Fall-off-the-bone tender, intensely flavorful ribs are the ultimate comfort food, and these honey-orange glazed ribs are no exception. Imagine succulent pork ribs, glistening with a vibrant, sticky glaze that perfectly balances the sweetness of honey with the tangy zest of oranges. The aroma alone will transport you to a backyard barbecue paradise, promising a meal that's both satisfying and unforgettable. This recipe delivers incredible flavor without complicated techniques, making it perfect for both seasoned cooks and weekend warriors.
The secret lies in a simple yet masterful glaze, expertly crafted to complement the richness of the pork. We'll guide you through each step, from preparing the ribs to achieving that perfect caramelized finish. Ready to embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving more? Let's get started with our detailed, step-by-step guide!
Tools Needed
- Knife
- Paper towel
- Salt shaker
- Plastic kitchen rack
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Oven
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- Pork ribs (San Luis cut): 1.5 kg
- Paprika: 1/3 cup
- Black pepper (coarse ground)
- Sea salt
- Brown sugar (or white sugar)
- Garlic powder: 1 tbsp
- Onion powder: 1 tbsp
- Chili powder (New Mexico or guajillo): 1 tbsp
- Olive oil: a splash
- Honey
- Melted butter: 2 tbsp
- Mustard
- Orange juice (freshly squeezed)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ribs and Marinade
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and trim excess fat.
- Mix paprika, black pepper, sea salt, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder in a container.
- Season the ribs generously with the spice mixture, ensuring even coverage.
- Wrap the seasoned ribs and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight).
Step 2. Bake the Ribs
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Place the ribs on a rack in a baking sheet and bake for 1 hour, wrapped in foil.
Step 3. Make and Apply the Honey-Orange Glaze
- Combine honey, melted butter, mustard, and orange juice in a saucepan. Simmer until reduced (20-30 minutes).
- Unwrap the ribs after 1 hour, brush with glaze, and return to the oven for another 30 minutes.
Step 4. Rest and Serve
- Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Read more: Quick & Easy Pantry Mexican Rice with Rotel
Tips
- Use San Luis cut ribs for optimal meatiness.
- Choose ribs with good marbling for juiciness.
- Bring ribs to room temperature before baking.
- Wrapping the ribs in foil during baking helps retain moisture.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 2500-3000
- Fat: 150-200g
- Carbs: 100-150g
- Protein: 100-120g
FAQs
1. Can I use bone-in or boneless ribs for this recipe?
This recipe works best with bone-in ribs. The bone helps retain moisture and adds flavor, resulting in more tender ribs.
2. How can I make the glaze thicker?
Simmer the glaze over low heat for a few more minutes after it’s made. This will reduce the liquid and thicken the consistency.
These honey-orange glazed ribs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors. From start to finish, this recipe is surprisingly simple yet delivers restaurant-quality results. So fire up the grill or oven, gather your family and friends, and enjoy the deliciousness!