Jul 17 2026
RestaurantsIt's a Southern thing - Downtown DurhamSweet & Spicy Crispy Fried Ribs** Recipe

Sweet & Spicy Crispy Fried Ribs** Recipe

Time2h
Serves4

Slow smoked St. Louis pork ribs, battered and fried, tossed in our homemade spicy Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce, served with collards and fries.

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Ingredients

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Ribs

Batter

Sides

Method

Prepare the Ribs

  1. 1

    Season the Ribs

    Rub the St. Louis pork ribs with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let them marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.

  2. 2

    Smoke the Ribs

    Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). Smoke the seasoned ribs for about 3 hours until they become tender and flavorful.

Prepare the Batter

  1. 3

    Mix the Batter

    In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, cold water, and egg. Whisk until smooth and set aside.

Fry the Ribs

  1. 4

    Heat the Oil

    In a large pot or deep fryer, heat oil to 350°F (175°C).

  2. 5

    Batter and Fry

    Dredge the smoked ribs in the batter, allowing excess to drip off. Carefully place them in the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Prepare the BBQ Sauce

  1. 6

    Make the Sauce

    In a saucepan, combine Dr. Pepper, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Simmer over medium heat for about 15 minutes until thickened.

  2. 7

    Toss the Ribs

    Once the ribs are fried, toss them in the homemade spicy Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce until well coated.

Prepare the Sides

  1. 8

    Cook the Collard Greens

    Wash and chop collard greens, then sauté in a pan with a bit of oil, salt, and pepper until tender.

  2. 9

    Fry the Fries

    Prepare fries according to package instructions or fry fresh potatoes until crispy.

Serve

  1. 10

    Plate the Dish

    Serve the crispy fried ribs with collard greens and fries on the side.

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