What to Do with Pork Ribs Other Than BBQ – 12 Delicious Ideas

Barbecued ribs are a classic summertime favorite. But the sweet, sticky bbq sauce can get repetitive after one too many backyard cookouts. If you’re looking for new ways to enjoy pork ribs beyond simply slathering them in barbecue sauce, you’re in luck.

There are tons of possibilities for cooking ribs that offer variety in flavors and textures. From zesty chimichurri to spicy Sichuan ribs, global cuisines provide inspiration for taking ribs to the next level. Read on for 12 recipes to break out of the bbq ribs rut.

Quick Overview

While bbq ribs are undeniably delicious, it’s easy to get into a rut relying solely on the same sweet bbq sauce every time. To add more flavor excitement to your rib repertoire, give these preparations a try:

• Teriyaki Ribs – Soy sauce sesame ginger and garlic provide Asian flair

• Plum Sauce Ribs – Sweet and sticky with a touch of heat

• Chimichurri Ribs – Fresh herby Argentinean sauce adds zing

• Honey Sriracha Ribs – Sweet honey with a kick of heat

• Memphis Dry Ribs – Smoky paprika rub, no sauce needed

• Kalbi Korean Short Ribs – Savory and slightly sweet soy marinade

• Sichuan Dry Chili Ribs – Chinese spices bring addictive spicy, numbing flavor

• Jerk Ribs – Spicy jerk seasoning transports you to the Caribbean

• White BBQ Ribs – Alabama style with mayo, vinegar and lemon

• Rum Glazed Ribs – Molasses and rum deliver sweetness with depth

• Chipotle Lime Ribs – Smoky chipotle pairs with zesty lime

• Miso Glazed Ribs – Savory umami miso flavor

Mix up your usual bbq routine with global flavors and new techniques like dry rubs, wet marinades, and glazes. Keep reading for recipes and step-by-step instructions.

Teriyaki Ribs

For ribs with an Asian twist, teriyaki sauce adds sweet and salty flavor. Ginger, garlic, sesame, and soy sauce marinate the ribs before roasting or grilling.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs pork ribs
• 1 cup soy sauce
• 1⁄2 cup brown sugar
• 1⁄4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp minced ginger
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions

Instructions:

1. Cut ribs into individual ribs. Mix all ingredients except sesame seeds and green onions to make teriyaki sauce.

2. Place ribs in a ziplock bag and pour in teriyaki sauce. Marinate for 2-12 hours in the fridge.

3. Preheat oven to 350°F. Place ribs on a foil lined baking sheet and roast for 60-90 minutes until tender.

4. Alternatively, grill ribs over indirect heat for 45-60 minutes, turning occasionally and brushing with extra sauce.

5. Garnish ribs with sesame seeds and green onions before serving. Enjoy with steamed rice.

Sticky Plum Sauce Ribs

For an irresistible sticky glaze with a touch of heat, coat ribs in sweet and spicy plum sauce. Chinese five spice powder adds depth of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs pork ribs
• 1 cup plum sauce
• 1⁄4 cup soy sauce
• 3 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 tsp Chinese five spice powder
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp minced ginger
• 1⁄4 cup chicken stock
• 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients except ribs, chicken stock and green onions to make sauce.

2. Place ribs in slow cooker and pour sauce over top. Add chicken stock.

3. Cook on low for 7-8 hours. Remove ribs and brush with sauce.

4. Broil ribs 5 minutes to caramelize sauce. Garnish with green onions before serving.

Fresh Chimichurri Ribs

For ribs with zesty herbal flavor, chimichurri sauce is a tasty change from sweet bbq. This bright green Argentinean sauce has parsley, cilantro, garlic and red pepper flakes.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs pork ribs
• 1 cup packed parsley
• 1⁄2 cup packed cilantro
• 6 garlic cloves
• 1 shallot
• 1 tbsp red pepper flakes
• 1⁄4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1⁄2 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place parsley, cilantro, garlic, shallot, red pepper flakes, vinegar and olive oil in a food processor. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Grill or bake ribs until cooked through and tender. Serve ribs with chimichurri sauce on the side for dipping.

3. For even more flavor, marinate ribs in chimichurri sauce at least 2 hours before cooking.

Honey Sriracha Ribs

For the perfect balance of sweet and heat, coat ribs in an irresistible honey sriracha sauce as they grill or bake. The hot sauce gives a kick of spice.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs pork ribs
• 1⁄2 cup honey
• 1⁄3 cup sriracha
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine all ingredients except ribs. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes to make glaze.

2. Coat ribs generously with glaze and marinate for 1-2 hours.

3. Grill ribs over indirect heat for 45-60 minutes until tender, brushing with glaze every 10-15 minutes.

4. Alternatively, bake ribs at 350°F for 60-90 minutes, brushing with glaze halfway through.

5. Serve ribs with extra glaze for dipping.

Memphis Dry Ribs

For ribs with serious bark and robust seasoning, a dry rub adds tons of flavor without sauce. This Memphis style rub has warm spices like smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic, and mustard powder.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs pork ribs
• 2 tbsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 2 tsp dry mustard powder
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1⁄2 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine all dry rub ingredients and mix well.

2. Generously season ribs all over with dry rub. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours to let flavors meld.

3. Grill ribs over indirect heat at 250°F for 2 1⁄2 – 3 hours until tender and bark forms.

4. Alternatively, bake ribs at 275°F for 2 1⁄2 – 3 hours until tender.

5. Serve Memphis style dry ribs as is, with no sauce needed.

Kalbi Korean Short Ribs

For an umami flavor bomb, marinate ribs in a sweet and savory Korean kalbi marinade. Sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and Asian pear make these ribs shine.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs beef short ribs
• 1⁄4 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 3 tbsp honey
• 1 Asian pear, peeled and grated
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp minced ginger
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine marinade ingredients. Add ribs and turn to coat. Marinate for 1-12 hours.

2. Preheat oven to 350°F. Place ribs on a foil lined baking sheet with marinade.

3. Bake for 60-90 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cook until tender and caramelized.

4. Alternatively, grill ribs over medium heat for 30-60 minutes, brushing with marinade.

5. Serve kalbi ribs with white rice and kimchi.

Sichuan Dry Chili Ribs

For an addictive numbing tingle, dry chili rub and Sichuan peppercorns give these ribs the signature mala flavor. Scallions and cilantro add freshness.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs pork ribs
• 3 dried chilies, crushed
• 4 tbsp Sichuan peppercorns, finely ground
• 1 tbsp 5 spice powder
• 2 tsp salt
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp minced ginger
• 1 bunch scallions, sliced
• 1⁄4 cup chopped cilantro

Instructions:

1. In a dry wok or pan, toast Sichuan peppercorns for 1 minute until fragrant. Let cool then grind into powder.

2. In a bowl, combine ground peppercorns, crushed red chili, 5 spice powder and salt.

3. Rub rib pieces generously with dry spice mixture. Marinate for 30 minutes – 1 hour.

4. Grill ribs over medium heat for 30-45 minutes until tender and slightly charred.

5. Garnish ribs with sliced scallions and cilantro before serving.

Jamaican Jerk Ribs

Infuse ribs with the flavors of the Caribbean with a spicy jerk marinade. Scotch bonnets, allspice, thyme, garlic and brown sugar make this marinade pop.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs pork ribs
• 3 scotch bonnet peppers, seeded and chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 5 garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme
• 2 tsp allspice berries
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1⁄4 cup brown sugar
• 1⁄4 cup soy sauce
• Juice of 2 limes
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a food processor or blender, combine all marinade ingredients except ribs. Blend until smooth paste forms.

2. Place ribs in a ziplock bag and pour over marinade. Refrigerate 2-12 hours.

3. Preheat oven to 300°F. Place ribs on a foil lined baking sheet and bake for 2 hours until tender.

4. For charred ribs, finish by broiling for 3-5 minutes. Serve with rice and beans.

Alabama White BBQ Ribs

For a mayo based twist, white barbecue sauce adds tangy creaminess to ribs. Cider vinegar, mayo, lemon juice, salt, and pepper make the easy sauce.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs pork ribs
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1⁄4 cup apple cider vinegar
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together mayo, vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, pepper and salt to make white bbq sauce.

2. Grill or bake ribs until tender and cooked through. Brush ribs generously with sauce during last 5-10 minutes of cooking.

3. Serve ribs topped with extra white bbq sauce for dipping. Pair with classic bbq sides like cornbread, coleslaw and baked beans.

Rum Glazed Ribs

For ribs with a touch of sweetness and complexity, rum and molasses glaze the ribs as they grill or bake. The depth of flavor is incredible.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs pork ribs
• 1⁄2 cup molasses
• 1⁄4 cup rum
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1⁄4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 tbsp brown sugar

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine all glaze ingredients. Simmer for 5 minutes.

2. Brush ribs generously with glaze and let marinate 1-2 hours.

3. Grill ribs over indirect heat for 45-60 minutes, brushing often with glaze.

4. Alternatively, bake ribs at 350°F for 60-90 minutes, brushing glaze on halfway through.

Chipotle Lime Ribs

The combination of smoky chipotle and zesty lime makes a stellar flavor pairing. Chili powder and cumin round out the southwestern spice rub.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs pork ribs
• Zest and juice of 3 limes
• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine lime zest and juice, chipotle, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, oregano and salt and pepper.

2. Place ribs in a ziplock bag and pour over marinade. Let marinate for 1-2 hours.

3. Preheat oven to 350°F. Place ribs on a foil lined baking sheet and roast for 60-90 minutes until tender.

4. For charred flavor, finish ribs on the grill for 5 minutes per side.

Savory Miso Glazed Ribs

For seriously savory and slightly sweet ribs, coat them in a umami miso glaze as they grill or bake. Mirin, sake, garlic, and ginger balance the hearty miso.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs pork ribs
• 1⁄2 cup red or white miso paste
• 1⁄4 cup mirin
• 3 tbsp sake
• 1 tbsp light brown sugar
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp minced ginger
• 2 tbsp neutral oil

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine all glaze ingredients except oil. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until smooth.

2. Brush ribs with oil and place on grill or baking sheet. Cook until nearly tender, 15-30 minutes.

3. Brush glaze over ribs and cook 15 minutes more until caramelized. Repeat glazing and cook times as needed.

4. Rest ribs 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced scallions.

Tired of the same old bbq ribs? There’s a whole world of flavorful sauces, marinades, rubs and glazes to try beyond basic barbecue sauce. From Chinese five spice to Jamaican jerk seasoning, let global cuisines inspire you to take ribs in new directions. With tasty recipes like miso maple ribs, rum glazed ribs, and dry rub Memphis ribs, your backyard barbecues will never get boring. Get creative with seasonings and sauces and enjoy finger lickin’ ribs every time.