These Easy Mexican Pork Ribs are packed with bold, zesty flavors that will make your taste buds dance! They’re juicy and super tender, perfect for a family gathering or weekend BBQ.
Honestly, I love how simple they are to make. Just season, bake, and enjoy! Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your friends will beg for the recipe. Who can resist ribs? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Baby Back Ribs: These are the star of the dish. If you can’t find baby back ribs, spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs work well too. They may need a little longer cooking time.
Olive Oil: I love using olive oil for its flavor. You can replace it with vegetable oil or melted butter if you prefer. Both will do just fine.
Spices: The chili powder gives heat, while smoked paprika adds depth. If you like less spice, reduce the cayenne pepper. For more warmth, try adding chipotle powder!
Honey or Agave Syrup: I like honey for a nice caramelization, but agave is a great, vegan-friendly alternative. Use whichever you have on hand!
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the dish. If you don’t have limes, lemon juice can work in a pinch, although the flavor will differ slightly.
How Do I Make Sure My Ribs Are Tender?
The secret to super tender ribs lies in the cooking process! Here’s how to do it right:
- First, remove the silver membrane on the back of the ribs—it helps tenderize the meat.
- Cook the ribs covered at a low temperature (300°F) for 2.5 to 3 hours. This slow baking breaks down tough meat fibers.
- After baking, brush on the glaze and cooking them uncovered at a higher temperature gives that caramelized finish we love.
Following these steps will leave you with tender, flavorful ribs every time! Enjoy making them! 😊
Easy Mexican Pork Ribs With Bold Flavors
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Ribs:
- 2 racks of pork baby back ribs (about 3 to 4 pounds total)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For The Spice Rub:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For The Glaze:
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup
For Garnishing:
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Optional: sliced jalapeños
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and about 3 hours of cooking time, including baking and caramelizing. Perfect for a weekend gathering or a cozy meal at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This slow cooking process is key to achieving tender ribs!
2. Prepare the Ribs:
Carefully remove the silver membrane from the back of the ribs. This helps make the meat more tender and allows the flavors to soak in better.
3. Mix the Spice Blend:
In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will be your flavorful rub!
4. Season the Ribs:
Rub both sides of the ribs generously with olive oil. Then, coat them evenly with the spice mix. Make sure every inch is covered for the best taste!
5. Bake the Ribs:
Place the ribs on a lined baking sheet, meat side up, and cover them tightly with aluminum foil. This helps to keep them moist while they bake. Pop them in the oven for about 2.5 to 3 hours until the meat is tender and pulling away from the bones.
6. Prepare the Glaze:
While the ribs are baking, mix the fresh lime juice with honey or agave syrup in a small bowl. This will add a tasty finish to your ribs!
7. Caramelize the Ribs:
Once the ribs are done baking, take them out and increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Brush the lime-honey glaze generously over the ribs.
8. Final Bake:
Return the ribs uncovered to the oven for 10-15 minutes. This will caramelize the glaze and give your ribs a delicious crust!
9. Garnish and Serve:
When done, remove the ribs from the oven and sprinkle with fresh cilantro and optional sliced jalapeños for an extra kick. Let them rest for a few minutes before slicing between the bones.
10. Enjoy!
Serve your delicious ribs hot! They pair perfectly with warm corn tortillas, a side of guacamole, or your favorite Mexican street corn. Enjoy the bold Mexican flavors!
FAQ for Easy Mexican Pork Ribs
Can I Use Different Types of Ribs?
Absolutely! While baby back ribs are recommended for their tenderness, you can use spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs as well. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary; spare ribs may take a bit longer to become tender.
What if I Don’t Have Lime Juice?
No worries! If lime juice is unavailable, you can substitute it with lemon juice or even apple cider vinegar for a different but tasty twist. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Ribs?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave them for a quicker solution.
Can I Make These Ribs in a Slow Cooker?
Yes! For a slow cooker version, season the ribs as directed and place them in the slow cooker with the lime juice and honey. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until tender, then finish under the broiler for a few minutes to caramelize the glaze.
