Fried Ribs Recipe (Crispy, Deep Fried, Seasoned)

Our deep fried ribs have a golden brown, seasoned crust that's both crispy and delicious. They're cooked using the same seasoned flour coating as our Southern fried chicken recipe!

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Fried ribs are have a crunchy outside with tender, juicy rib meat on the inside. If you've tried our fried chicken, then you know these fried ribs are really good! You may also like our party ribs!

Just like traditional barbecue ribs, these deep fried ribs are great as an appetizer or for dinner. Marrekus loves them on their own or with classic Southern sides like Southern baked mac and cheese, bbq coleslaw, Southern cornbread, and baked beans.

For more recipes, check out our list of Soul Food Sunday Dinner Ideas.

What You'll Love About This Recipe

• CRISPY TEXTURE - The seasoned flour coating and deep frying cooking gives these pork ribs a flavorful, golden brown crispy exterior.
• JUICY & TENDER - Deep frying helps seal in the moisture, resulting in tender, juicy meat.
• QUICK & EASY - Frying ribs is quick and straightforward so it's easy enough for a beginner cook.

What are Fried Ribs?

Fried ribs are individual pork ribs coated in a seasoned flour mixture and deep-fried until they're golden-brown and crispy. This Southern soul food recipe combines the tenderness of ribs with the satisfying crunch that you get with frying.

Ingredients

• Pork spare ribs (bone-in, cut up into individual pieces)
• Neutral oil for frying (e.g. peanut oil, vegetable oil, canola oil)

Seasoned Flour

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 ½ teaspoons granulated garlic (if using garlic powder, use a bit less)
• 1 ½ teaspoons granulated onion (if using onion powder, use a bit less)
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Egg Wash

• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons water

Note: You can find pork ribs that are already cut into individual pieces at most grocery stores. Look for them in the meat or butcher section. If you can't find them at your local grocery store, you can purchase full racks of ribs and cut them into individual pieces yourself.

How to Make Deep Fried Pork Ribs

Here's a step-by-step guide for making our crispy and flavorful fried ribs recipe:

Step 1: Dredge

1. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Remove ribs from the package and pat them dry with paper towel.
2. Put flour, cornstarch, granulated garlic, granulated onion, pepper, seasoned salt, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) in a shallow bowl and whisk ingredients to combine. Set aside.
3. Crack the eggs into a separate shallow mixing bowl, add 2 tablespoons of water, and whisk together. Set aside.
4. Dip ribs into the egg wash, ensuring that each piece is well coated.
5. Once coated with the egg wash, dredge each rib in the seasoned flour mixture. Repeat with the rest of the ribs.
6. Rest the battered ribs on the sheet pan lined with parchment paper for a few minutes.

Step 2: Deep Fry

1. Fill a deep skillet with enough cooking oil to submerge the cut up spare ribs (about 2 inches). Heat over medium heat to around 360°F (182°C) to 365°F (185°C).
2. Carefully place the flour coated ribs into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and cooked through. Be sure to fry in batches to prevent overcrowding and temperature drop. The internal temperature of the ribs should reach 145°F (63°C). This takes about 10 minutes.
3. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove ribs from the oil and place them on a wire rack set over a sheet pan to drain any excess oil. Let the fried ribs rest for a few minutes before serving. Grab some Crystal's hot sauce and enjoy!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Oil Temp: Maintain a consistent oil temperature. Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the oil and keep it around 360°F (182°C) to 365°F (185°C). Allow the oil to heat up before adding the ribs.
• Double Dredging (Optional): For an extra crispy crust, consider double-dredging the pork ribs. After the initial coating and resting period, repeat the process of dipping the ribs in the egg wash and seasoned flour.
• Keep an Eye on Cooking Time: Fried ribs may cook faster or slower depending on their thickness. Look for a golden brown color on the ribs as they fry.

What to Serve with Fried Ribs

Here are some ideas for what to serve with fried ribs:

• BBQ Coleslaw: Our creamy and crunchy BBQ Coleslaw is a Southern-inspired side dish that brings the perfect blend of textures and flavor.
• Southern Cornbread: Our cornbread recipe is easy to follow and yields a moist, tender crumb.
• Sweet Potato Cornbread: This sweet potato cornbread is perfectly moist and flavorful, made with fresh, mashed sweet potatoes, a touch of cinnamon, and the magic of beaten egg whites.
• Baked Beans: Flavorful baked beans with ground beef is a classic barbecue side dish that’s as convenient as it is delicious.
• Southern Mac and Cheese: Our recipe features cheddar, Monterey jack, and mozzarella, and is made without a roux. It’s decadent and comforting, and an absolute must-try for anyone looking to savor a taste of the South.
• Gouda Mac and Cheese: This recipe is made with a white roux of milk and flour, similar to a béchamel sauce.
• Creamed Corn: Sweet, tender corn kernels are simmered in a rich, creamy sauce, making this dish a true comfort classic that’s easy to prepare and impossible to resist.
• Pinto Beans: This pinto beans recipe, adapted from chef and restauranteur Kevin Bludso, is made with smoked ham hock in a flavorful broth.
• Green Beans and Potatoes: Whether cooked with bacon or seasoned with Southern spices, green beans make a vibrant and tasty side dish.

What type of oil is best for deep frying?

Vegetable, canola, corn, and peanut oil are popular choices for deep frying due to their high smoke point and neutral/mild taste. Always use fresh oil for frying to ensure the best results.

How do I know when the oil is hot enough?

The most accurate way to gauge the oil temperature is by using a deep-fry thermometer or candy thermometer. If you don't have a thermometer, you can use visual cues. For most frying methods, the oil is typically ready when it shimmers. You can also place a small pinch of the seasoned flour into the oil; if it sizzles, it is likely hot enough.

Can I use baby back ribs instead for fried ribs?

Yes, you can use baby back ribs cut into individual pieces for frying!

Summary

These fried pork ribs are a must try! They have the same golden brown, seasoned crust and crispy texture as our popular fried chicken recipe. Fried ribs are perfect for both a game day appetizer or a hearty Southern dinner.