy, tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs but intimidated by complicated recipes? Fear not! This easy fried ribs recipe delivers incredible flavor without the fuss. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering, these ribs are guaranteed to become a family favorite. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this simple yet satisfying recipe, perfect for those seeking easy recipes and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs pork ribs (baby back or St. Louis style)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Ribs
Pat the ribs dry with paper towels. This helps the flour adhere better and creates a crispier crust.
Step 2: Make the Dry Rub
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well.
Step 3: Marinate the Ribs
Pour the buttermilk into a separate shallow dish. Dip each rib into the buttermilk, ensuring they are fully coated. Then, dredge the buttermilk-coated ribs in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the flour adheres evenly.
Step 4: Fry the Ribs
Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough that a small pinch of flour dropped into it sizzles immediately. Carefully place the ribs in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for approximately 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. You may need to fry the ribs in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Remove the fried ribs from the pan and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, easy fried ribs!
Cooking Tips for the Best Fried Ribs:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, resulting in soggy ribs instead of crispy ones.
- Use a meat thermometer: For perfectly cooked ribs, use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C).
- Adjust spices to your liking: Feel free to experiment with different spice combinations to create your own unique flavor profile. Adding a touch of brown sugar to the dry rub can add a delicious sweetness.
- Consider a double-fry: For extra crispy ribs, try a double-fry method. Fry the ribs once, let them rest, then fry them again for a few minutes to achieve ultimate crispiness.
Variations:
- Spicy Fried Ribs: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade.
- BBQ Fried Ribs: After frying, brush the ribs with your favorite BBQ sauce and bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes to glaze them.
- Honey Garlic Fried Ribs: Combine honey and garlic powder for a sweet and savory glaze.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is approximate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 25-35g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
This easy fried ribs recipe is perfect for anyone looking for delicious dishes and quick dinner ideas. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of these homemade ribs. They’re a fantastic example of how healthy meals can also be incredibly flavorful and easy to prepare. This recipe is a surefire way to impress your friends and family with your culinary skills!