Tender & Juicy Slow-Cooked BBQ Veal Ribs
Nutritional value per serving
Calories600kcal
Carbs10gram
Fat40gram
Protein45gram
Ingredients
- veal ribs1.5 kg
- barbecue sauce200 ml
- olive oil2 tbsp
- garlic cloves4 pieces
- smoked paprika1 tbsp
- brown sugar1 tbsp
- salt1 tsp
- black pepper0.5 tsp
Discover the art of slow cooking veal ribs to achieve fall-off-the-bone tenderness with deep BBQ flavor. This recipe guides you through simple steps to prepare, season, and slow cook veal ribs using common kitchen equipment. Total cost of ingredients is approximately $18/€17/£15/₹1650. This dish provides about 600 kcal per serving, is suitable for a balanced diet, with medium complexity and requires roughly 6 hours of cooking time.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the veal ribs
1Remove the veal ribs from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature for even cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick.
Make the dry rub
2In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mince the garlic cloves finely and add them to the mixture.
Season the ribs
3Rub olive oil over all sides of the veal ribs. Then sprinkle the spice and garlic mixture generously over the ribs, massaging it into the meat for full flavor.
Preheat the oven or slow cooker
4Preheat your oven to 120°C (250°F) for slow oven cooking. Alternatively, prepare your slow cooker set to low heat.
Cook the ribs slowly
5Place the ribs in a roasting tray lined with foil (or in the slow cooker). Cover with foil tightly if using the oven. Cook in the oven for approximately 4-5 hours or in the slow cooker for 6-8 hours. The slow cook breaks down tough fibers and makes the meat tender.
Check internal temperature
6After the slow cooking time, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Veal ribs are safe to eat at a minimum internal temperature of 63°C (145°F), but for tender slow-cooked ribs, aim for 85-90°C (185-194°F) to ensure tenderness.
Apply barbecue sauce and finish cooking
7Remove foil and brush BBQ sauce all over the ribs. Increase the oven temperature to 200°C (400°F) and cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes to caramelize the sauce. If using a grill or broiler, you can use it for this step.
Rest and serve
8Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps juices redistribute. Serve with your favorite sides and extra BBQ sauce.
Cooking Tips
-When buying veal ribs, look for ones with a good amount of meat and some fat marbling for moisture and flavor.
-Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and other foods.
-Keep your meat thermometer clean and insert it into the thickest part of the ribs without touching bone for accurate temperature readings.
-If you don’t have a slow cooker, a low oven works perfectly for slow cooking ribs.
-Leftovers store well covered in the fridge for 2-3 days and reheat gently.
Equipment Needed
- Meat thermometer
- Roasting tray or slow cooker
- Aluminum foil
- Small mixing bowl
- Tongs or meat fork
- Basting brush
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] 1.5 kg veal ribs (~$14): Choose fresh veal ribs with a good layer of meat and some fat for flavor.
- [ ] 200 ml barbecue sauce (~$2): Pick a sauce you enjoy, smoky or sweet varieties work well.
- [ ] 2 tbsp olive oil (~$0.30): Use extra virgin for best flavor.
- [ ] 4 garlic cloves (~$0.20): Fresh garlic cloves are best, avoid pre-minced for flavor.
- [ ] Smoked paprika (~$0.50 for a small container): Adds depth to the rub.
- [ ] Brown sugar (~$0.20): Regular or dark brown sugar adds sweetness and caramelization.
- [ ] Salt and black pepper (~$0.20 combined): Basic pantry staples.
Total approximate cost: $17.40
FAQ
Can I cook veal ribs on a grill instead of an oven or slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook veal ribs on a grill using indirect heat at low temperature. Maintain the grill temperature around 120°C (250°F) and cook slowly for several hours. Use a drip pan to avoid flare-ups.
How do I know when the veal ribs are fully cooked and safe to eat?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Veal ribs are safe to eat at 63°C (145°F), but cooking them to 85-90°C (185-194°F) will ensure they are tender and fully cooked.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can season the ribs and refrigerate them overnight before slow cooking for deeper flavor. Also, cooked ribs can be reheated gently before serving.
What are some good side dishes to serve with BBQ veal ribs?
Classic sides include coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.