Juicy, fall-off-the-bone boneless pork ribs cooked right on your stovetop? Yes please! While grilling or slow roasting in the oven are popular cooking methods stovetop ribs are an easy weeknight dinner option. With just a few simple steps, you can have tender, saucy ribs on the table in under an hour.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about making this mouthwatering meal at home. We’ll cover choosing the right ribs, flavorful seasoning ideas, key cooking tips, and even some versatile serving suggestions so you can enjoy boneless pork ribs all week long.
Selecting Boneless Pork Ribs
The first step is choosing the right cut of rib at the grocery store. Look for packages labeled “boneless country-style ribs” or “boneless pork riblets.” Essentially, these ribs are strips of tender pork loin meat. Opt for thick, meaty pieces if possible.
Boneless ribs come from the upper rib area near the loin, so they have excellent marbling that keeps them juicy when cooked. The boneless cuts are quick-cooking and ideal for stovetop cooking versus traditional bone-in ribs.
Seasoning Your Boneless Ribs
One of the joys of cooking ribs is getting creative with bold seasonings that complement the rich, savory pork flavor.
Try a classic barbecue rub with chili powder, brown sugar, garlic powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. For something herbaceous, coat ribs in olive oil and season with fresh rosemary, sage, and thyme.
You could also go Mediterranean with oregano, lemon, and red pepper flakes. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite flavors! Apply seasoning generously on both sides of the ribs before cooking.
Browning the Ribs to Perfection
The first step in cooking any meat is always proper browning This builds a flavorful crust and gives that gorgeous sear
- Pat ribs dry and let come to room temperature, about 20 minutes
- Heat 1-2 Tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium high heat
- Place ribs in a single layer and cook 2-3 minutes per side
Resist the urge to move them too soon or you won’t get ideal browning. The ribs should take on nice caramelized color on both sides.
Simmering Away in Sauce
Now comes the fun part – letting the ribs bathe and cook down in your favorite finger-licking barbecue sauce.
- Once ribs are browned, reduce heat to medium low
- Pour sauce to coat ribs fully (about 1 cup)
- Cover pan and simmer 30-40 minutes until tender
The ribs should be fall-apart tender when done. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water to keep it saucy.
Serving Suggestions for Boneless Pork Ribs
Besides pairing your succulent sauced-up ribs with classic BBQ sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or mac and cheese, here are some fun ways to serve them:
- Slider sandwiches – Pile tender rib meat onto mini buns with pickles and slaw
- Tacos – Warm tortillas, salsa, and quick pickled onions take these ribs Tex-Mex
- Rice bowls – Serve over cilantro lime rice with avocado and chili sauce
- Nachos – Rib pieces, cheese sauce, and crispy chips make the ultimate nachos
- Eggs – Breakfast for dinner! Cook up eggs and enjoy ribs on the side
- Salads – Turn ribs into a hearty main-dish salad topped with veggies and dressing
- Flatbreads – How about ribs, caramelized onions, and goat cheese on a crispy flatbread?
- Baked potatoes – Load twice-baked potatoes with rib meat, cheese, and bacon
As you can see, the possibilities are endless for savoring these finger-licking boneless pork ribs once cooked on the stovetop.
Step-By-Step Stovetop Boneless Pork Ribs Recipe
Now let’s walk through cooking up these succulent ribs from start to finish. I recommend serving them with a crispy slaw and buttery cornbread.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless pork ribs
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite!)
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
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Pat ribs dry and season all over with chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let sit 20 minutes.
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In a large skillet, heat oil over medium high heat. Add onions and sauté 3 minutes until starting to soften. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
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Add ribs in a single layer and sear 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned.
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Reduce heat to medium low and pour barbecue sauce evenly over ribs. Make sure ribs are fully coated.
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Cover skillet with lid and simmer for 30-40 minutes, flipping ribs halfway through. Cook until fall-apart tender.
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Serve ribs warm with your favorite BBQ sides and enjoy!
FAQs About Cooking Boneless Ribs on the Stove
What temperature should I cook boneless pork ribs?
Cook over medium high heat to sear and medium low to simmer in sauce. The ribs are done at an internal temperature of 145°F.
How long does it take to cook boneless ribs on the stovetop?
About 30-40 minutes total. Sear 2-3 minutes per side then let simmer in sauce for 25-30 minutes.
Can I use bone-in ribs for this recipe?
Boneless ribs are ideal for quick stovetop cooking. Bone-in ribs take much longer to become tender.
What sauce pairs best with boneless pork ribs?
A sweeter barbecue sauce complements the ribs well. But you could also use a bold chili sauce, tangy mustard sauce, or savory gravy.
Should I add liquid to the pan while simmering?
If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it saucy.
Enjoy Perfectly Simple Stovetop Boneless Pork Ribs
Cooking boneless pork ribs on the stove makes for a fast, fuss-free dinner packed with finger-licking, fall-off-the-bone flavor. With a seasoning rub, quick sear, and low simmer in yummy barbecue sauce, you’ll have tender, juicy ribs ready in under an hour.