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Cozy Student Budget Ribs Recipe Under 1 Dollar Per Serving Easy and Delicious

student budget ribs - featured image

A budget-friendly, easy-to-make rib recipe perfect for students or anyone looking for a cozy, hearty meal without breaking the bank. Tender ribs with a smoky, rich flavor come together in under an hour with simple pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds pork ribs (spare ribs or country-style ribs)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce or mustard (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  3. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels.
  4. Rub the seasoning mixture generously all over the ribs.
  5. Lightly oil a baking tray with vegetable oil and place the ribs bone-side down on the tray.
  6. Pour water and apple cider vinegar around the ribs (not over them).
  7. Cover the tray tightly with aluminum foil.
  8. Bake for 2 hours at 300°F (150°C), checking around 90 minutes to add water if needed.
  9. Remove the foil and increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C).
  10. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until ribs are golden and caramelized.
  11. Optional: Brush on BBQ sauce or a mix of hot sauce and mustard during the last 10 minutes.
  12. Let the ribs rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Covering ribs with foil traps steam and keeps them moist; removing foil at the end crisps the edges. Check water level during baking to avoid drying out. Rest ribs before slicing to keep juices locked in. Can be cooked in slow cooker if no oven is available.

Nutrition

Keywords: budget ribs, student recipe, easy ribs, affordable dinner, pork ribs, comfort food, smoky ribs, quick ribs, cheap meal