Perfectly Glazed Pork Ribs in the Oven with Balsamic Vinegar of Modena

Mar 03, 2025

Pork ribs are a classic favorite among meat lovers, offering a rich, succulent taste that is further enhanced when prepared with the right seasoning and glaze. If you’re searching for the perfect pork ribs recipe, this guide will walk you through an exquisite way to prepare pork ribs in the oven using a balsamic barbecue glaze. Whether you're making pork country ribs or country-style pork ribs recipe, this dish delivers an irresistible combination of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors.

Many people shy away from making pork ribs in the oven because they assume it takes a long time or requires special grilling equipment. However, with the right approach, you can achieve tender, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs oven style without the hassle. The secret lies in slow roasting followed by a balsamic-infused barbecue glaze that caramelizes beautifully, creating a sticky and flavorful crust.This pork ribs recipe is great for weekend dinners, special occasions, or even casual get-togethers.
And the best part? It’s easy to make, requiring minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor.

Ingredients for Oven-Baked Balsamic Glazed Pork Ribs

For the Ribs:

1 to 1.5 kg small pork spare ribs
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt, to taste
3-4 rosemary sprigs
4 cloves garlic, chopped

For the Balsamic Barbecue Sauce:

1/2 glass Giusti 2 Gold Medals Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 can of beer
1/2 cup honey
3 tablespoons mustard seeds
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce (adjust for spice level)
1/4 cup brown cane sugar
1/2 red onion, finely diced
1 large garlic clove, minced
Salt, to taste

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Step 1: Preparing the Pork Ribs

Before cooking, it’s essential to prepare the ribs properly to ensure they are tender and flavorful:

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
Cut the ribs into two portions to fit easily on your baking tray.
Lay down two sheets of aluminum foil, shiny side up.
Rub the ribs with olive oil and season generously with salt, rosemary, and chopped garlic.
Wrap the ribs tightly in foil and place them on a baking tray.
Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 30 minutes, then reduce the heat to 140°C (280°F) and continue baking for 1.5 hours until the meat pulls away easily from the bones.

This slow-roasting technique ensures the ribs are juicy and tender.

Step 2: Making the Balsamic Barbecue Sauce

While your pork ribs are roasting, it’s time to prepare the glaze:

In a small saucepan, bring the Giusti 2 Gold Medals Balsamic Vinegar of Modena to a gentle boil.
Add the ketchup, beer, honey, mustard seeds, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, brown sugar, diced onion, minced garlic, and salt.
Stir everything well and bring to a slow boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Remove from heat and set aside.

This balsamic barbecue sauce is what gives the ribs their signature sticky glaze and deep, rich flavor.

Step 3: Glazing and Caramelizing the Ribs

Once the pork ribs in the oven are perfectly tender, it’s time to apply the balsamic barbecue glaze:

Remove the ribs from the oven and let them cool slightly before unwrapping.
Increase the oven temperature to 230°C (450°F) to create a perfect caramelization.
Brush the ribs generously with the balsamic barbecue sauce, coating both sides evenly.
Place them back in the oven and broil for 5-6 minutes until the glaze caramelizes and becomes sticky.
Remove from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.