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    Home » Puerto Rican Recipes » Costillas Fritas (Fried Ribs)

    Published: Nov 2, 2023 Modified: Nov 2, 2023 by Catherine Arena 2 Comments

    Costillas Fritas (Fried Ribs)

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    Costillas Fritas (Fried Ribs) Pinterest Image.
    Costillas Fritas (Fried Ribs) Pinterest Image.

    These Puerto Rican Costillas Fritas (Fried Ribs) are succulent, tender and irresistibly delicious! It’s such a flavorful twist on a classic favorite!

    Costillas Fritas (Fried Ribs) served on a white platter with lime wedges and a side of garlic aioli and garlic vinaigrette.

    Whether cooked on a grill, in the oven or even in a slow cooker, when we think of ribs, we typically think of barbecue spare ribs (costillas en barbecue) but there’s a world of delectable pork rib recipes to explore. Like these hoisin garlic baby back ribs or these soy-infused costillas de puerco, your recipe options are truly endless.

    Today, we’re introducing a new family favorite! These Puerto Rican costillas fritas are coated in a simple seasoned flour base that allows them to cook crispy on the outside and savory, juicy on the inside.

    Pair them with a range of sides like Puerto Rican ensalada de papa (potato salad), ensalada de coditos con jamón (macaroni salad), french fries, coleslaw, or pan de maiz (cornbread) for the perfect fried rib meal.

    Jump to:
    • Reasons to Love this Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Substitutions and Variations
    • Instructions
    • Expert Cooking Tips
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Other Pork Recipes You Will Love
    • 📖 Recipe

    Reasons to Love this Recipe

    • Irresistible Flavor: These tender, succulent, and crispy ribs are not only mouthwatering but also have the perfect contrast in texture. Crispy on the outside and moist and tender on the inside.
    • Comfort Food: They’re satisfying, hearty and can instantly lift your spirits to make you feel cozy and comforted.
    • Versatility: These fried ribs can be prepared with different seasonings. Make them mild, spicy, sweet, or tangy, there’s a fried rib recipe for everyone’s taste.
    • Perfect for Gatherings: They’re always a crowd-pleaser, making them ideal for gatherings, barbecues, and parties.
    • A Great Accompaniment: These ribs pair well with a wide range of side dishes. Everything from french fries to rice, to cold salads like this creamy ensalada de coditos.

    Ingredients

    Costillas Fritas image of ingredients.
    • Pork Ribs – you can also use beef ribs for this recipe if you prefer.
    • Garlic Puree – although I prefer fresh garlic, in a pinch you can use garlic powder.
    • Adobo – Sprinkled all over the ribs.
    • Mustard – the tanginess in the mustard adds a delicious flavor to these.
    • Paprika and Oregano – do not skip on these seasonings. They add tremendous flavor to the ribs.
    • Flour – to coat the ribs.
    • Oil – use corn or vegetable oil for frying the ribs.

    *See my recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements and instructions.*

    Substitutions and Variations

    I Don’t Have Flour, What Else Can I Cover the Ribs with?

    • You can also use cornstarch or rice flour.

    Can I Use Peanut Oil Instead?

    • The best oils to fry these ribs are corn, vegetable, peanut and lard.

    I Don’t Have Garlic Puree, Can I Use Garlic Powder?

    • Although garlic puree adds a ton of flavor, garlic powder works well too.

    Instructions

    Cutting the ribs into single sections on a wooden cutting board.

    Step 1: Rinse ribs and lay on a cutting board. Cut slab of ribs into individual ribs.

    Adding the seasoning to the ribs in a metal mixing bowl.

    Step 2: Sprinkle adobo on both sides of the ribs. Then add the ribs to a mixing bowl and add the mustard, paprika, oregano and garlic puree.

    Seasoned ribs in a mixing bowl.

    Step 3: Using your hands or using a spoon, incorporate all the seasoning really well into the pork ribs. Cover the ribs and allow to marinate for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

    Flour added to a casserole to coat the ribs.

    Step 4: Add the flour, salt, and pepper to a casserole or mixing bowl and stir.

    Coating the ribs with the flour.

    Step 5: Before coating the ribs, add about an inch of oil to a heavy pot or skillet and heat the oil over medium heat.

    Coated ribs in a glass casserole.

    Step 6: While the oil is heating, coat 3 to 4 ribs at a time with the flour mixture.

    Frying the ribs in a cast iron skillet.

    Step 7: When the oil is heated through, carefully add 3 to 4 ribs at a time to the oil. Fry on one side 7-10 minutes. Flip over and cook for an additional 7-10 minutes.

    Ribs draining on a lined paper towel plate.

    Step 8: Drain the ribs on a lined paper towel plate. Repeat the process and fry the other ribs until they’re all cooked.

    Keep Warm: Keep the cooked ribs warm in a preheated 200 degree oven.

    Costillas Fritas (Fried Ribs) served on a white platter with lime wedges and a side of garlic aioli and garlic vinaigrette.

    Expert Cooking Tips

    • Cooking Oil – Use fresh oil to fry the ribs. Using old oil will not produce a crispy crust and will also soak too much oil and make the ribs greasy.
    • Hot Oil – Do not add the ribs to oil that is too hot or the ribs will cook too quickly on the outside and stay raw on the inside.
    • Do Not Overcrowd Skillet – Overcrowding the skillet causes the ribs to soak too much oil while frying and produces greasy ribs.
    • Frying – If after frying the first batch of ribs, you notice the oil has too many crumbs, skim them out before frying the next batch.
    • Reheating – Make sure to reheat the oil back to temperature before adding the second batch.

    Recipe FAQs

    Can You Deep Fry Ribs?

    Sure! If you have a deep fryer with temperature settings, set it to 375°.

    How Do I Know the Ribs are Fully Cooked?

    When a meat thermometer reads 195°, the ribs are done.

    If you do not have a meat thermometer cook the ribs for 7-10 minutes on one side and then flip them over and cook for another 7-10 minutes.

    How Long Do Leftover Ribs Keep in the Refrigerator?

    If you have any leftover ribs, store them in a container for up to 4 days.

    How to Reheat these Fried Ribs?

    For the best results, heat in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

    You can also reheat in the microwave but note they will not be crispy.

    Other Pork Recipes You Will Love

    • Chuletas a la Jardinera served on a large white platter with lime wedges and a side of white rice.
      Chuletas a la Jardinera
    • Paleta de Cerdo (Boston Butt) served on a white platter with potatoes, corn cobs, onions and carrots.
      Paleta de Cerdo
    • Cuban Croquetas (Cuban Croquettes) served on a white platter with a creamy mayoketchop sauce on the side.
      Cuban Croquetas (Cuban Croquettes)
    • Chicharrones de Puerco (Pork Cracklings) served on a white plate with cilantro garlic aioli and lime wedges.
      Chicharrones de Cerdo

    Did you try this recipe? Please leave a ⭐ review below!

    Click any of the images in the post to PIN this Recipe and don’t forget to follow along on Pinterest and Facebook.

    📖 Recipe

    Costillas Fritas (Fried Ribs) served on a white platter with lime wedges and a side of garlic aioli and garlic vinaigrette.

    Costillas Fritas (Fried Ribs)

    These crispy, Costillas Fritas (Fried Ribs) are the perfect combo of tender meat and golden, seasoned crust. Excellent with many side dishes!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dinner
    Cuisine: Puerto Rican
    Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 50 minutes minutes
    Servings: 3
    Calories: 981kcal
    Author: Catherine Arena

    Ingredients

    • 3 lbs rack of ribs rinsed
    • 2 cups flour
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon ground pepper
    • ½ tablespoon oregano
    • 3 tablespoon garlic puree
    • 3 tablespoon yellow mustard
    • ½ tablespoon paprika
    • adobo sprinkled on ribs
    • corn or vegetable oil for frying

    Instructions

    • Rinse ribs and lay on a cutting board.
      Cut the slab of ribs into individual ribs.
    • Sprinkle the adobo on both sides of the ribs.
    • Add the ribs to a mixing bowl and add the mustard, paprika, oregano, and the garlic puree.
      Using your hands or using a spoon, incorporate all the seasoning really well into the pork ribs. Cover the ribs and allow to marinate for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
    • Add the flour, salt, and pepper to a casserole or mixing bowl and stir.

    Frying the Ribs

    • Add about an inch of oil to a heavy pot or skillet and heat the oil over medium heat.
    • While the oil is heating, coat 3 to 4 ribs at a time with the flour mixture.
      Note: Only coat the ribs that you are about to fry. When you are ready to fry the second batch, then coat the next set of ribs.
    • When the oil is heated through, carefully add 3 to 4 ribs at a time to the oil. Fry on one side 7-10 minutes. Flip over and cook for an additional 7-10 minutes.
    • Drain the ribs on a lined paper towel plate. Repeat the process and fry the other ribs until they're all cooked.
      Keep Warm: Keep the cooked ribs warm in a preheated 200-degree oven.

    Notes

    Recipe Notes:
    Frying: Do not use oil that is old or has been used to fry other meats. Use fresh oil every time when making these ribs. 
    Do Not Overcrowd Skillet: Overcrowding the skillet causes the ribs to soak too much oil while frying and produces greasy ribs.
    After Frying First Batch: Before adding the second batch, skim any crumbs you notice in the oil with a skimmer or spoon.
    Adding the Second Batch – Make sure to reheat the oil back to temperature before adding the second batch.
     

    Nutrition

    Serving: 3 | Calories: 981kcal | Carbohydrates: 71g | Protein: 65g | Fat: 48g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 20g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 197mg | Sodium: 806mg | Potassium: 919mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 665IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 155mg | Iron: 7mg
    Tried this recipe?Click the stars above or below to rate or leave a comment down below!

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      Empanadillas de Guayaba
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      Authentic Alcapurrias de Yuca
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    Comments

    1. Maritza says

      November 29, 2023 at 9:26 am

      I’m afraid that they are going to be hard. Can I use baby racks ribs?

      Reply
      • Catherine Arena says

        December 05, 2023 at 6:19 pm

        Hello Maritza…Regular ribs, baby back ribs and even boneless ribs work well with this recipe. The flour coating keeps them deliciously tender and juicy!

        Reply
    5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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