Portuguese Pork Ribs with Garlic and Mustard

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Tender, juicy and full of flavor, these Portuguese Pork Ribs are seasoned with garlic, mustard and sweet red pepper paste before being roasted to golden perfection. An easy and delicious Portuguese-style dinner.

Portuguese Pork Ribs with Garlic and Mustard served on a platter

Looking for an easy Portuguese ribs recipe? These Portuguese Pork Ribs are seasoned with garlic, mustard, sweet red pepper paste and simple spices, then roasted in the oven until tender, juicy and beautifully golden.

The combination of sweet red pepper paste, mustard, garlic and Worcestershire sauce gives the ribs a rich, savory flavor with a deliciously aromatic finish. They’re easy to prepare and perfect for a relaxed family meal or weekend dinner. Serve these Portuguese-style ribs with Roasted Potatoes, Green Peas Rice or Mashed Potatoes for a comforting and flavorful homemade meal.

Here are a few more simple and flavorful pork recipes for dinner you must try: Portuguese Pork and Clams (Carne de Porco à Alentejana), Roasted Pork Loin with Chestnuts, and Tender Oven-Baked Ribs. Delicious homemade options for a comforting family dinner or a relaxed weekend meal.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Easy to make: The ribs require simple preparation and everyday ingredients.
Full of flavor: Garlic, mustard and traditional seasonings give the pork a delicious and irresistible flavor.
Tender and juicy: Slow roasting helps the ribs become tender while developing a beautifully golden exterior.
Perfect for a family dinner: Serve these Portuguese pork ribs with your favorite side dishes for a satisfying homemade meal.
Great for weekends: Prepare the ribs ahead of time and let the oven do most of the work.

Portuguese Pork Ribs with Garlic and Mustard on a baking dish

Ingredients for Portuguese Pork Ribs with Garlic and Mustard

Here you'll find all the ingredients needed to make this recipe:

Pork ribs - The main ingredient, becoming tender, juicy and flavorful as they roast.
Sweet red pepper paste - Adds a rich red color and a mild, savory pepper flavor to the ribs.
Yellow mustard - Adds a spicy flavor to the marinade.
Nutmeg - Adds a subtle aromatic flavor that complements the pork.
Olive oil - Helps keep the ribs moist and adds richness to the seasoning sauce.
Worcestershire sauce - Adds a slightly sweet and spicy flavor.
Garlic - Adds a delicious and aromatic flavor to the ribs.
Salt - Enhances the flavors of the pork and all the seasonings.

Below you’ll find the correct measurement of all ingredients and the step-by-step guide for this recipe.

How to Make Portuguese Pork Ribs with Garlic and Mustard

Step 1: Using a sharp knife, cut the ribs into individual pieces.

Step 2: Place the ribs in a baking dish and season with salt, nutmeg, sweet red pepper paste, mustard, and unpeeled crushed garlic. Rub the seasonings well into the ribs, then cover and let them marinate for about 2 hours.

Step 3: Preheat the oven to 180ºC (350ºF).

Step 4: Drizzle the ribs with olive oil and bake for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until golden brown and tender. Baste the ribs occasionally with the sauce while they roast.

Step 5: Turn off the oven and serve the ribs with roasted potatoes, rice, or creamy mashed potatoes.

Variations

• Add paprika: For a more intense color and slightly smoky flavor, add a little sweet paprika to the seasoning.

• Honey Pork Ribs: Add a little honey to the marinade for a slightly sweet flavor and beautifully golden ribs.

• Enhance the garlic flavor: If you love garlic, increase the amount of fresh garlic used in the marinade.

• Add a little lemon: A small amount of lemon juice can add freshness and balance the richness of the pork.

• Use a different mustard: You can use yellow mustard or Dijon mustard depending on the flavor you prefer.

• Roasted Pork Ribs with herbs: Add rosemary, thyme or oregano to vary the flavors and aromas of the recipe.

Tips for the Best Portuguese Pork Ribs

• Marinate when possible: Let the ribs marinate for at least a couple of hours for deeper flavor.

• Coat the ribs well: Make sure the garlic, mustard and seasonings cover the meat evenly.

• Don't rush the roasting: Cooking the ribs gradually helps them become tender and flavorful.

• Let them rest: Allow the ribs to rest for a few minutes before serving so the juices can redistribute.

• Watch the pan juices: If the baking dish becomes too dry during cooking, add a small amount of liquid to prevent the juices from burning.

FAQs

How do you make Portuguese pork ribs?

Season the pork ribs with garlic, mustard and the remaining seasonings, making sure they are well coated. Place the ribs in a baking dish and roast in the oven until tender and golden. Let them rest briefly before serving.

Can I marinate Portuguese pork ribs overnight?

Yes. Marinating the ribs for several hours or overnight can give the meat even more flavor. Keep the ribs covered in the refrigerator while they marinate.

What temperature should I cook pork ribs in the oven?

For tender oven-roasted ribs, a moderate oven temperature (350ºF) works well. Cooking them gradually allows the meat to become tender while the outside develops a delicious golden color.

What should I serve with Portuguese pork ribs?

Portuguese pork ribs are delicious with roasted potatoes, rice, creamy mashed potatoes, salad or vegetables.

How do you store leftover pork ribs?

Let the pork ribs cool completely, then place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 days.

Portuguese Pork Ribs with Garlic and Mustard

Print Recipe

by Pedro Barbosa

Category:Dinner Recipes, Pork, Recipes

Cuisine: American, Portuguese

Difficulty: Easy

Servings: 4

Prep Time:5 m

Cook Time:1:30 h

Total Time:3:35 h

INGREDIENTS

1.5 kg (3 1/3 pounds) pork ribs
2 tablespoons sweet red pepper paste
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
100 ml (1/2 cup) olive oil
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
8 cloves of garlic
1 teaspoon salt

INSTRUCTIONS

Using a sharp knife, cut the ribs into individual pieces.
Place the ribs in a baking dish and season with salt, nutmeg, sweet red pepper paste, mustard, and unpeeled crushed garlic. Rub the seasonings well into the ribs, then cover and let them marinate for about 2 hours.
Preheat the oven to 180ºC (350ºF).
Drizzle the ribs with olive oil and bake for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until golden brown and tender. Baste the ribs occasionally with the sauce while they roast.
Turn off the oven and serve.

Portuguese Pork Ribs with Garlic and Mustard

Nutrition facts

Serves 4

Per Serving:

% DAILY VALUE

Calories 1254

Total Fat 91 g(117%)

Saturated Fat 27 g(136%)

Cholesterol 386 mg(129%)

Sodium 450 mg(20%)

Total Carbohydrate 4 g(1%)

Protein 100.5 g