Transform your stovetop into a BBQ haven with this easy and delicious recipe for tender, flavorful ribs. Perfect for those who crave the smoky, tangy taste of bbq ribs but don't have access to a grill, this method ensures juicy, fall-off-the-bone meat every time.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples, but if you don't usually stock bbq sauce at home, you'll need to pick some up at the supermarket. Look for a sauce that matches your flavor preference, whether it's sweet, spicy, or smoky. The pork ribs can be found in the meat section, and it's best to choose ones with a good amount of marbling for extra tenderness.
Ingredients For Stovetop BBQ Ribs Recipe
Pork ribs: The star of the dish, these should be meaty and well-marbled for the best results.
Bbq sauce: Adds the essential smoky, tangy flavor to the ribs.
Olive oil: Used for browning the ribs and adding a touch of richness.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the meat.
Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the seasoning.
Technique Tip for Stovetop BBQ Ribs
When browning the ribs in the pot, make sure to sear them on all sides until they develop a deep, caramelized crust. This step not only enhances the flavor but also helps to lock in the juices, ensuring the meat remains tender and succulent during the simmering process.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
pork ribs - Substitute with beef ribs: Beef ribs offer a similar texture and can be cooked in the same manner as pork ribs, providing a hearty alternative.
pork ribs - Substitute with chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are a versatile option that can absorb the BBQ flavors well and cook relatively quickly on the stovetop.
bbq sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce provides a sweet and savory flavor profile that can complement the ribs similarly to BBQ sauce.
bbq sauce - Substitute with hoisin sauce: Hoisin sauce offers a rich, tangy flavor that can mimic the depth of BBQ sauce.
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it suitable for cooking ribs on the stovetop.
olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil is another neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, ideal for stovetop cooking.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has a coarser grain and can be used in the same quantity to season the ribs effectively.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor profile but with a slightly different, more subtle taste.
black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit more heat and a different flavor dimension, making the dish spicier.
Alternative Recipes Similar to BBQ Ribs
How to Store or Freeze Your BBQ Ribs
- Allow the ribs to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the meat soggy.
- Place the cooled ribs in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. This will help maintain their flavor and prevent them from drying out.
- Store the ribs in the refrigerator if you plan to eat them within 3-4 days. This keeps them fresh and ready for a quick reheat.
- For longer storage, place the wrapped ribs in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container with the date to keep track of how long the ribs have been stored. This is especially useful for meal planning.
- When ready to reheat, thaw frozen ribs in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even reheating and maintains the texture of the meat.
- Reheat the ribs in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are heated through. You can also reheat them on the stovetop in a covered pan with a bit of water or bbq sauce to keep them moist.
- If you prefer, you can also reheat the ribs in the microwave. Place them in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover ribs in an oven-safe dish, cover with aluminum foil to retain moisture, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
For a quicker method, use the microwave. Place the ribs on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Check and continue heating in 30-second intervals until hot.
If you prefer a stovetop method, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or bbq sauce to the skillet, then add the ribs. Cover and heat for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until thoroughly warmed.
For a smoky flavor, reheat the ribs on a grill. Preheat the grill to medium heat, wrap the ribs in aluminum foil, and grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until heated through.
Use a slow cooker for a hands-off approach. Place the ribs in the slow cooker, add a bit of bbq sauce or water, cover, and heat on low for 1-2 hours until warm.
Essential Tools for Cooking BBQ Ribs on the Stovetop
Large pot: A spacious vessel to brown the ribs and simmer them with the BBQ sauce and water.
Tongs: Useful for turning the ribs while browning them to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.
Measuring cup: Essential for accurately measuring the BBQ sauce and water.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
Stove: The heat source for cooking the ribs.
Cutting board: A surface to season the ribs before cooking.
Knife: For trimming any excess fat from the ribs if needed.
Serving platter: To place the ribs on once they are cooked and rested.
Ladle: Handy for adding water to the pot to cover the ribs.
Timer: To keep track of the simmering time to ensure the ribs are cooked perfectly.
Time-Saving Tips for Making BBQ Ribs
Pre-cut the ribs: Ask your butcher to pre-cut the ribs to save time on preparation.
Use a pressure cooker: A pressure cooker can reduce the cooking time significantly compared to simmering for 2 hours.
Pre-make the sauce: Prepare your bbq sauce in advance and store it in the fridge.
Marinate overnight: Season and marinate the pork ribs overnight to enhance flavor and save time on the day of cooking.
Quick browning: Use a high heat to quickly brown the ribs, cutting down on the initial cooking time.

Stovetop BBQ Ribs Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork ribs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- 1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- 2. Season ribs with salt and pepper, then brown them in the pot.
- 3. Add BBQ sauce and enough water to cover the ribs.
- 4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours.
- 5. Remove ribs, let rest for a few minutes, then serve.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for BBQ Ribs
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