The Best Way to Cook Spare Ribs: A Kiwi’s Guide to Juicy, Tender Ribs

Nothing beats the flavour of perfectly cooked spare ribs — smoky, tender, and packed with mouthwatering goodness. Whether you’re firing up the barbie or using your oven, here’s your ultimate guide to cooking spare ribs that will impress family and friends alike.

Choosing the Right Ribs

First things first — select good-quality spare ribs. Look for meat that’s marbled with a bit of fat for extra flavour, and ensure the ribs are a nice deep colour with no tears or excess moisture. At Meat Direct, we’ve got top-notch NZ-grown spare ribs ready to go!

Preparation is Key

Remove the thin membrane on the bone side of the ribs — this helps the flavours penetrate better and makes for more tender ribs.
Marinate or dry rub your ribs. A simple marinade of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and a splash of apple cider vinegar works beautifully, or try a dry rub of paprika, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and a pinch of chilli for a bit of kick.
For best results, let the ribs marinate or sit with your dry rub in the fridge for at least 2 hours — overnight is even better!

Cooking Methods for Perfect Ribs

1. Oven Method

Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).
Wrap the ribs tightly in alfoil. This locks in moisture and keeps them tender.
Place on a baking tray and cook for around 2.5–3 hours.
In the last 20 minutes, remove the foil, brush with your favourite BBQ sauce, and pop back in to caramelise.

2. Barbecue (Barbie) Method

Prepare your BBQ for indirect heat — turn on one side and leave the other side off.
Cook the ribs over indirect heat at about 150°C, wrapped in alfoil or on a rack.
Cook for 2–3 hours, turning occasionally and basting with sauce.
Finish with direct heat if you want a nice char and sticky glaze.

3. Slow Cooker Method

Place seasoned ribs in the slow cooker with a splash of BBQ sauce or stock.
Cook on low for 6–8 hours until fall-apart tender.
For a crispy finish, pop them under the grill for a few minutes after slow cooking.

Final Tips

Rest the ribs for 10 minutes after cooking before slicing — this helps juices distribute evenly.
Slice between the bones for neat, tender portions.
Serve with a fresh salad, coleslaw, or potato salad for a true Kiwi feast.

Enjoy Your Ribs!

Cooking spare ribs is a rewarding process that brings out the best in this classic cut. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or cooking a weekend feed, follow these tips for ribs that are tender, tasty, and full of smoky goodness.

Happy cooking, and enjoy your next feast from the team at Meat Direct!