Summer weekends are made for barbeques, and nothing beats a plate of succulent pork ribs. But let’s face it, the same old BBQ sauce can get a bit monotonous after a while.
If you’re looking to switch things up and add some variety to your rib game, we’ve got you covered. There are plenty of delicious and easy alternatives out there that can still deliver on beautiful tastes and textures.
From sweet and tart Teriyaki sauce to sticky and spicy plum sauce, there are endless possibilities to explore. And if you’re not a fan of glazing your ribs, you can always try a chimichurri or mayo dip.
In this article, we’ll explore the best ways to cook pork ribs without using BBQ sauce and give you some mouth-watering recipe ideas to try at home.
So get ready to take your rib game to the next level!
What To Do With Pork Ribs Other Than BBQ?
If you’re tired of using the same old BBQ sauce on your pork ribs, there are plenty of other options to explore. Here are some of the best ways to cook pork ribs without using BBQ sauce:
1. Teriyaki Sauce: This sweet and tangy sauce is a great alternative to BBQ sauce. Simply marinate your ribs in teriyaki sauce for a few hours before grilling or baking them.
2. Plum Sauce: For a sticky and spicy twist, try using plum sauce on your ribs. This Asian-inspired sauce pairs perfectly with pork and adds a unique flavor to your dish.
3. Chimichurri: If you’re not a fan of glazing your ribs, try serving them with chimichurri sauce instead. This Argentinean sauce is made with parsley, garlic, and vinegar and adds a fresh and zesty flavor to your dish.
4. Mayo Dip: For a simple yet delicious alternative, try serving your ribs with a mayo dip. Simply mix mayonnaise, sour cream, and your favorite herbs and spices for a creamy and flavorful dip.
Now that you know some of the best alternatives to BBQ sauce for pork ribs, here are some mouth-watering recipe ideas to try at home:
1. Breakfast Hash: Who said ribs were just for dinner? Use leftover ribs to make a breakfast hash with fried potatoes, tender veggies, and plenty of cheese.
2. Rib Tacos: Shred your cooked ribs and serve them in soft tortillas with avocado, salsa, and lime wedges for a delicious taco night.
3. Rib Sandwiches: Layer your cooked ribs on a bun with coleslaw, pickles, and your favorite condiments for a tasty sandwich.
4. Rib Salad: Chop up your cooked ribs and serve them on top of a bed of greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and crumbled feta cheese for a healthy and flavorful salad.
Introduction: Tired Of BBQ Sauce?
If you’re a fan of pork ribs but tired of the same old BBQ sauce, you’re not alone. While BBQ sauce is a classic choice, there are plenty of other options to explore when it comes to cooking pork ribs. From sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce to spicy plum sauce, there are plenty of sauces and dips that pair perfectly with pork ribs. And if you’re not a fan of glazing your ribs, you can always serve them with a flavorful chimichurri sauce or a simple mayo dip. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best alternatives to BBQ sauce for pork ribs and provide some recipe ideas to inspire your next meal.
Teriyaki Pork Ribs: Sweet And Tart Delight
If you’re looking for a sweet and tangy flavor for your pork ribs, teriyaki sauce is a great option. This Asian-inspired sauce is easy to make and adds a unique flavor to your dish. To make teriyaki pork ribs, simply marinate your ribs in teriyaki sauce for a few hours before cooking them in a slow cooker or on the grill. The result will be tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
To make the teriyaki sauce, you’ll need soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch. Mix these ingredients together in a bowl and pour the mixture over your ribs. Be sure to coat the ribs evenly with the sauce and let them marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
When it’s time to cook your ribs, you can use a slow cooker or grill them on medium heat. If using a slow cooker, cook the ribs on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. If grilling, cook the ribs for about 30 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and tender.
Once your teriyaki pork ribs are cooked, serve them with rice or noodles and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. The sweet and tart flavors of the teriyaki sauce will perfectly complement the savory taste of the pork ribs. This dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends, and is perfect for any occasion.
Plum Sauce Pork Ribs: Sticky And Spicy Goodness
If you’re looking for a unique and flavorful way to cook your pork ribs, try using plum sauce. This sweet and spicy sauce is a popular ingredient in Asian cuisine and adds a delicious twist to your dish.
To make plum sauce pork ribs, start by combining plum jam, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, five spice powder, and cayenne powder in a bowl. Stir to mix well. Place the pork ribs into a slow cooker, meat side down. Pour the sauce over the ribs. Add green onion, ginger, garlic, and chicken stock. Cover and cook on the low setting for 7 to 8 hours or on the high setting for 3 to 4 hours.
When the ribs are tender enough to easily pull the meat from the bones, transfer them onto a big plate and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm. Drain the broth by using a fine colander to remove solid ingredients. Skim the fat from the broth and discard. Transfer the broth into a saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat until the sauce thickens after 20 to 30 minutes. The sauce should reduce to about a third and be enough to cover a spoon.
Drizzle half of the sauce over the ribs and serve them with the rest of the sauce on the side. The result is a sticky and spicy goodness that will impress your guests at your next dinner party or BBQ. Just be careful when handling habanero chiles as they are extremely hot!
Chimichurri Dip: A Tangy Herbal Alternative
If you’re looking for a tangy and herbal alternative to BBQ sauce for your pork ribs, look no further than chimichurri dip. This Argentinean sauce is made with a blend of fresh herbs, garlic, and vinegar, giving it a zesty and refreshing flavor that pairs perfectly with pork.
To make chimichurri dip, you’ll need a handful of fresh parsley, cilantro, and garlic, as well as red pepper flakes, ginger, and red wine vinegar. Roughly chop all of the ingredients and blend them together in a food processor or blender until coarse. Add a dash of olive oil and salt to taste, and blend again until smooth.
Chimichurri dip is best served alongside your cooked pork ribs as a dipping sauce, rather than using it as a marinade or glaze. The herbs in the sauce add a burst of flavor to each bite of the juicy pork ribs. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be stored in the refrigerator for several days.
If you want to experiment with the recipe, feel free to adjust the proportions of the herbs and spices to suit your taste. Some people prefer more garlic or cilantro, while others like to add fresh tomatoes or bell peppers for extra flavor.
Mayo Dip: Creamy And Delicious
If you’re looking for a simple and creamy alternative to BBQ sauce, try making a mayo dip to serve with your pork ribs. Mayo dip is easy to make and can be customized to your liking with different herbs and spices. Here’s a recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, parsley, chives, and garlic powder until well combined.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Serve the mayo dip alongside your cooked pork ribs for a creamy and delicious flavor.
You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to customize your mayo dip. For example, try adding in some smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, or use dill instead of parsley for a tangy flavor. The possibilities are endless!
Recipe Ideas To Try At Home
Now that you know some of the best alternatives to BBQ sauce for pork ribs, it’s time to get cooking! Here are some recipe ideas to try at home:
1. Teriyaki Pork Ribs: Marinate your pork ribs in teriyaki sauce for a few hours before grilling or baking them. Serve with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
2. Plum-Glazed Pork Ribs: Brush your cooked pork ribs with plum sauce and broil them for a few minutes until the sauce caramelizes. Serve with roasted sweet potatoes and green beans for a colorful and flavorful dish.
3. Chimichurri Pork Ribs: Grill your pork ribs and serve them with chimichurri sauce on the side. Add some grilled corn and a mixed green salad for a delicious summer meal.
4. Mayo-Dipped Pork Ribs: Mix mayonnaise, sour cream, and your favorite herbs and spices to make a creamy dip for your pork ribs. Serve with grilled zucchini and roasted potatoes for a satisfying meal.
5. Rib-Stuffed Baked Potatoes: Cut open baked potatoes and stuff them with shredded pork ribs, cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Bake in the oven until the cheese melts and serve with a side salad.
6. Rib-Stuffed Bell Peppers: Cut off the tops of bell peppers and remove the seeds. Stuff them with cooked pork ribs, rice, and tomato sauce. Bake in the oven until the peppers are tender and serve with garlic bread.
7. Rib-Stuffed Mushrooms: Remove the stems from large mushrooms and stuff them with cooked pork ribs, cream cheese, and breadcrumbs. Bake in the oven until golden brown and serve as an appetizer or side dish.
With these recipe ideas, you can enjoy delicious pork ribs without using BBQ sauce every time!
