How To Cook Ribs On The Stove And Oven

Cooking Delicious Ribs on the Stove and Oven

Are you craving mouthwatering, fall-off-the-bone ribs, but don’t have access to a grill or smoker? No worries! You can still achieve tender and flavorful ribs right in the comfort of your own kitchen using just your stove and oven. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to cook ribs on the stove and oven, ensuring a delightful culinary experience.

Choosing the Right Ribs

Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s important to choose the right type of ribs. Most commonly, you’ll find two options: baby back ribs and spare ribs. Baby back ribs are smaller, leaner, and cook more quickly, while spare ribs are larger, meatier, and require a longer cooking time. Both types can be cooked on the stove and oven, so choose the one that suits your preferences.

Preparing the Ribs

Start by preparing your ribs for cooking:

1. Remove the membrane: On the backside of the ribs, locate the thin membrane and peel it off using a sharp knife or your fingers. Removing the membrane allows for better flavor absorption and results in more tender ribs.
2. Season the ribs: Generously sprinkle your chosen rub or seasoning blend onto both sides of the ribs. You can use a store-bought rub or create your own blend using spices like paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Cooking on the Stove

Now it’s time to fire up the stove and get your ribs sizzling:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Ensure that the skillet is large enough to accommodate the ribs without overlapping.
2. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the ribs in the skillet, meaty side down. Sear the ribs for approximately 2-3 minutes until they develop a nice brown crust.
3. Flip the ribs using tongs and sear the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes. This initial searing locks in the flavors and adds a delightful charred taste.

Finishing in the Oven

After achieving that beautiful sear on the stove, it’s time to transfer the ribs to the oven and let them finish cooking:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Place the seared ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper. You can also place them on a wire rack for optimal air circulation.
3. Cover the baking sheet with another layer of aluminum foil to create an enclosed environment. This helps to trap moisture and ensures the ribs remain tender.
4. Place the ribs in the preheated oven and let them cook for approximately 2 to 2.5 hours for baby back ribs or 2.5 to 3 hours for spare ribs. The low and slow cooking method allows the meat to become tender and flavorful.

Adding Sauce and Finishing Touches

During the last 10-15 minutes of cooking, it’s time to glaze the ribs with your favorite barbecue sauce. Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and brush a generous amount of sauce onto both sides of the ribs.

For an extra layer of flavor, you can also sprinkle some brown sugar or honey over the ribs before returning them to the oven without the foil covering. This will create a sweet and sticky caramelized glaze.

Serving and Enjoying your Ribs

Once the ribs are cooked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a tender and succulent bite.

Slice between the bones to separate the individual ribs, and serve them hot with your favorite side dishes, such as coleslaw, cornbread, or macaroni and cheese.

Now that you know the secret to cooking delicious ribs on the stove and oven, you can satisfy your cravings anytime without needing a grill or smoker. Try out this method and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. Enjoy!