Pork Spare Ribs: Delicious Greek Style Recipe

Greek Style Pork Spare Ribs Ingredients:

• 2 racks of pork spare ribs (about 4-5 pounds)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Greek Style Pork Spare Ribs Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade:
   • In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried rosemary, paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to form a marinade.
2. Marinate the Ribs:
   • Place the pork spare ribs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the ribs, ensuring they are well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
3. Preheat the Grill:
   • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 350°F to 375°F).
4. Grill the Ribs:
   • Remove the ribs from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. Place the ribs on the grill, bone side down. Grill the ribs for about 30-40 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with the remaining marinade. Cook until the ribs are tender and nicely charred, and the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
5. Rest and Serve:
   • Once the ribs are done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   • Cut the ribs into individual pieces. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Greek Pork Spare Ribs FAQ

1. Can I bake these ribs instead of grilling?

• Yes, you can bake the ribs in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until tender. Cover them with foil for the first hour and then uncover for the remaining time to let them brown nicely.

2. What sides pair well with Greek pork spare ribs?

• These ribs pair beautifully with a Greek salad, tzatziki, roasted vegetables, or Greek-style potatoes. You can also serve them with pita bread and a selection of Greek dips like hummus and baba ghanoush.

3. Can I use this marinade for other meats?

• Absolutely! This marinade works well with chicken, lamb, and even fish. Adjust the marinating time depending on the meat. Chicken might need less time, while lamb could benefit from a longer marination.

4. How long should I marinate the ribs?

• For the best flavor, marinate the ribs for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal. This allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat, resulting in more flavorful and tender ribs.

5. Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

• Yes, the marinade can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This can save time when you’re ready to marinate the ribs.

6. How do I store leftovers?

• Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.

7. What other herbs can I use if I don’t have oregano, thyme, or rosemary?

• If you don’t have these herbs, you can use a Greek seasoning blend, which typically includes these and other herbs like marjoram and basil. Fresh herbs can also be used if available.

8. Can I make these ribs spicy?

• Yes, if you like a bit of heat, you can add some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the marinade.

9. Can I use this recipe for baby back ribs?

• Yes, you can use this marinade and cooking method for baby back ribs. Adjust the cooking time as needed since baby back ribs may cook faster than spare ribs.

10. How do I know when the ribs are done?

• The ribs are done when they are tender and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). The meat should pull away easily from the bones.

Tips for Perfect Greek Style Spare Pork Ribs:

• Marination Time: The longer you marinate the ribs, the more flavorful they will be. If possible, marinate them overnight.
• Basting: Baste the ribs frequently with the marinade while grilling to keep them moist and flavorful.
• Slow Cooking: For even more tender ribs, consider cooking them on indirect heat for a longer period (about 1.5 to 2 hours) at a lower temperature (around 250°F to 275°F).

Enjoy these delicious Greek-style pork spare ribs with a side of Greek salad, tzatziki, or roasted vegetables for a complete Mediterranean meal.

To immerse yourself in the flavors of Greece, here are some internal links with descriptions to explore more about Greek cuisine:

• Greek Moussaka Recipe: A traditional Greek casserole made with layers of eggplant, ground meat, and béchamel sauce.
• Delicious Spanakopita Recipe: A savory pie filled with spinach and feta cheese, wrapped in crispy phyllo dough.
• Greek Salad Ideas: Explore different types of Greek salads to accompany your meal.
• Greek Avgolemono Soup: A comforting soup made with chicken, rice, and a lemon-egg sauce.
• Gyro Meat Recipe: How to make authentic Greek gyro meat.
• Greek Meze Delicacies: Explore Greek meze (appetizers) recipes.
• Horiatiki Salad: Traditional Greek village salad recipe.
• Stuffed Peppers Gemista Recipe: Learn how to make traditional Greek stuffed peppers.
• Greek Seasoning Recipe: A versatile Greek seasoning blend for various dishes.

You can find authentic Cretan recipes on websites dedicated to Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, such as Cooking with Greek People and Digital Heroes Caffe. These sources provide a wealth of traditional recipes and cooking tips.