Frying pork ribs is a fantastic way to enjoy tender, juicy meat with a crispy, golden crust that’s perfect for any occasion-from casual family dinners to lively parties. If you’ve ever wondered how to fry pork ribs to perfection, you’re in the right place. This article will walk you through the process step-by-step, sharing tips and tricks to make your ribs irresistibly delicious.
Why Fry Pork Ribs?
Frying pork ribs offers a quick and convenient alternative to slow cooking or grilling. It creates a crispy exterior while locking in the meat’s natural juiciness. Fried ribs are great finger foods, perfect for game days or casual get-togethers. Plus, frying ribs indoors means you don’t have to worry about weather or outdoor grills.
What You’ll Need
– Pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
– Cooking oil with a high smoke point (canola, avocado, or vegetable oil)
– Flour and cornstarch for dredging
– Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, etc.)
– Eggs and water for egg wash
– Optional: broth or water for pre-cooking
Step-by-Step Guide to Frying Pork Ribs
1. Prepare the Ribs
Start by trimming any silver skin or membranes from the ribs, which helps improve tenderness. Cut the ribs into individual pieces by slicing between the bones. For extra tenderness, you can marinate the ribs overnight or soak them in a vinegar and water mixture for a few hours.
2. Pre-Cook the Ribs (Optional but Recommended)
To ensure the ribs are tender inside, roast them in the oven before frying. Place the ribs in a roasting pan with a bit of water or broth, and cook at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 to 30 minutes, flipping once. This step helps partially cook the ribs, making the frying process quicker and more effective at crisping the outside without drying the meat.
3. Make the Dredging Mixture
In a shallow bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch (or potato starch), and your favorite seasonings such as salt, cracked black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and optionally some baking powder to help with crispiness. Mix well to ensure even seasoning.
4. Prepare the Egg Wash
In another bowl, whisk together eggs and a little water. This will help the flour mixture stick to the ribs, creating a crispy coating.
5. Dredge the Ribs
Dip each rib piece first into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated, then dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture. Shake off excess flour and let the ribs rest on a sheet pan for a few minutes. This resting helps the coating adhere better during frying.
6. Heat the Oil
Fill a deep skillet or deep fryer with enough oil to submerge the ribs (about 2 inches deep). Heat the oil to around 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the temperature for even cooking and to avoid greasy ribs.
7. Fry the Ribs
Carefully place the coated ribs into the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding which can lower the oil temperature. Fry for about 7 to 10 minutes until the ribs turn golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach at least 145°F (63°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
8. Drain and Serve
Remove the ribs with tongs or a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet or on paper towels to drain excess oil. Keep them warm in the oven if frying in batches. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, like BBQ sauce or hot sauce.
Tips for Perfect Fried Pork Ribs
– Remove the membrane: This thin layer on the back of ribs can be tough and chewy. Removing it improves texture dramatically.
– Use a nonstick skillet or deep fryer: This helps prevent sticking and burning during cooking.
– Monitor oil temperature: Keeping the oil steady at 350°F ensures ribs cook evenly and get crispy without absorbing too much oil.
– Season well: A flavorful flour mixture with spices enhances the ribs’ taste and adds a nice kick.
– Don’t overcrowd: Fry ribs in small batches to maintain oil temperature and get that perfect crispiness.
Variations to Try
– Chinese Deep-Fried Garlic Pork Ribs: Toss ribs in a garlic marinade and deep-fry for a savory Asian twist.
– Pan-Fried Lemongrass Pork Ribs: Pan-fry ribs with lemongrass, shallots, garlic, fish sauce, and a sweet-savory glaze for a Vietnamese-inspired dish.
– BBQ Fried Ribs: After frying, toss ribs in sticky BBQ sauce for a finger-licking finish.
Frying pork ribs is a delicious way to enjoy this classic meat with a crispy twist. With a few simple steps and the right technique, you can create ribs that are tender inside and satisfyingly crunchy outside every time.
Enjoy your crispy fried pork ribs!