Southern Style Fried Ribs

If you’re looking for a finger-licking dish that delivers big flavor and a satisfying crunch, these Fried Ribs are about to blow your mind. Marinated in tangy vinegar and lemon juice, seasoned to perfection, and fried until golden and crispy — this recipe takes classic barbecue ribs and flips them into an irresistible Southern-style delicacy.

Fried chicken may get all the spotlight, but fried pork ribs are a hidden gem of Southern cooking. They’re bold, indulgent, and perfect for cookouts, game days, or any time you want to impress with something a little different. Whether served as an appetizer, main dish, or alongside your favorite sides, this recipe will become a repeat favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy outside, juicy inside: Soaking the ribs in vinegar and lemon juice not only tenderizes the meat but gives it a signature tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the crunch of a golden fry.

Deep Southern flavor: The combination of salt, pepper, and Florence’s Fried Chicken Seasoning adds a punch of flavor that brings back memories of grandma’s cast iron skillet.

One skillet, no fuss: This recipe comes together with just a handful of ingredients and a single skillet — no deep fryer or oven required.

Perfect party food: Fried ribs are unexpected, impressive, and oh-so-addictive. Watch them disappear in minutes!

Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒

Here’s everything you need to create this Southern fried masterpiece:

For the Ribs:

1 slab spare ribs – Trimmed, with rib tips removed, and cut into individual ribs.

2 cups vinegar – Helps tenderize and flavor the ribs.

2 cups lemon juice – Adds citrusy brightness and enhances the tanginess.

2 teaspoons salt – For seasoning before frying.

1 tablespoon coarse ground pepper – Adds kick and a bold crust.

Florence’s Fried Chicken Seasoning – A key flavor booster. You can use a pre-made blend or your own homemade mix.

2 cups shortening – For frying. Shortening gives a classic crisp texture, but you can substitute with oil if needed.

How to Make Fried Ribs – Step by Step 🧑‍🍳

1. Trim and Prep the Ribs

Start by trimming your spare ribs. Remove any silver skin and cut off the rib tips. Then slice the slab into individual ribs. This ensures every piece cooks evenly and gets maximum surface area for seasoning and crisping.

2. Marinate the Ribs

Place your ribs in a bowl with 2 cups vinegar, cover, and refrigerate for 15 minutes, flipping them once during the soak. The vinegar starts breaking down the muscle fibers, making the ribs incredibly tender.

Drain the vinegar and add 2 cups lemon juice. Cover and soak again for 30 minutes. This second soak adds zesty flavor and further tenderizes the meat. Don’t skip it!

3. Rinse and Season

After the lemon juice soak, rinse the ribs in cold water and pat dry — but not completely. You want the ribs slightly moist so the seasoning will stick.

Sprinkle the ribs with salt and coarse black pepper, then coat them thoroughly in Florence’s Fried Chicken Seasoning. This step is where the magic happens. The seasoning sticks to the moisture, forming a flavorful crust when fried.

4. Fry to Golden Perfection

In a large skillet, heat 2 cups of shortening over medium-high heat until melted and hot. If you’re using oil, make sure it’s hot but not smoking (around 350°F / 175°C).

Place the ribs in the skillet fleshy-side down. Fry for about 10 minutes, until that side is crispy and golden. Flip the ribs and cook for another 5 minutes on the other side.

You’re looking for a deep golden crust on both sides and tender meat inside. Adjust the heat if needed to prevent burning.

5. Drain and Serve

Once done, place the ribs on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve hot and crispy, straight from the pan!

What is Florence’s Fried Chicken Seasoning?

Florence’s Fried Chicken Seasoning is a Southern-style spice blend, often homemade or passed down through generations. If you don’t have a store-bought version on hand, here’s a quick DIY mix you can use:

DIY Florence-Style Fried Chicken Seasoning:

2 tsp paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp dried oregano

½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

½ tsp black pepper

1 tsp salt

Mix it all together and store any extra in a sealed jar for your next batch!

Tips & Tricks for Recipe Success 💡

Don’t skip the soak: The vinegar and lemon juice not only flavor the meat but also tenderize it. It’s the key to melt-in-your-mouth ribs.

Use shortening for authentic flavor: It creates a crispier, more old-fashioned fry. If using oil, stick to something with a high smoke point like peanut or canola oil.

Keep the ribs from crowding: Fry in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness.

Rest on a rack or paper towel: Letting the ribs sit for a few minutes after frying helps preserve the crunch and lets excess oil drip off.

Add heat if you like it spicy: Throw in some cayenne or hot sauce into your seasoning blend for an extra kick.

What to Serve with Fried Ribs 🍽️

Fried ribs are rich and flavorful, so pairing them with the right sides makes a big difference. Here are some winning ideas:

Creamy coleslaw – Adds crunch and a cool contrast to the hot ribs.

Buttermilk mashed potatoes – Classic comfort food pairing.

Cornbread or biscuits – Sop up any leftover goodness.

Pickles or pickled veggies – Add a zingy bite to balance the richness.

Hot sauce on the side – For those who want a little heat.

Storage and Reheating

Have leftovers? Store any remaining ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to crisp them back up. Avoid microwaving — it can make the crust soggy.

You can also freeze fried ribs for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen in a 350°F oven until warmed through and crispy again.

Final Thoughts

Fried ribs are that ultimate indulgent comfort food you didn’t know you needed. With a crispy, seasoned crust and juicy tender meat inside, they’re Southern-style soul food at its finest. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, treating your family, or simply satisfying a craving, this dish is guaranteed to leave everyone reaching for seconds (and licking their fingers!).

Give it a try — once you make these once, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.

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