Today we’re preparing a truly special main course: Black Suino Baby pork ribs braised with beer, honey, and ancient mustard. A recipe that combines the quality of premium meats with the Italian brewing tradition. The stars of this dish are the Black Suino Baby ribs, sourced from young black breed pigs raised with care. Their meat is tender, flavorful, and perfectly marbled, ideal for slow cooking to enhance its succulence. To flavor and braise the ribs, we’ll use Vakka beer from La Buttiga Brewery, an Italian craft brewery with a long tradition of quality beer production. Vakka is a light beer with linden and ailanthus honey and bergamot peel, perfect for this recipe thanks to its sweet, citrusy, and aromatic notes that pair perfectly with pork. Honey and ancient mustard complete the bouquet of flavors, adding a sweet and sour touch and an irresistible aroma. Ready to discover all the secrets of this recipe? Follow me step by step!”
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Cooking methods: Grill, Stovetop, Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All Seasons
Ingredients
- 4.4 lbs pork ribs (Black Suino Baby)
- 1 beer (Vakka)
- 2 tbsp Ancient mustard
- 2 tbsp Acacia honey
- 1 sprig rosemary
- 0.8 cup beef broth
- 1 yellow onion
- to taste extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pinch salt
Tools
- 1 Casserole Vier
Steps
Take the Black Suino Baby ribs and, with a sharp knife, separate the individual ribs so the marinade can better penetrate the meat fibers and season them evenly. Pat them dry with paper towels. In a bowl, pour the Vakka beer, acacia honey, ancient mustard, and chopped rosemary, mixing well. Submerge the ribs in the marinade, cover the bowl, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or up to 24 hours), turning them a couple of times to ensure even seasoning on all sides. After marinating, remove the ribs from the bowl and pat them dry again with paper towels. This double drying step is essential to promote the Maillard reaction during browning and achieve a golden, crispy crust.
Heat a dash of extra virgin olive oil in a large, thick-bottomed pot. Sear the ribs over high heat on each side until a golden, crispy crust forms. This step is crucial to seal in the meat juices and add flavor. While the ribs are browning, strain the marinade with a sieve to remove any mustard and rosemary residues, which could burn during cooking. Once the ribs are well browned, deglaze with the filtered beer, being careful of splashes. The marinating beer, in addition to deglazing the pot and collecting all cooking juices, will enrich the dish’s flavor with its aromatic and slightly bitter notes. Let the beer evaporate over high heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the alcohol has evaporated. At this point, your ribs are ready for the next step in the recipe!
After deglazing with the beer, lower the heat and let the cooking base reduce almost completely, stirring occasionally. This step is important to caramelize the ribs with the honey and sugars present in the beer, creating a flavorful and slightly sticky crust. Add the onion cut into rings and let it soften over low heat. The onion rings, besides flavoring the dish, will add a pleasant texture to the sauce. Add another teaspoon of ancient mustard and two tablespoons of honey, stirring well to incorporate them into the cooking base. Pour in the hot beef broth until the ribs are almost completely covered. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for at least 3 hours, checking the cooking and adding broth if necessary.
And here we are at the most anticipated moment: the slow cooking of our ribs! Set the heat to the lowest setting, almost at the point of extinguishing, and cover the pot with a lid. This will create a warm and humid environment, perfect for tenderizing the meat and allowing the flavors to marry perfectly. Let the ribs cook this way for at least 3 hours, or even longer. Remember to gently turn them with a wooden spoon every 30-40 minutes to cook evenly and avoid sticking to the bottom. During cooking, check the broth level: if it dries up too much, add more hot broth, a little at a time, to keep the ribs well immersed. How to know when they’re ready? Simple: pierce a rib with a fork and try to lift it. If the bone separates from the meat without resistance, it’s time to turn off the heat!
After 3 hours (or more) of cooking, your beer-braised pork ribs are ready to be enjoyed! Gently lift them from the pot with tongs, place them on a serving platter, and… beware of the aroma that will fill the kitchen! But it doesn’t end here. The cooking broth, enriched with flavors from the meat, beer, honey, and mustard, will have transformed into a thick, flavorful sauce, perfect for pasta. I chose cellentani, with their spiral shape that captures every drop of this delicious condiment, but you can use your preferred pasta shape. Dress the cellentani with the rib cooking sauce and serve them as a side, or mix the pasta with the ribs in the pot for an even more delicious and hearty single dish. With just a few simple steps, you’ve created a complete and satisfying dish that will win over every palate! Enjoy your meal!
Here are some tips to make your beer-braised pork ribs even more special, and some storage suggestions:
Quality of ingredients:
Use top-quality pork ribs, like Black Suino Baby, and a craft beer you enjoy. The quality of the ingredients makes a difference!
Marinating:
Don’t rush the marinating. The longer the ribs rest in the marinade, the more flavorful and tender they will be. Ideally, marinate them overnight.
Browning:
Sear the ribs well on all sides to create a crispy and flavorful crust. Avoid overcrowding the pot to prevent the ribs from stewing instead of browning.
Slow cooking:
Slow cooking is the secret to tender and succulent ribs. Be patient and don’t raise the heat too high.
Spices and aromatic herbs:
Besides rosemary, you can add other spices and herbs to the marinade or cooking sauce, such as thyme, sage, bay leaf, black pepper, sweet or spicy paprika.
Side dishes:
Accompany the ribs with a side dish that pairs well with the sauce, such as mashed potatoes, polenta, roasted vegetables, or salad.
Presentation:
Serve the ribs on a platter, accompanied by the cooking sauce and the side dish. You can garnish with some fresh rosemary leaves.
Storage:
In the refrigerator: Beer-braised pork ribs can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in an airtight container.
In the freezer:
You can also freeze the cooked ribs, either whole or portioned. To defrost, leave them in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating:
To reheat the ribs, you can use the oven, microwave, or a non-stick skillet. Add a little broth or hot water to prevent them from drying out too much.
With these tips, your beer-braised pork ribs will be a true success! Enjoy your meal! 😋
With these tips, your beer-braised pork ribs will be a true success! Enjoy your meal! 😋
With these tips, your beer-braised pork ribs will be a true success! Enjoy your meal! 😋
To accompany these delicious ribs… 🍻🍷Choose your ideal beverage!
After savoring these tender and flavorful Black Suino Baby pork ribs braised with beer, honey, and ancient mustard, you might want the perfect pairing to complete your experience.
Here are some ideas, both for beer lovers and wine enthusiasts:
Beer:
Vakka from La Buttiga Brewery: Why not continue with the same beer used in cooking? Its honey and bergamot notes pair perfectly with the sweetness of the meat and the spiciness of the mustard. A harmonious and satisfying pairing!
Amber or red beer: If you prefer a maltier and caramelized taste, an amber or red beer can be an excellent choice. The toasted and slightly bitter notes balance the richness of the ribs and cleanse the palate.
IPA: For those who love hoppy beers, an IPA with its citrusy and floral aromas can create an interesting contrast with the flavor of the ribs.
Wine:
Rosso di Montalcino: An elegant and structured Tuscan wine with aromas of red fruits and spices, balancing the richness of the ribs.
Barbera d’Alba: A Piedmontese wine with good acidity and soft tannins, “cleansing” the palate.
Pinot Noir: A delicate and fruity wine with notes of cherry and raspberry, pairing well with the sweetness of the honey present in the recipe.
Tips: Serve the beverages chilled: about 46-50°F for the beer and 61-64°F for the red wine.
Choose the beverage based on your personal taste and the side dish accompanying the ribs.Cheers and enjoy your meal! 🍻🍷
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
Why do you need to pat them dry twice, before and after marinating?
In practice, we dry the ribs before marinating to remove surface moisture and allow the marinade to better penetrate the meat. We dry them after marinating to remove excess liquid and promote the formation of a crust during browning.

