I remember the first time I tried cooking pork ribs in a microwave oven. I was skeptical at first, thinking that it wouldn’t turn out as good as the traditional oven-baked ribs. But boy, was I wrong! Not only was it quick and easy, but the ribs came out tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Since then, it has become my go-to method for cooking ribs when I’m short on time or don’t want to heat up the whole kitchen. In this article, I will share with you my quick and easy recipe for cooking pork ribs in a microwave oven.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before we begin, let’s gather all the ingredients we need:
– Pork Ribs
You can use either baby back ribs or spare ribs for this recipe. Make sure to choose ribs with a good amount of meat on them.
– Dry Rub or Marinade
You can either use a pre-made dry rub or make your own using a combination of spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Alternatively, you can marinate the ribs with your favorite BBQ sauce or any other marinade of your choice.
– Aluminum Foil
To help keep the ribs moist and tender during cooking, we will wrap them in aluminum foil.
Prepare the Ribs
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to prepare the ribs for cooking:
– Remove the Membrane
If your ribs still have the membrane on the back, it’s best to remove it. The membrane can make the ribs tough and chewy. To remove it, insert a butter knife underneath the membrane and gently lift it up. Once you have a good grip, use a paper towel to pull the membrane off.
– Apply the Dry Rub or Marinade
If you’re using a dry rub, generously coat the ribs on both sides, pressing the spices into the meat. If you prefer a marinade, place the ribs in a ziplock bag and pour the marinade over them. Make sure to coat the ribs evenly and let them marinate for at least an hour, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
Cooking the Ribs
Now that the ribs are prepared, it’s time to cook them in the microwave oven:
– Preheat the Microwave
Before cooking the ribs, preheat the microwave on the highest setting for about 5 minutes. This will ensure that the microwave is at its maximum power.
– Wrap the Ribs
Take a sheet of aluminum foil and place the ribs in the center. Wrap the foil tightly around the ribs, leaving a small opening at the top for steam to escape.
– Microwave on High
Place the wrapped ribs on a microwave-safe plate and put them in the microwave. Cook the ribs on high power for 15 minutes.
– Check for Doneness
After 15 minutes, carefully open the foil and check the doneness of the ribs. The meat should be tender and pull away easily from the bone. If the ribs are not fully cooked, wrap them back up and microwave for another 5 minutes.
– Finish on the Grill or Broiler (Optional)
If you prefer a crispy exterior or a smoky flavor, you can finish the ribs on a hot grill or under the broiler for a few minutes. This step is optional but adds a delicious finishing touch.
Serving and Enjoying
Once the ribs are cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy them:
– Rest the Ribs
Before cutting into the ribs, let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful bite.
– Cut and Serve
Using a sharp knife, cut the ribs into individual portions. Serve them with your favorite side dishes like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread.
– Enjoy!
Now it’s time to dig in and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Sink your teeth into the tender, succulent meat, and savor the delightful flavors. You’ll be amazed at how easy and delicious these microwave oven-cooked pork ribs are.
Final Thoughts
Cooking pork ribs in a microwave oven may sound unconventional, but it’s a game-changer when it comes to quick and easy meals. With the right preparation, you can achieve tender, juicy, and flavorful ribs in no time at all. So, the next time you’re craving ribs but don’t have hours to spare, give this microwave oven recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!