Applebee's Riblets feature tender, bite-sized pork rib pieces glazed with a tangy, smoky barbecue sauce, served hot and crispy to deliver a flavorful and satisfying finger-food experience.
Equipments
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Large mixing bowl
- Grill or broiler
- Baking sheet
- Tongs
- Saucepan
- Basting brush
- Meat thermometer
- Serving platter
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork riblets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
Selecting tender pork riblets ensures your dish will be juicy and full of flavor. Using smoked paprika and liquid smoke enhances the authentic smoky taste that Applebee's Riblets are known for. Mixing the barbecue sauce with honey, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce creates the perfect balance of tangy and sweet for coating the riblets. Make sure to apply the sauce evenly using a basting brush for consistent flavor in every bite. Your homemade Applebee's Riblets will replicate the hot, crispy, and delicious finger-food experience from their popular copycat menu.
Instructions
- Preheat grill or broiler to medium-high heat.
- Remove silver skin from riblets using chef’s knife on cutting board.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss riblets with olive oil, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until evenly coated.
- Arrange seasoned riblets on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Grill or broil riblets for 15–20 minutes, turning with tongs halfway, until nicely browned.
- Meanwhile, combine barbecue sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke in a saucepan.
- Simmer sauce over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Brush riblets with half the sauce using a basting brush.
- Continue grilling or broiling riblets for another 10–15 minutes, turning and basting frequently, until caramelized and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer.
- Transfer cooked riblets to a serving platter; drizzle with remaining sauce.
- Serve hot.
Substitution
Applebee's Riblets from the copycat menu capture the tender, bite-sized pork rib pieces glazed with a tangy, smoky barbecue sauce just like the original. If pork riblets are unavailable, you can substitute baby back ribs cut into smaller pieces or boneless pork shoulder chunks for a similar texture. When grilling, maintain medium-high heat and use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145degF for safety and juiciness. If you don't have liquid smoke, smoked paprika combined with Worcestershire sauce can help replicate the smoky flavor. Your honey and apple cider vinegar balance sweetness and acidity, but you can adjust these based on your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Tips
Make sure to remove the silver skin from the pork riblets before seasoning, as it can prevent the flavors from fully penetrating the meat and impact tenderness. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165degF (74degC) for safe consumption and ideal juiciness. When grilling or broiling, turning and basting the riblets frequently helps achieve an even caramelized glaze without burning. Your patience in simmering the barbecue sauce and basting generously will enhance the smoky, tangy flavor that defines Applebee's Riblets.
Nutritions
Applebee's Riblets provide a rich source of protein from tender pork rib pieces, essential for muscle repair and growth. The olive oil adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, while spices such as smoked paprika and garlic powder contribute antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. The barbecue sauce, blended with honey and apple cider vinegar, adds flavor but also contributes sugars and calories, so portion control can help maintain balanced nutrition. By monitoring your intake, you can enjoy this delicious dish while supporting your dietary goals.
Storage
Store leftover Applebee's Riblets in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness. Your riblets can be safely kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days and reheated thoroughly on a grill or in an oven to restore their crispy texture. For longer storage, freeze cooked riblets in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, where they will last up to 2-3 months.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation in flavor, substitute smoked paprika with chipotle powder to add a deeper smoky heat to your riblets. Try marinating the riblets overnight in the barbecue sauce mixture before grilling to enhance tenderness and infuse richer taste profiles. You can also swap pork riblets for beef short ribs if you prefer a beefier texture and flavor. When grilling, consider finishing the riblets on a hotter grill or under a broiler briefly to increase caramelization and crispiness for your serving.
Allergies
Applebee's Riblets contain pork, which is a common allergen for some individuals with meat sensitivities. The barbecue sauce includes ingredients like Worcestershire sauce and apple cider vinegar, which may contain allergens such as anchovies or sulfites. If you have allergies to any of these components, it's important to check labels carefully to avoid adverse reactions.
Why this recipe?
Applebee's Riblets menu offers tender, flavorful pork riblets glazed with a signature tangy barbecue sauce that delivers a satisfying taste experience. The combination of smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors makes these riblets a popular choice among customers seeking comfort food. Making a copycat version allows you to recreate the same juicy, sauce-coated riblets at home, saving money while customizing spice levels to suit your preferences. Your homemade riblets can capture the restaurant-quality taste, making it worth the effort.