Slow cooking, bold seasoning, and glossy sauce come together to transform ribs into the highlight of any meal. The recipes included showcase different styles, from sweet and smoky to tangy and slightly spicy. Each approach focuses on keeping the meat tender enough to fall off the bone while locking in deep flavor. They’re perfect for gatherings, cookouts, or any day when comfort food sounds just right.

Braised Short Ribs

Braised Short Ribs. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Melt-in-your-mouth short ribs are slowly cooked until tender in a rich, savory sauce. Deep flavors develop as the beef simmers with aromatics and herbs. Perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions. Serve over mashed potatoes or polenta to soak up every drop of sauce.
Get the Recipe: Braised Short Ribs

Oven Baked Ribs in Foil

Oven Baked Ribs in Foil. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Wrapping ribs in foil helps lock in moisture, creating incredibly tender meat. Slow baking allows the flavors of seasoning and sauce to really sink in. Minimal prep makes the process simple while still delivering big results. A great way to enjoy ribs without firing up the grill.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ribs in Foil

Instant Pot Short Ribs

Instant Pot Short Ribs. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Pressure cooking transforms short ribs into fall-off-the-bone beef in a fraction of the usual time. Searing develops deep flavor before the quick braise. The cooking liquid becomes a luscious sauce perfect for spooning over the meat. Ideal when comfort food is needed fast.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Short Ribs

Beer Braised Short Ribs

Beer braised short ribs on a plate on top of a bed of mashed potatoes.
Beer Braised Short Ribs. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Slow braising in beer gives short ribs a deep malty richness and incredible tenderness. Aromatic vegetables and herbs add layers of savory flavor. Perfect for a hearty, comforting dinner on a chilly day. Pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
Get the Recipe: Beer Braised Short Ribs

Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs

Instant Pot Baby Back Rib dipped in barbeque sauce in a glass bowl
Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Baby back ribs turn tender and juicy quickly using the pressure cooker. The meat pulls easily from the bone while still staying flavorful. Great for those craving barbecue results without long smoking time. Finish under the broiler or grill for caramelized edges.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs

Pork Ribs Dry Rub Recipe Oven

Oven-baked pork ribs with a tasty dry rub seasoning.
Pork Ribs Dry Rub Recipe Oven. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

A flavorful dry rub infuses pork ribs with spice and savory depth while they bake in the oven. Long, slow heat keeps the meat tender and juicy. Perfect for satisfying barbecue cravings without outdoor cooking. Great for weekend meals or casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Pork Ribs Dry Rub Recipe Oven

Oven BBQ Ribs

Ribs and a potato on a plate.
Oven BBQ Ribs. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Low and slow baking results in ribs that are tender on the inside and caramelized on the outside. Barbecue sauce clings to every bite, creating that sticky-sweet finish everyone loves. No grill required for great flavor. Ideal for family dinners or game day spreads.
Get the Recipe: Oven BBQ Ribs

Instant Pot Ribs- Fall Off the Bones Beef Ribs (Low Carb, Gluten-Free)

Instant Pot Ribs- Fall Off the Bones Beef Ribs Low Carb, Gluten-Free on foil with a basting brush and bbq sauce.
Instant Pot Ribs- Fall Off the Bones Beef Ribs (Low Carb, Gluten-Free). Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

The pressure cooker turns beef ribs into ultra-tender meat in a short amount of time. Bold seasoning keeps every bite flavorful and satisfying. Low-carb and gluten-free options fit a variety of diets. Ideal for those who want big flavor without long cooking hours.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Ribs- Fall Off the Bones Beef Ribs (Low Carb, Gluten-Free)

12345 Chinese Spare Ribs (For Easy Home Cooking)

Cooked spare ribs with a dark glaze, sprinkled with sesame seeds, served on a white plate.
12345 Chinese Spare Ribs (For Easy Home Cooking). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

A simple combination of five key ingredients creates spare ribs with a sweet, savory, and slightly tangy glaze. Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and water work together to build deep flavor. Perfect for easy home cooking with restaurant-style results. A great introduction to Chinese braising recipes.
Get the Recipe: 12345 Chinese Spare Ribs (For Easy Home Cooking)

Ribs and Sauerkraut

Ribs and Sauerkraut with a fork.
Ribs and Sauerkraut. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Pork ribs simmer together with tangy sauerkraut for a comforting, old-fashioned meal. Slow cooking creates incredibly tender meat and allows flavors to meld beautifully. Only a handful of ingredients are required. Perfect for cozy winter dinners.
Get the Recipe: Ribs and Sauerkraut

Instant Pot Spare Ribs

Low angle, closeup shot of spare ribs with hoisin glaze.
Instant Pot Spare Ribs. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Spare ribs become tender and succulent thanks to pressure cooking. A hoisin-based glaze adds the perfect blend of sweet and savory notes. Finish under high heat for caramelized edges. Great for weeknight dinners with takeout-style flavor.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spare Ribs

Air Fryer Short Ribs

Several pieces of seasoned and cooked ribs on a wooden cutting board, garnished with herbs. Small bowls with spices are placed on the board.
Air Fryer Short Ribs. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Short ribs cook quickly in the air fryer while staying remarkably juicy. High heat helps develop crispy, browned edges and deep flavor. A great option when you want ribs without turning on the oven. Perfect for weeknight comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Short Ribs

The Easiest Peking Spare Ribs (京都排骨): Peking-Style

Sticky and flavorful Peking-style spare ribs on a plate.
The Easiest Peking Spare Ribs (京都排骨): Peking-Style. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Sweet, tangy sauce coats crispy spare ribs for a classic Peking-style dish. The balance of flavor and crunch makes every bite irresistible. Surprisingly simple to prepare at home. A crowd-pleasing choice for dinner or entertaining.
Get the Recipe: The Easiest Peking Spare Ribs (京都排骨): Peking-Style

Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

Slow cooker country style ribs on a tray on top of mashed potatoes with corn.
Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Country-style ribs slowly cook until fork tender with almost no effort. A sweet and tangy sauce made with peach preserves, honey, and barbecue sauce coats every bite. Perfect for busy days when dinner needs to cook itself. Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or cornbread.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs

Homemade Chinese spare ribs with broccoli and rice on a white plate.
Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Boneless strips of pork are marinated, roasted, and finished until sticky and caramelized. Familiar takeout-style flavors shine through with sweet, savory, and smoky notes. Crisp edges contrast with tender meat. Perfect for serving with rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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