Braised Baby Back Ribs Are the Ultimate Dinner Flex

A bold, beer-infused rib dinner that’s made to impress

Looking for a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and guaranteed to wow your guests? These porter-marinated baby back ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender, slow-simmered in dark beer with peppercorns and bay leaves, then finished in the oven with a sweet, spiced glaze that caramelizes to perfection. What makes this dish a true standout, though, are the sides: a velvety celery root purée and spicy fried pointed cabbage, topped with salted almonds and pickled red onions for crunch and contrast.

Why beer—and why porter?

Porter is no ordinary ingredient—it’s rich, robust, and full of character. With notes of coffee, chocolate, and roasted malt, it brings depth and complexity to the ribs, cutting through the fat and balancing the sweetness of the glaze. The long marinating time allows the meat to soak up all that flavor, and the quick oven finish adds a beautiful char and sticky glaze that clings to every bite.

The sides make the meal

The creamy celery and onion purée acts as the perfect base, smooth and mild with a subtle herbal lift from fresh thyme. Meanwhile, the pan-fried cabbage, brushed with ghee, cayenne, and sea salt, adds a smoky, spicy punch that balances the richness of the meat. Finish with crunchy almonds and tangy pickled onions, and you’ve got a plate that hits every note—sweet, salty, spicy, and umami.

Can I make the ribs ahead of time? What if I don’t have porter beer? Can I grill the ribs instead of baking?

Beer Baby Back Ribs (spareribs) with Cabbage and Puree

In search of a juicy and flavorful dish that will impress your guests? Then our recipe for Spareribs marinated and cooked in Porter beer is just what you need! This delicious and hearty dish is perfect for a cozy dinner with friends and family, where you want to serve something truly special. We have combined the rich taste of Porter beer with tender spareribs, which are cooked for a long time to achieve the perfect consistency. They are then finished with spices in the oven.

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Can I make the ribs ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate and boil the ribs a day in advance. Simply glaze and roast them before serving.

What if I don’t have porter beer?
Use another dark beer like stout or a rich brown ale. Lighter beers won’t bring the same depth.

Can I grill the ribs instead of baking?
Absolutely. Grill them over medium-high heat for about 10–15 minutes until the glaze is caramelized and the edges are crisp.