Slow-Roasted Pork Back Ribs with Herb Rub

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork back ribs infused with a robust blend of Mediterranean herbs, slow-roasted to develop deep flavors and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. This mediterranean-inspired pork (mediterranean herbs) ready in about 210 minutes pairs pork back ribs, olive oil, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 195 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Pat dry 2 lbs pork back ribs with paper towels.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp olive oil with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp dried oregano, 1 tbsp dried thyme, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1.5 tsp sea salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp lemon zest to form a herb rub.
  3. Step 3: Rub the herb mixture thoroughly over both sides of the ribs, massaging to coat evenly.
  4. Step 4: Place ribs on a foil-lined baking tray, cover tightly with foil, and slow-roast in the oven for 3 hours until meat is tender and pulling away from the bone.
  5. Step 5: Remove foil and roast uncovered for an additional 15 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to crisp the edges.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving to add freshness and color.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Pork Back Ribs with Herb Rub take to make?

Total time is about 210 minutes (15 min prep + 195 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow-Roasted Pork Back Ribs with Herb Rub?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork back ribs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Roasted Pork Back Ribs with Herb Rub?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow-Roasted Pork Back Ribs with Herb Rub for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow-Roasted Pork Back Ribs with Herb Rub?

Mediterranean pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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