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Spare ribs are delectable. There is no denying it; when you see a rack of shiny glazed ribs, your mouth waters. Like a lion in the Savannah, you want to pounce on the plate being held by the waitress passing your table. If you were thinking of ordering something else, you just changed your mind.

Spare ribs are one of the most enjoyable meals to prepare and enjoy. It’s no coincidence that they are a fan favourite at parties and finger buffets, and their popularity in diners, restaurants and takeaway venues remains strong.

Whether you like your ribs smoked, grilled or roasted, their versatility means there's a flavour profile to suit every taste.

In this article, we explore the popularity of spare ribs and the various flavour profiles of different animals and provide you with a tasty recipe that will make you the ultimate host of dinner parties.

If your mouth isn’t watering by the end of this blog post, well, you can only be a vegetarian (nothing wrong with that).

A favourite the world over

Spare ribs are enjoyed throughout the world, and it's no surprise that they are a firm favourite in diners, gastro pubs, and takeaway venues. One of the traits that make ribs so enjoyable is their versatility. Spare ribs come from various animals such as beef, lamb, and even venison, making them a dish suitable for every kind of preference.

There are noticeable differences in taste among the various types. Beef is a leaner option with a robust taste. Lamb spare ribs, with their fatty and marbled texture, are best roasted to perfection, while venison's gamey notes make it perfect for a more sophisticated palate

Cultures around the world each have their own take on how they like to prepare their ribs. Let’s look at some examples for inspiration.

American BBQ ribs: American barbecue ribs are renowned for their smoky and savoury flavours. They are often slow-cooked over a wood or charcoal fire, basted with a tangy barbecue sauce. The flavour can range from sweet and sticky to spicy and smoky, depending on regional variations. For example, Kansas City-style ribs are known for their sweet, molasses-based sauce, while Texas-style ribs focus more on the smoky and spicy elements. American BBQ ribs are generally served with french fries and are popular with American-style diners like TGI Fridays and this trend has spread to various steakhouses and burger joints to

Korean Galbi (South Korea): Korean galbi is beef short ribs marinated in a savoury-sweet mixture of soy sauce, garlic, sugar, and Asian pear. The marinade imparts a delightful combination of sweet and savoury flavours, with a hint of fruitiness. Grilled to perfection, they are often served with kimchi and pickled vegetables for a balanced taste.

Argentinian Asado (Argentina): In Argentina, ribs are prepared as part of the traditional asado, a barbecue-style feast. The ribs are usually seasoned simply with salt and cooked over an open flame or wood fire. The emphasis is on the natural flavours of the meat, resulting in a smoky, juicy, and meaty taste.

Chinese Spare Ribs (China): Chinese spare ribs are typically marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, and spices. The result is a combination of sweet and savoury flavours with a slightly sticky glaze. These ribs are often deep-fried or roasted until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Jamaican Jerk Ribs (Jamaica): Jamaican jerk ribs are seasoned with a fiery blend of spices, including Scotch bonnet peppers, thyme, allspice, and scallions. The result is a spicy, aromatic, and smoky flavour profile. The ribs are usually slow-cooked over pimento wood for an authentic jerk taste.

Greek Lamb Ribs (Greece): Greek lamb ribs are often seasoned with a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and rosemary. The marinade imparts a Mediterranean flavour profile, with a balance of citrusy, herby, and savoury notes. They are typically grilled or roasted until tender.

Thai Sticky Ribs (Thailand): Thai sticky ribs are coated in a glaze made from a combination of fish sauce, soy sauce, palm sugar, and Thai chillies. The result is a sweet, salty, and spicy flavour with a sticky and caramelized texture. They are often served with a side of jasmine rice and fresh herbs.

Braai Ribs (South Africa): In South Africa, braai ribs are seasoned with a blend of spices that might include paprika, cumin, coriander, and garlic. The ribs are cooked over an open flame, giving them a smoky and charred flavour with hints of spice.

_______________________________________________________________________________________ Must read: For All You Grill Seekers Out There! ______________________________________________________________________________________

Ribs make food feel like play

Spare ribs' unique and fun characteristics make them an enjoyable meal to share with others. Their sticky, gleaming appearance coated in BBQ sauce is an Instagram-worthy sight that never gets old. They are joyfully eaten by hand, creating a fun and interactive experience for diners. The process of separating the individual ribs from the slab has become a ritualistic routine that everyone enjoys, especially kids. Ribs are messy, your hands and mouth will be coated in sauce, but there’s no holding back and the experience is definitely worth the caveman look, even if for a while.

Cooking ribs

When it comes to cooking, the perfect spare rib must be so succulent and tender that the meat falls off the bone. The beauty of this dish is that it can be cooked using various methods such as grilling, smoking, and baking. However, whichever method you choose to utilise, seasoning is key to achieving the desired taste.

That said, here is the perfect recipe to set you on your BBQ rib journey. Grab some serviettes because things are about to get sticky.

BBQ Glaze Recipe

Ingredients:

A rack of organic lamb ribs

  • 2 cups ketchup
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1. In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and stir well until smooth.
  2. 2. Brush glaze evenly over your spare ribs in the final 15 minutes of cooking.
  3. 3. Enjoy your perfectly glazed, fall-off-the-bone spare ribs.

Final Thoughts

We could talk about spare ribs all day. They are like a xylophone that plays a beat to our senses with every delicious bite. Spare ribs are one of the most enjoyable meals to prepare and enjoy. And there is room for them at every restaurant, diner, party and takeaway venue - you simply can’t get bored of them.

Halal Origins loves to share its ideas around food and ingredients because meal times bring people together. They are the moments we remember and cherish. Being even a small part of your food journey and experience brings us much delight, so we hope you enjoy our recipe ideas with your loved ones.

We pride ourselves on supplying the highest quality ingredients sourced from local farms and delivering them directly to your door. If you haven’t tried our succulent lamb ribs yet, treat yourself to the wonderful delight today. You will be overjoyed that you did.