Best Easy Costillas en Adobo Recipe

Pork ribs slow-cooked in a robust adobo sauce until falling off the bone. This carnivore-friendly, high protein dish makes a deeply satisfying family meal with minimal effort.

Cook 180 min Difficulty NORMAL 530 kcal
#high protein #carnivore #family meal #easy
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • Pork ribs 2 lbs
  • Yellow onion 1 pieces
  • Garlic cloves 4 cloves
  • Dried ancho chiles 2 pieces
  • Bay leaf 1 pieces
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Apple cider vinegar 1 cup
  • Water 1 cup
  • Ground cumin 1 tsp
  • Smoked paprika 2 tsp
  • Dried oregano 2 tsp
  • Salt 2 tsp
  • Black pepper 1 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 18 g 13%
Protein 38 g 29%
Fat 34 g 58%
Serving size 320g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Remove the stems and seeds from the dried ancho chiles, then soak them in hot water for 10 minutes to soften.

  2. 2

    Slice the onion and roughly chop the garlic. Blend the soaked chiles, onion, garlic, vinegar, water, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth to form the adobo sauce.

  3. 3

    Place pork ribs in a large Dutch oven or slow cooker. Pour the adobo sauce over the ribs and add the bay leaf.

  4. 4

    Cover and cook on low heat for 3 hours (slow cooker) or in the oven at 300°F for 2.5–3 hours, until the ribs are tender and nearly falling off the bone. Baste the ribs occasionally with the sauce for maximum flavor and moisture.

  5. 5

    Remove the bay leaf, rest the ribs for 10 minutes, then slice and serve with the sauce spooned over. For crispier texture, briefly broil the ribs for 3–5 minutes before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The key ingredient is pork ribs. Their rich, meaty flavor pairs perfectly with the robust, tangy adobo sauce, creating the dish's signature taste and tender texture. The combination of ancho chiles and vinegar in the sauce intensifies the ribs' savory profile.
Q. How should heat be controlled when cooking Costillas en Adobo?
Low, slow heat is essential for this recipe. Whether using a slow cooker or oven (at 300°F), gentle heat allows the ribs to become tender without drying out. Basting occasionally with adobo sauce helps retain moisture and deepens flavor.
Q. How can I ensure the ribs are juicy and not overcooked?
Cook the ribs just until they are falling off the bone—about 3 hours on low heat. Resting for 10 minutes and basting with sauce prevents drying. If doing a broil finish, keep it brief (3–5 minutes) to avoid toughening the meat.
Q. What are the nutrition values for this recipe?
Each serving contains about 530 kcal, 38g protein (29%), 18g carbs (13%), and 34g fat (58%). This makes it a high protein dish with moderate fat and relatively low carbohydrates overall.
Q. Which seasoning enhances the adobo sauce the most?
Smoked paprika and dried oregano provide the characteristic smoky depth and herbal balance to the adobo sauce, complementing the tang from vinegar and the warmth from cumin. These seasonings elevate the flavor profile significantly.
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