Crispy Southern Fried Ribs – A Flavorful Delight

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If you’re looking for a unique and mouthwatering way to enjoy ribs, Southern Fried Ribs are a must-try!

These ribs are tender on the inside, crispy on the outside, and packed with bold flavors. Unlike traditional slow-cooked ribs, this recipe uses a vinegar and lemon juice soak for extra tenderness, followed by a coating of seasoned flour and a quick fry to achieve that irresistible crunch.

Why You’ll Love These Fried Ribs

✔️ Crispy & Flavorful – The perfect balance of tangy, savory, and crispy textures.
✔️ Unique Cooking Method – A twist on classic ribs with deep Southern flavors.
✔️ Quick & Easy – No need for slow smoking or grilling—these ribs come together in no time!

Ingredients

For the Ribs:

  • 1 slab spare ribs (trimmed and cut into individual ribs)
  • 2 cups vinegar
  • 2 cups lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon coarse ground pepper
  • Florence’s Fried Chicken Seasoning (recipe below)
  • 2 cups shortening (for frying)

For Florence’s Fried Chicken Seasoning:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons butcher’s grade pepper
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ribs

  1. Trim the spare ribs by removing the silver skin and cutting off the rib tips.
  2. Slice the slab into individual ribs to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Soak for Maximum Tenderness

  1. Place the ribs in a large bowl and pour in the vinegar.
  2. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes, turning the ribs once.
  3. Drain the vinegar and add lemon juice, soaking for an additional 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
  4. After soaking, rinse the ribs with cold water and pat dry. The ribs should remain slightly moist for seasoning to adhere properly.

Step 3: Season the Ribs

  1. Sprinkle the ribs evenly with salt and coarse ground pepper.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, salt, pepper, baking powder, and cornstarch to create Florence’s Fried Chicken Seasoning.
  3. Generously coat each rib in the seasoning mixture, ensuring a full, even layer.

Step 4: Fry to Crispy Perfection

  1. In a large skillet, melt 2 cups of shortening over medium-high heat until hot.
  2. Carefully place the ribs into the skillet, fleshy-side down.
  3. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, or until the bottom turns golden and crispy.
  4. Flip the ribs and cook for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring even crispiness on all sides.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

  1. Remove the ribs from the skillet and drain excess oil on paper towels.
  2. Serve immediately while hot and crispy. Enjoy them on their own or pair them with your favorite dipping sauce!

Tips & Variations

🔸 Extra Crispy Ribs: Double-coat the ribs in seasoning for an even crunchier bite.
🔸 Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the seasoning mix.
🔸 Dipping Sauces: Serve with BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or ranch for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Southern Fried Ribs are a game-changer, combining the rich, juicy texture of ribs with the irresistible crunch of fried chicken.

The vinegar and lemon juice soak enhances tenderness, while the seasoned coating creates a crispy, golden crust.

Whether you’re making these for a family dinner or a weekend gathering, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Give this recipe a try and experience the delicious fusion of fried chicken and ribs in one bite! 🍗🔥