Garlic and Lemon Ribs are a traditional, flavor-packed dish perfect for anyone who loves tender, juicy meat with a bright citrus touch. This recipe combines the bold aroma of fresh garlic with the refreshing acidity of lemon, creating a perfectly balanced marinade that enhances the natural richness of the ribs. Ideal for family dinners or special gatherings, this dish is simple yet incredibly satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe stands out for its simplicity and bold flavor. The ribs turn out tender on the inside and beautifully golden on the outside, infused with a natural sauce made from their own juices, garlic, and lemon.
You’ll love it because:
It’s easy to prepare with everyday ingredients.
The flavor is rich, fresh, and perfectly balanced.
It can be made in the oven or on the stovetop.
It pairs well with potatoes, rice, or fresh salads.
It’s a timeless, comforting recipe that never disappoints.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 kg beef ribs, cut into portions
6 large garlic cloves, finely minced
60 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
1 tablespoon lemon zest
60 ml olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
120 ml beef broth
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Directions
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Pat the ribs dry with paper towels and place them in a baking dish.
In a bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, oregano, and thyme.
Rub the mixture thoroughly over the ribs, making sure they are fully coated.
Pour the beef broth into the bottom of the baking dish to keep the ribs moist during cooking.
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove the foil, baste the ribs with their juices, and continue baking for 25 to 30 minutes more, until golden brown and tender.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
If cooking on the stovetop, brown the ribs first over medium-high heat, then cover and cook over medium heat for about 40 minutes, gradually adding the broth as needed.
Add 1 teaspoon of sweet or smoked paprika for deeper flavor.
Stir in 1 tablespoon of honey to balance the lemon’s acidity.
Add thinly sliced onions to the baking dish before roasting.
Replace thyme with fresh rosemary for a stronger herbal aroma.
Grill the ribs instead of baking for a crispier finish.
Storage/Reheating
Allow the ribs to cool completely before storing.
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze tightly sealed for up to 2 months.
To reheat:
Oven: Heat at 170°C (340°F) for 15–20 minutes, covered with foil.
Stovetop: Add a few tablespoons of broth or water and heat over medium until warmed through.
Microwave: Cover and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute with lamb ribs or chicken pieces, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
Do I need to marinate the ribs beforehand?
It’s not required, but marinating for 1–2 hours will deepen the flavor.
How do I know when the ribs are done?
The meat should be tender and pull away easily from the bone.
Can I make this recipe on a grill?
Yes, sear the ribs first, then cook over indirect medium heat until fully cooked.
What side dishes go best with this recipe?
Roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, white rice, or a fresh green salad pair perfectly.
Can I make this without an oven?
Yes, you can cook them entirely in a covered skillet or pot on the stovetop.
How do I prevent the ribs from drying out?
Cover them during the first stage of cooking and add broth to maintain moisture.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor and aroma.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, you can cook the ribs a day ahead and reheat before serving.
How can I achieve a deeper golden color?
Increase the oven temperature slightly or broil for the last few minutes of cooking.
Conclusion
Garlic and Lemon Ribs are a classic recipe that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. The combination of aromatic garlic and fresh lemon transforms simple ribs into a memorable, crowd-pleasing dish. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your table.
Garlic and Lemon Ribs are tender, juicy beef ribs infused with fresh garlic, bright lemon juice, and aromatic herbs. Baked until golden and flavorful, this simple yet bold dish delivers a perfect balance of richness and citrus freshness for a satisfying family meal.
Total Time:1 hour 30 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Ingredients
1 kg beef ribs, cut into portions
6 large garlic cloves, finely minced
60 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
1 tablespoon lemon zest
60 ml olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
120 ml beef broth
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Pat ribs dry and place them in a baking dish.
In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme.
Rub the mixture thoroughly over the ribs until evenly coated.
Pour beef broth into the bottom of the baking dish.
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove foil, baste with pan juices, and bake an additional 25–30 minutes until golden and tender.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Marinating ribs for 1–2 hours enhances flavor but is optional.
Covering during initial baking prevents drying out.
Broil for the last 2–3 minutes for deeper browning.
Store leftovers refrigerated up to 3 days.
Reheat covered with a little broth to maintain moisture.
