Are you looking for a new and delicious way to cook pork? Look no further than pork featherbones!
These tender and flavorful cuts of meat are often overlooked, but with the right recipe, they can be the star of your next meal. Whether you prefer slow-cooking or grilling, there are plenty of ways to prepare pork featherbones to perfection.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best methods for cooking this underrated cut of meat. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
How To Cook Pork Featherbones?
There are several ways to cook pork featherbones, but one of the most popular methods is slow-cooking. To start, trim any excess fat off the ribs and dip each rib in liquid smoke before laying them side by side on a cookie sheet. Sprinkle your preferred seasonings on top of the ribs and broil them in the oven until they begin to brown and steam.
Once both sides are browned, transfer the ribs to a large roaster and slow-cook them for 3-4 hours at a low heat of around 250 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that the meat is tender and falls off the bone. Serve with your favorite BBQ sauce for a delicious meal.
Another option is to grill the featherbones on each side until they reach your desired color. Then, layer them in a large foil pan and pour your favorite sauce over each layer. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake at 275 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 hours or until the bones start to separate from the meat.
If you’re short on time, you can also brown the riblets in a 450 degree Fahrenheit oven and then cover them with BBQ sauce before baking them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 90-120 minutes. Baste them every 30 minutes for a delicious glaze.
What Are Pork Featherbones?
Pork featherbones, also known as button ribs, are flat, circular-shaped bones located at the sirloin end of the loin. They are not actually ribs, as they are not taken from the rib cage. The button ribs consist of the last four to six bones on the backbone, and they do not have actual ribs connected to them. The meat on the button ribs consists of meat that covers each button and connects them together.
Featherbones are cut from the meat right behind the tenderloin and are perfect for riblette appetizers. These tender pieces of pork taste delicious when basted and slow-cooked in barbecue sauce. Barbecue restaurants and diners can add a profitable appetizer to the menu with this attractive product.
Featherbones used to be thrown out by butchers, but they have become popular due to their excellent flavor and lower cost. They are individually frozen and layer-packed for ease of use. Featherbones are one of those delicious treats that we don’t think of making often enough, but they are a great addition to any potluck dinner.
Preparing Pork Featherbones For Cooking
Before cooking pork featherbones, it’s important to properly prepare them. Start by trimming any excess fat off the ribs to ensure that they cook evenly. Then, dip each rib in liquid smoke for added flavor.
Next, sprinkle your preferred seasonings on top of the ribs. Some popular options include Lawry’s season salt, garlic salt, pepper, and any other seasoning you personally like. Let the seasonings sit on the meat for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
If you plan on slow-cooking the featherbones, transfer them to a large roaster after browning them in the oven. If you plan on grilling them, make sure to preheat your grill and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
No matter which cooking method you choose, it’s important to handle the featherbones with care as they can be delicate and easily fall apart. By properly preparing them, you can ensure that they cook evenly and result in a delicious and tender meal.
Slow-Cooking Pork Featherbones
Slow-cooking pork featherbones is a great option for those who want to achieve fall-off-the-bone tenderness. To slow-cook pork featherbones, start by seasoning them with your preferred spices and browning them in the oven or on the grill. Then, transfer them to a slow cooker and cook them on low heat for 6-7 hours.
About 35 minutes before serving, you can prepare a sauce of your choice and pour it over the riblets, stirring gently to coat them evenly. Increase the heat setting to high and cook for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the riblets are glazed. This method ensures that the meat is juicy and flavorful, making it perfect for BBQ pork sandwiches or as a main dish.
Pork featherbones are a cost-effective cut of meat that can feed a large group of people without breaking the bank. They are also easy to prepare and can be customized with different seasoning blends and sauces to suit your taste preferences. Slow-cooking pork featherbones is a great way to achieve tender and flavorful meat that falls off the bone.
Grilling Pork Featherbones
Grilling pork featherbones is another delicious way to cook this cut of meat. To start, trim any excess fat off the ribs and season them with your preferred seasonings. You can use Lawry’s season salt, garlic salt, pepper or any other seasoning that you personally like.
Next, heat up your grill to high heat. Once the grill is hot, place the featherbones on the grill and cook them on each side until they reach your desired color. Since the featherbones are already cooked, you can use as high of heat as you want.
Once the featherbones are grilled to perfection, layer them in a large foil pan and pour your favorite sauce over each layer. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake at 275 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 hours or until the bones start to separate from the meat. This will ensure that the meat is tender and flavorful.
Alternatively, you can skip the baking step and serve the grilled featherbones straight off the grill with a side of BBQ sauce for dipping. This is a great option if you’re short on time or don’t want to use your oven.
Other Delicious Pork Featherbone Recipes To Try
If you’re looking to switch up your pork featherbone recipe game, here are some other delicious options to try:
1. Shredded BBQ Pork Featherbone Sandwiches: Slow-cook your featherbones until the meat is falling off the bone. Shred the meat and mix it with your favorite BBQ sauce. Serve on a soft bun with coleslaw for a classic BBQ sandwich.
2. Pork Featherbone Stir-Fry: Cut your cooked featherbones into small pieces and stir-fry with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and broccoli. Add in your favorite Asian-inspired sauce for a quick and flavorful meal.
3. Featherbone and Bean Soup: Combine slow-cooked featherbones with white beans, carrots, celery, and chicken broth for a hearty and comforting soup. Add in some spices like thyme and bay leaves for extra flavor.
4. Featherbone Tacos: Shred your cooked featherbones and serve them in warm tortillas with toppings like diced onions, cilantro, and lime wedges. You could also add in some avocado or salsa for extra flavor.
5. Featherbone Fried Rice: Use leftover cooked featherbones to make a delicious fried rice dish. Stir-fry the meat with cooked rice, vegetables like peas and carrots, and scrambled eggs. Add in soy sauce and sesame oil for a savory finish.
No matter which recipe you choose, pork featherbones are a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different ways to create delicious meals.
Tips For Perfectly Cooked Pork Featherbones
Cooking pork featherbones can be a bit tricky, but with these tips, you can ensure that your dish turns out perfectly every time:
1. Remove Excess Fat: Before cooking, trim any excess fat off the ribs. This will not only make your dish healthier, but it will also prevent flare-ups and help the meat cook more evenly.
2. Use Liquid Smoke: To enhance the flavor of your pork featherbones, dip each rib in liquid smoke before cooking. This will give your dish a smoky flavor that’s hard to resist.
3. Slow-Cook at Low Heat: To ensure that the meat is tender and falls off the bone, slow-cook the pork featherbones at a low heat of around 250 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-4 hours. This will allow the meat to cook slowly and absorb all the flavors of your seasoning and sauce.
4. Baste Frequently: Basting the ribs with sauce or marinade during cooking will keep them moist and add extra flavor. Baste every 30 minutes or so for best results.
5. Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid overcooking or undercooking your pork featherbones, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The ideal temperature for cooked pork is 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
By following these tips, you can create a delicious and tender dish that will impress your guests every time.