As a Portuguese woman living in the USA, there are few things that bring me more joy than sharing the rich and delicious flavors of my homeland with my friends and family. And let me tell you, there are few dishes that do this better than oven-baked pork ribs with beer.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Pork ribs with beer? That doesn’t sound very Portuguese.” But trust me, this dish is a staple in many Portuguese households and is packed with all the bold and savory flavors that make our cuisine so special.
The secret to this dish is the marinade. A combination of beer, olive oil, red pepper paste, garlic, and spices infuses the pork ribs with a depth of flavor that is simply irresistible. And the best part? It’s so easy to make. Just marinate the ribs for a couple of hours, pop them in the oven, and voila! A delicious and comforting meal that will transport you straight to the sunny shores of Portugal.
But enough about the recipe (for now). Let me tell you a little bit about myself. I was born and raised in Portugal, in a small town near the coast. Growing up, food was always a big part of my life. My mother was an amazing cook and would spend hours in the kitchen preparing delicious meals for our family. Some of my fondest memories are of sitting around the dinner table, laughing and chatting as we enjoyed her delicious creations.
When I moved to the USA, I was determined to keep my love for Portuguese cuisine alive. I spent hours in the kitchen, experimenting with different recipes and ingredients until I finally mastered some of my favorite dishes from back home. And let me tell you, there were plenty of failures along the way (I still have nightmares about the time I tried to make salt cod fritters and ended up with a kitchen full of smoke and a pan full of burnt batter).
But through all the ups and downs, one dish that always turned out perfectly was oven-baked pork ribs with beer. It’s a dish that never fails to impress and always brings a smile to my face. And now, I’m excited to share it with all of you.
So grab a cold beer (or two), put on some fado music, and get ready to experience the delicious flavors of Portugal in your own kitchen. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Ingredients
- 2.6 lb of pork ribs
- 1 cup of beer
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of red pepper paste
- 6 cloves of garlic
- Nutmeg (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Start by placing the pork ribs in a baking dish.
- With a sharp knife, make 3 to 4 cuts in the pork ribs and season with salt, nutmeg, pepper, red pepper paste, crushed garlic cloves with skin, olive oil and beer.
- Let it marinate for about 1 to 2 hours (the longer the better!).
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Bake until golden brown and tender, about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Don’t forget to baste the pork ribs with the sauce occasionally.
- Turn off the oven and serve with french fries (or your favorite side dish).
Notes
- One way to add even more flavor to this recipe is to experiment with different types of beer. A darker beer, such as a stout or porter, will add a richer, deeper flavor to the pork ribs. On the other hand, a lighter beer, such as a lager or pilsner, will add a more subtle flavor.
- Another way to enhance the flavor of this dish is to add some herbs and spices to the marinade. Rosemary, thyme, and oregano would all be great additions. You could also try adding some smoked paprika or cumin for a smoky, spicy kick.
- If you want to add some sweetness to balance out the savory flavors in this dish, try adding some honey or brown sugar to the marinade. This will also help to create a delicious caramelized crust on the pork ribs as they bake.
- For an extra tender and juicy result, try marinating the pork ribs for longer than 2 hours. You could even let them marinate overnight in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat and result in an even more delicious dish.
- If you want to add some extra texture and flavor to this dish, try serving it with some roasted vegetables. Carrots, onions, and potatoes would all be great choices. Simply toss them with some olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast them in the oven alongside the pork ribs.
- Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with the sauce. You could try adding some mustard or Worcestershire sauce for an extra tangy kick. Or, for a creamier sauce, try stirring in some sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving.
