Crispy Southern Fried Spare Ribs Recipe – A Comfort Food Classic!
If you’ve never tried Southern Fried Spare Ribs, you’re in for a treat. This dish combines the smoky richness of pork ribs with the irresistible crunch of fried chicken, creating a flavor explosion that will have your family asking for seconds. The ribs are first seasoned to perfection, marinated for tenderness, then coated in a golden crust and fried until they’re crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Perfect for Sunday dinners, backyard gatherings, or any time you want to bring a taste of the South to your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy, golden exterior with tender, flavorful meat inside.
- A Southern comfort food staple that never goes out of style.
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
- Perfect for pairing with sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or cornbread.
- Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Ribs:
- 1 slab spare ribs – trimmed, with rib tips removed (about 2–3 pounds)
- 2 cups buttermilk – for marinating
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce – optional, for heat and flavor
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – for that smoky Southern kick
For the Coating:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch – for extra crispiness
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper – adjust to your spice preference
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil – enough to fill your skillet or deep fryer about halfway
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ribs
- Rinse the spare ribs under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Remove any silver skin (thin membrane) from the back of the ribs to ensure tenderness.
- Cut the slab into individual rib sections so they’re easier to fry.
2. Marinate for Flavor and Tenderness
- In a large mixing bowl, combine buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Add the ribs, making sure each piece is coated well.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This step tenderizes the meat and infuses it with flavor.
3. Prepare the Coating
- In a separate large bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, and thyme.
- Remove ribs from the marinade, allowing excess buttermilk to drip off.
- Dredge each rib in the flour mixture, pressing the coating onto the meat so it sticks well.
Pro Tip: For an extra crispy crust, double-dip the ribs by placing them back into the buttermilk and then coating them in flour again.
4. Fry to Perfection
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large cast-iron skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry ribs in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer fried ribs to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or spicy ranch.
- Pair with classic Southern sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, cornbread, or potato salad.
Tips for the Best Southern Fried Spare Ribs
- Don’t skip the buttermilk marinade – it’s the secret to juicy, flavorful meat.
- Control oil temperature – too hot will burn the coating, too low will make the ribs greasy.
- Season every step – season the marinade, the flour, and even sprinkle a little seasoning on the fried ribs for maximum flavor.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–15 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the coating crunchy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use baby back ribs instead of spare ribs?
Yes! Baby back ribs are smaller and will cook faster, making them perfect for frying.
2. Can I bake them instead of frying?
You can, but they won’t have the same crispy texture. If baking, coat them lightly with oil and bake at 400°F until golden.
3. What oil is best for frying ribs?
Peanut oil is great for flavor, but vegetable or canola oil works perfectly too.
Serving Suggestion
Plate your fried spare ribs with coleslaw, buttery cornbread, and a drizzle of barbecue glaze for the ultimate Southern feast.