2 Ways to Flavor Ribs without BBQ Sauce

Recipe, video and photography provided by Heinen’s partner, Chef Billy Parisi.

It’s time to reimagine the flavor of ribs!

When most people think of ribs, they think of sweet, smoky flavors and aromas and a generous bath of BBQ sauce. While this traditional method is timeless and delicious, ribs are an incredibly versatile cut of meat that doesn’t always need to be smoked and slathered in BBQ.

The recipe below will show you how to take a rack of ribs from normal to exciting with the help of your oven, a few simple spices and ready-made sauces from Heinen’s.

What Ribs Should I Use?

When looking for high quality ribs, consider Heinen’s Meat Department your local butcher shop. All of Heinen’s pork ribs are CARE Certified and raised by a trusted producer who works alongside Heinen’s meat experts to provide pork that meets Heinen’s specific quality standards with an emphasis on animal welfare.

Heinen’s offers a wide variety of ribs ranging from baby back to St. Louis-style. While both are delicious, baby back ribs are an ideal choice because:

• They’re meatier than St. Louis-style ribs.
• They’re easy to cook.
• Their fat renders beautifully.
• Their flavor is always strong.

Easy Ways to Flavor Ribs without BBQ Sauce

You don’t need a smoker or BBQ sauce to make ribs taste delicious! Here are a few hacks to shake up the flavor and cooking method of ribs without any added complexity.

• Stock up on Heinen’s spices like coriander, ginger, garlic powder and onion powder for an Asian-inspired spice rub.
• Slow-braise the ribs in the oven instead of cooking them in a smoker or on the grill. If you’re feeling adventurous, finish them on the grill when they’re done braising for a little char.
• Instead of brushing the ribs with BBQ sauce, brush them with Two Brothers Teriyaki or Peanut Sauce.