Who Says You Need a Grill to Cook Good Ribs?

It is just a myth that you need to have a grill if you want to cook ribs. Many people live in small apartments so it becomes difficult for them to have an outdoor grill.

If you do not have a grill then do not worry, you can also cook ribs in a microwave oven or even on the stovetop.

What are Ribs?

Ribs are one of those dishes that we do not make often in the year but they will be tasty every bite when we eat them. Ribs are more expensive per pound than any other cuts of meat. So it can be more depressing if they are not cooked well. So, after some research, we learned that a lot of people achieve that fall-off-the-bone texture from using any slow cooker (or baking in the oven) for a few hours before finishing them on the grill or under the broiler for that amazing bubbly sauce and crispy exterior

How to Cook Ribs Without a Grill

Option 1-Cook in the Oven

The first option to cook ribs without a grill is in the oven. Ribs can easily be cooked in the oven and still, they will taste good. Ovens are hot and they give perfect temperature for ribs to cook.

Option 2-Cook on the Stovetop

Another option is to cook them on stovetops. It is also a good option as cooking on stovetops is slow which is perfect for ribs to cook.

How Cooking Ribs in the Oven Works

Cooking ribs in the oven is one of the recipes that you should try to believe. We all know that rib meat is tough and it needs more time and low heat to cook. An oven is a perfect option as it gives the ideal environment for ribs to cook. Lifting the ribs above the baking sheet on a rack also lets the heat circulate on all sides. After a few hours, the meat is nearly falling off the bone and you will be licking your fingers in no time

How to Make Great Ribs in the Oven

Ingredients Required

• 1.5–3 lbs. pork ribs (baby back or loin back ribs)
• 1/2–1 bottle your favorite bbq sauce*
• optional (but recommended): 2-4 Tbsp your favorite rub (we like Bone Suckin’ Dry Rub)

Directions to Follow

Step 1-Remove the silver skin on the backside of the ribs using a sharp knife. (The first layer is the most important.)

Step 2-If using a dry rub, pat ribs dry and coat with dry rub. Let rest at room temperature for 1 hour or in the refrigerator for up to a day.

Step 3-Slice into manageable sections (we did 3-4 ribs per section) and place them in a slow cooker. Cook on LOW 7-8 hours or HIGH 3-4 hours.

Step 4-Preheat broiler. Place ribs on a baking sheet coated with foil. Brush generously with barbecue sauce. Broil in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until sauce is bubbly and a bit thickened.

Step 5-If desired you can brush them with more sauce and put them in for another few minutes.

Step 6- Take them out and serve!

How to Cook Best Ribs on the Stovetop

Ingredients Required

• ¼ cup steak sauce (such as A1®)
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• ¼ cup water
• 4 (6 ounces) country-style pork ribs
• 1 onion, cut into rings (Optional)

Directions to Follow

Step 1-Whisk together steak sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and water in a bowl until smooth.

Step 2-Place the pork ribs in a saucepan with a lid, and pour the sauce over the ribs. Spread raw onion rings over the ribs, and cover the pan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, and simmer the ribs in the sauce for 45 minutes, or until tender.

Step 3-Serve!

Important Notes for the Recipe

Prepare it Right

Many people depend on butchers to give them perfect meat cuts. It is not a bad thing but if you do not have time to stay there and ask your butcher to make a perfect rib cut? So, it is essential to do most of the preparation yourself. Before cooking ribs, remove the silver skin on the underside.

Beat the Heat

It is to keep in mind that cooking ribs should not make your kitchen heat up so put the slow cooker on the back patio.

Add sauce

You can use barbecue sauce which has molasses and honey as sweeteners.

On the Liquid Smoke

 Do not be put off by the idea of adding liquid smoke; despite sounding completely artificial, it is a natural ingredient made from the smoke of burning hardwood. I like a mild smoke flavor, so I added just 1 teaspoon.

Knowing When They are Done

 It seems that we have all been fed the line that ribs are not done until they fall off the bone, when really if these ribs reach that point they are overcooked. Cook until a knife slides easily into the meat.

What Can we Serve with Ribs?

We love these ribs. Here are some of our favorite dishes to serve alongside them.

• Creamy potato salad.
• Crispy roasted potatoes.
• Mayo free herby potato salad.
• Mashed potatoes.
• Creamy macaroni salad.

To Wrap It Up

Ribs are one of the most favorite dishes all meat lovers want to have. It is no doubt expensive per pound but all worth it in the end. Although we all love to grill ribs it does not matter if you do not own a grill. You can cook ribs in the oven or on the stovetops. Ribs are hard tough so they need to cook on low heat and for a long time. The oven gives them the best environment to cook. On the other hand, a stovetop is also an ideal option. You can simply marinate them and put them on the stovetop to cook slowly. Also, it is mentioned in the article what can we serve with them. There are many options to serve with ribs but all up to you. You can select anything you like to serve with ribs.