How to Make Costillas de Puerco: The Easiest Way to Make Baby Back Ribs😍

pork ribs

🥗Healthier: chicken thighs

💰Cheaper: beef ribs

Chicken thighs are leaner, while beef ribs are often less expensive.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil has a higher smoke point and is healthier.

lime juice

🥗Healthier: lemon juice

💰Cheaper: citric acid

Lemon juice offers a similar acidity with a different flavor profile.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: agave syrup

Honey provides natural sweetness with potential health benefits.

Line (1) 13” x 18” rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a cooking wire rack inside. Place the ribs on the prepared rack. Remove the membrane that coats the underside of the ribs; use a small knife to release one corner of the thin membrane, then pull off the rest with your hands and discard.

In a small bowl, combine salt, ground black pepper, and lemon zest. Rub the salt mixture all over the ribs. Marinate the meat overnight in the fridge to maximize the flavor, but if you're short on time, let the ribs soak in the dry rub for at least an hour before cooking.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 1 hour. Remove the sheet pan from the oven. Squeeze the juice of a half lemon over the Costillas de Puerco; turn and squeeze the juice of the remaining half lemon. Then transfer the baking sheet back to the oven and bake for 30 minutes.

Remove the sheet pan again from the oven. Squeeze the juice of another half lemon over the Costillas de Puerco; turn and squeeze the juice of the remaining half lemon. Then transfer the baking sheet back to the oven and bake until the meat is tender and starts pulling away from the bones for about 30 more minutes. Remove the sheet pan from the oven. Position a rack on the top level of the oven and preheat the broiler.

Using a pastry brush, generously brush the Costillas de Puerco with the BBQ sauce. Place the Costillas de Puerco under the broiler for about 3 to 5 minutes or until charred in spots on each side. Slice each rack between the bones into 2 or 3 rib sections and transfer to your serving platter.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary