Applebee’s riblets are incredibly delicious! Here’s everything you need to know about them + How to make them at home.
Applebee’s famous riblets are an exquisite dish that can delight even the most demanding taste buds.
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Slow steaming in a hot oven for hours creates ribs so tender and juicy they could only be described as divine! Get ready to party when you fire up the grill or broiler – your guests won’t forget this memorable meal soon.
Pork Riblets bring the same delicious flavor of spare ribs without requiring extra effort.
They are slices from underneath pork’s best-known cut and offer an outstanding balance between meat and cartilage for an undeniably succulent dining experience!
What are Applebee’s riblets?
Rather than the traditional, larger spare ribs found in BBQ lovers’ dining delight, riblets offer an alternative for those wanting a smaller rib option. Sliced from the underside of pork meat containing cartilage rather than bone, this delicious dish is sure to be a hit!
I honestly LOVE Applebee’s riblets and wanted to see if I could recreate the recipe at home. After some testing and trials, I finally have a similar copycat recipe that’s to die for!
And what’s the difference between spare ribs, baby back ribs, and riblets?
Baby back ribs are the succulent and juicy treat that fall off the spine of a porker. Measuring about 6 inches long on its longest side, spliced neatly with ½ inch of loin meat at the top – these plump morsels come in packs as light as 2 pounds, composed half of bone and offering ample sustenance to 1 adult per rack. Tender yet lean compared to their spare rib counterparts, they might cost more but sure satisfy!
Spare ribs are the delicacy of a pig’s underside, with more flavor and marbling than baby back rib cuts. These savory treats come in racks containing bone and meat ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 pounds – plenty for two people to share! The side near the breastbone is where you’ll find small bones plus some extra cartilage goodness, while St Louis cut spare ribs have had their rib tips removed before cooking up into something special on your plate!
If you’ve ever had Applebee’s “riblets,” you may have noticed that they don’t taste quite the same as true riblets. That’s because instead of being made from a rack cut into pieces like real ribs, “riblets” are actually from an entirely different part of the animal: a section cut just after the rearmost rib called button ribs! While significantly smaller than traditional cuts, these morsels offer plenty to chew on with their little round nubs or “buttons” intact.
Do Applebee’s riblets have bones in them?
Not really! Applebee’s riblets have cartilage in them. I read reviews online and found that many people assume they are boneless (maybe the term riblet makes it sound like that?), but they do have cartilage, and some parts can feel like a bone, so keep that in mind when ordering them.
What ingredients do you need to make riblets at home
Pork rib tips
Pork rib tips are juicy and fiercely flavorful pork cut that packs a big taste into small portions. Whether you’re cooking for just your family or hosting an entire crowd, their size makes them ideal – plus, the fat in these little morsels melts down to create a deliciously tender sauce as they cook! Add some punchy flavor to stews, stir-fries, and BBQs with these tasty tidbits – no matter how you serve them up at your next mealtime gathering, it’s sure to be one everyone enjoys.
Salt and pepper
To give your riblets some flavor. I like to be generous with both to recreate the flavor you’ll get from Applebee’s
Garlic
The more, the better, am I right? But garlic gives it a perfect kick that makes this dish shine.
Barbeque sauce
No barbecue is complete without the classic sweet and tangy taste of BBQ sauce! This beloved condiment features a unique blend of tomato puree or ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices like Worcestershire – delivering an irresistible combination that makes it perfect for pairings with ribs tips and other grilled favorites. I prefer a smoky and tangy BBQ, but feel free to use any you have on hand.
Liquid smoke
This is probably the most challenging ingredient, but you can get it at your local grocery store or Amazon. It replicates the flavor you’ll get with a smoker. A little bit goes a long way when it comes to liquid smoke. And if you don’t have it, pick a smoky BBQ sauce.
Applebee’s Riblets: Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 pounds pork rib tips
- 5 garlic cloves minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 Cups water
- 1 1/2 tablespoon liquid smoke
- 4 Cups BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Collect all the ingredients and preheat the grill to medium/high heat.
- Season the ribs with salt, pepper and garlic. Rub them well. Transfer to the grill and sear each side. Then continue grilling until done.
- Put the rib rack on a broiler pan in the bottom add some water infused with liquid smoke. Cover with foil and take to the oven at 230 degrees. Cook for 3 hours or until done and tender.
- Remove from oven and remove the foil. Brush with BBQ sauce and bake for 2 more minutes. Serve with fries, rice or salad.
Frequently asked questions about Applebee’s riblets
Applebee’s has given their unique name to a flavorful, wallet-friendly take on ribs: Riblets! Trimmed from the back end of pork spare ribs and full of connective tissue, these tasty little morsels satisfy your rib craving without breaking the bank.
No, they are made with pork.
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