If you are craving a delicious and hearty meal, boneless pork ribs are a great choice. They are tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Plus, cooking them on the stove is quick and convenient. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, this article will guide you through the process of cooking boneless pork ribs on the stove.
Step 1: Prepare the ribs. Start by selecting high-quality boneless pork ribs from your local butcher or grocery store. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Trim any excess fat from the ribs, but keep some fat to enhance the flavor and juiciness.
Step 2: Season the ribs. In a small bowl, combine your favorite dry rub or seasonings. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Generously coat both sides of the ribs with the seasoning mixture, massaging it into the meat to ensure it’s evenly distributed and sticks well.
Step 3: Heat the skillet. Place a large skillet or frying pan on the stove over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of cooking oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, and let it heat until it shimmers. This will help prevent sticking and promote browning.
Step 4: Sear the ribs. Carefully place the seasoned ribs in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden brown crust. This step seals in the juices and adds flavor to the meat.
Step 5: Simmer the ribs. Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour your choice of liquid into the skillet. This can be water, broth, apple juice, or even beer. The liquid will help tenderize the meat and infuse it with additional flavor. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the ribs simmer for about 1-2 hours, or until they are fork-tender.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy. Once the ribs are cooked to perfection, remove them from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and succulent meat. Serve the boneless pork ribs with your favorite barbecue sauce, sides, and enjoy!
Tip: To achieve a smoky flavor, you can add a few wood chips to the skillet before searing the ribs. This will infuse the meat with a delicious smokiness reminiscent of outdoor grilling.
Now that you know how to cook boneless pork ribs on the stove, you can enjoy this mouthwatering dish anytime. Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a gathering with friends and family, these ribs are sure to be a hit.
Essential steps for cooking boneless pork ribs on stove
When cooking boneless pork ribs on the stove, following these essential steps will ensure that you end up with tender and flavorful ribs:
- Prepare the ribs by trimming any excess fat and removing the membrane from the back of the ribs. This will help the marinade and seasonings penetrate the meat.
- Marinate the ribs in your choice of marinade. This will add flavor to the ribs and help tenderize them. You can use a store-bought marinade or make your own using ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, honey, and spices.
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil to the pan to prevent the ribs from sticking.
- Place the ribs in the hot pan, ensuring they are evenly spaced and not overcrowded. Cook the ribs for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely browned.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pan with a lid. This will help trap the heat and steam the ribs, making them tender.
- Cook the ribs for an additional 15-20 minutes, flipping them occasionally, until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Remove the ribs from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute and keep the ribs moist.
- Serve the boneless pork ribs hot with your favorite side dishes, such as coleslaw, cornbread, or mashed potatoes.
Following these essential steps will help you achieve delicious and perfectly cooked boneless pork ribs on the stove. Enjoy!
Preparing the ribs
Before cooking boneless pork ribs on the stove, there are a few key steps you need to follow to ensure they turn out tender and flavorful.
1. Preparing the marinade
Start by preparing a marinade to enhance the flavor of the ribs. You can use a pre-made marinade or make your own by combining ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined.
2. Seasoning the ribs
Next, remove the boneless pork ribs from the packaging and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help the marinade and seasonings adhere to the meat better. Season the ribs liberally with salt and pepper, or any other seasonings of your choice.
3. Marinating the ribs
Place the seasoned ribs in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the ribs, making sure they are fully coated. Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and make it more tender.
4. Bringing the ribs to room temperature
Remove the ribs from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature before cooking. This will ensure that they cook more evenly and prevent them from being tough.
Seasoning the ribs
Before cooking the boneless pork ribs on the stove, it is important to season them properly to enhance their flavor. Follow these steps to season your ribs:
1. Gather the ingredients
Collect the necessary ingredients for seasoning the ribs. You will need:
- About 2 pounds of boneless pork ribs
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
2. Prepare the seasoning mixture
In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure that all the spices are evenly distributed.
Note: You can adjust the quantities of the spices according to your taste preferences.
3. Apply the seasoning to the ribs
Pat the boneless pork ribs dry with a paper towel. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the ribs, making sure to coat both sides. Gently massage the seasoning into the meat to ensure it adheres well.
Tip: For a more intense flavor, you can marinate the ribs in the seasoning mixture overnight in the refrigerator.
Now that you have seasoned the boneless pork ribs, you are ready to start cooking them on the stove.
Searing the Ribs
Once the pork ribs are marinated and ready to cook, it’s time to sear them to create a delicious crust and seal in the juices. Follow these steps to sear the ribs on the stove:
- Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add a small amount of oil to the pan and swirl it around to coat the bottom.
- Place the marinated pork ribs in the hot pan, being careful not to overcrowd them. You may need to cook them in batches.
- Allow the ribs to cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden brown crust.
- Use kitchen tongs to carefully flip the ribs and sear them on the other side.
- Remove the seared ribs from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
By searing the ribs, you’ll enhance their flavor and create a delicious caramelized crust. This step is essential for achieving the perfect texture and taste.
Adding the liquid
Once the ribs are browned, it’s time to add the liquid. This step is crucial as it helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. There are several options for adding liquid to your boneless pork ribs:
1. Broth or Stock:
One popular choice is to add broth or stock to the skillet. This can be chicken, beef, or vegetable broth depending on your preference. Pour enough broth or stock into the skillet to cover the bottom of the pan. This will help to create steam and keep the ribs moist as they cook.
2. Wine:
If you prefer a more flavorful option, you can add wine to the skillet. Red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, can add a rich and tangy flavor to the meat. Pour a generous amount of wine into the skillet, enough to cover the bottom of the pan.
3. Barbecue Sauce:
If you want a saucier option, you can add barbecue sauce to the skillet. Choose your favorite barbecue sauce flavor and pour enough into the skillet to cover the bottom of the pan. This will give the ribs a sweet and tangy flavor as they cook.
4. Combination:
For even more flavor, you can also combine different liquids. For example, you could mix broth with wine or barbecue sauce to create a unique flavor profile. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite.
Once you’ve added the liquid, bring it to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let the ribs cook for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until they are tender and cooked through.
Remember to periodically check on the ribs and stir the liquid to prevent sticking or burning. If the liquid evaporates too quickly, you can add more as needed.
Simmering the ribs
Once the ribs have seared on both sides, it’s time to simmer them until they are tender and juicy. Simmering the ribs helps to break down the tough connective tissues and infuse them with flavor.
- First, remove the seared ribs from the pan and set them aside.
- In the same pan, add your choice of liquid such as chicken broth, beef broth, or a combination of both. You’ll need enough liquid to partially cover the ribs.
- Bring the liquid to a simmer over medium heat.
- Add any additional seasonings or spices to the liquid, such as minced garlic, chopped onion, or bay leaves, to enhance the flavor of the ribs.
- Return the seared ribs to the pan, arranging them in a single layer.
- Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer.
Simmer the ribs for approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until they are tender and the meat easily pulls away from the bone.
Occasionally, check the liquid level and add more broth if needed to keep the ribs partially submerged.
During the simmering process, you can also baste the ribs with the cooking liquid every 15-20 minutes to keep them moist and flavorful.
Using a slow cooker
If you prefer, you can also simmer the ribs in a slow cooker. Simply transfer the seared ribs to a slow cooker, add the liquid and seasonings, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the ribs are tender.
Q&A
What are boneless pork ribs?
Boneless pork ribs are cuts of meat that come from the pork loin or shoulder. They are essentially thick slices of pork meat with the bones removed, making them easier to cook and eat.
How do I cook boneless pork ribs on the stove?
To cook boneless pork ribs on the stove, start by seasoning the ribs with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. Then, heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ribs to the skillet and cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are browned and cooked through. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the ribs simmer for an additional 20-30 minutes to ensure they are tender and juicy.
What spices can I use to season boneless pork ribs?
There are several spices that work well to season boneless pork ribs. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, chili powder, and dried herbs like thyme or rosemary. You can also experiment with marinades or barbecue sauces for added flavor.
Can I cook boneless pork ribs on the stove without oil?
It is recommended to use a small amount of oil when cooking boneless pork ribs on the stove to prevent them from sticking to the skillet and to help create a nice browned exterior. However, if you prefer to avoid using oil, you can try using a non-stick skillet or adding a little bit of water or broth to the skillet to prevent sticking.