Spicy Spare Ribs

Spicy spare ribs are the ultimate comfort food—tender, juicy ribs coated in a perfectly balanced rub that’s smoky, sweet, and just a touch spicy. Served alongside crisp golden French fries, this dish is both hearty and irresistibly moreish. Whether the spicy spare ribs are for a weekend family dinner or a casual get-together with friends, it’s a dish that never fails to impress.

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1 30

Total Time 1 45

Servings Portions

Ingredients

2 kg pork spare ribs
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp mild chilli powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp salt
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 kg French fries
paprika or chilli flakes to sprinkle on fries

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 160°C (140°C fan) / 325°F / Gas Mark 3.
Pat the ribs dry with kitchen paper. Place them on a large baking tray lined with foil.
2 kg pork spare ribs
In a bowl, mix together the paprika, chilli powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt and pepper.
2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp mild chilli powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Drizzle the ribs with olive oil, then rub the spice mix all over the meat, making sure to coat evenly.
3 tbsp olive oil
Cover the tray with foil and place in the oven. Cook for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, until the ribs are tender.
Remove the foil, turn the oven up to 200°C (180°C fan) / 400°F / Gas Mark 6, and cook for another 15–20 minutes to allow the rub to caramelise into a delicious crust.
While the ribs are finishing, bake or fry the French fries according to packet instructions until golden and crisp. If using homemade fries, cut potatoes into sticks, soak in cold water, dry well, then bake or fry until crisp.
1 kg French fries
Season with salt (and optional paprika or chilli flakes).
paprika
Pile the ribs high on a platter, scatter the fries around them, and bring the whole dish to the table.
Serve the Spicy Spare Ribs hot with extra napkins—this is finger-licking food!

Notes

Cook’s Tip:

For even more flavour, rub the spice mix onto the ribs a few hours ahead of time (or overnight) and let them marinate in the fridge before cooking.

Nutrition