Costillas de Cerdo Adobadas (Adobo-Marinated Pork Ribs)

With costillas de cerdo adobadas, pork ribs get their character from adobo: a punchy seasoning paste or marinade shaped by chilli, garlic, spice and acidity. Here, guajillo chilli, cumin, orange juice and red wine vinegar give the ribs a smoky, citrus-led depth without overwhelming the pork. Slow roasting keeps the meat tender and allows the marinade to mingle with the pan juices, which are then reduced into a sticky glaze for a glossy finish. Lime wedges at the table sharpen the richness, making these ribs well suited to a relaxed dinner, a sharing platter or a meal with rice, beans, salad or warm tortillas.
Cuisine style Latin American adobo-style cooking
Spice level Medium
Cooking style Make-ahead friendly • Crowd-friendly
Time commitment Slow-cooked

Why this recipe works

  • Layered adobo flavour: Guajillo chilli, cumin, garlic, orange juice and vinegar create a marinade with smoke, warmth, sweetness and tang.
  • Brightness balances richness: Citrus, vinegar and fresh lime cut through the richness of the pork and keep the glaze from tasting heavy.
  • Glossy, lacquered finish: Reducing the roasting juices concentrates the marinade into a sticky glaze that coats the ribs at the end.

Get the most out of this recipe

Adjust the heat

  • For a gentler heat: Use a little less guajillo chilli powder and let the garlic, cumin and citrus carry more of the flavour.
  • For more chilli warmth: Add a hotter chilli powder alongside the guajillo, keeping the citrus and vinegar in balance so the glaze stays bright.

Timing notes

  • Marinate for depth: One hour gives the ribs flavour, but an overnight marinade develops a deeper, more rounded adobo character.
  • Take the chill off: If marinated overnight, let the ribs sit out briefly before roasting so they cook more evenly.

Common mistakes

  • Letting the pan dry out: Spoon the pan juices over the ribs during roasting if needed; this helps keep the surface glossy and prevents dryness.
  • Scorching the glaze: Reduce the pan juices over medium heat and stir often, as the citrusy marinade can catch once it thickens.
  • Glazing too early: Save the thick glaze for the final roast so it lacquers the ribs without burning before the meat is tender.

Make-ahead tips

  • Marinate ahead: Coat the ribs in the adobo the night before and keep them covered in the fridge until ready to roast.
  • Reheat without drying: Reheat covered in a 180°C (355°F) oven until piping hot, then uncover briefly to restore the sticky glaze.
  • Freeze cooked portions: Cool the ribs completely, wrap well and freeze in portions; defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Crush the garlic to a paste with the guajillo chilli powder, ground cumin, fine sea salt and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Whisk in the orange juice, red wine vinegar and olive oil to make a loose adobo.
  2. Cut the pork spare ribs into 2 to 3 rib portions and coat thoroughly in the adobo. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for deeper flavour.
  3. Heat the oven to 160°C (320°F). Arrange the ribs in a roasting pan and pour over any remaining marinade from the bowl.
  4. Roast for 1 hour 30 minutes, turning the ribs once or twice, until the meat is very tender and pulling back from the bone. If the pan looks dry at any point, spoon the juices over the ribs to keep them glossy.
  5. Transfer the ribs to a plate. Pour the pan juices into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 6 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until reduced to a thick, glossy glaze that coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Return the ribs to the roasting pan and brush or spoon over the glaze. Roast for 10 minutes more, turning once, until lacquered and sticky.
  7. Cut the lime into wedges. Serve the ribs hot with lime wedges for squeezing over.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • For easier eating, ask your butcher to cut the ribs into shorter sections, or do it yourself before marinating.
  • If you marinate overnight, bring the ribs out of the fridge for 20 minutes before roasting so they cook more evenly.
  • If serving vulnerable groups, ensure the pork is cooked until piping hot throughout and the juices run clear.

Substitutions

  • Replace red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a slightly fruitier tang.
  • Replace orange juice with pineapple juice for a sweeter, more tropical glaze.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 3 days
  • Cool completely, then refrigerate in a sealed container. Reheat in a 180°C (355°F) oven, covered, for 15 to 20 minutes until piping hot; uncover for the last 5 minutes to re-sticky the glaze. Freeze portions well wrapped for up to 2 months and defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Costillas de Cerdo Adobadas (Adobo-Marinated Pork Ribs)
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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Total time: 3h (25min active)
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Cuisine: Latin American
Freezer friendly

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