Feast Like a Baratheon: Game of Thrones-Inspired Boar Ribs

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game of thrones boar ribs

What’s Up, Hungry People

“I want the funeral feast to be the biggest the kingdom ever saw, and I want everyone to taste the boar that got me,” mused a rather rotund king in Game of Thrones. Now, if you’ve followed the series from the start, you don’t need a raven to tell you who that king is. (But just to be considerate of first-season spoilers, I won’t name names—although the title of this post might be a spoiler in itself!)

glazed ribs game of thrones

The Inspiration: House Stark Meets House Baratheon

There is a complicated friendship between House Stark and House Baratheon. This is more than just any boar; it’s an epic feast that could’ve easily united these two Houses at a royal funeral. The king once said, “Apple in its mouth, skin seared crisp. Eat the bastard. Don’t care if you choke on him. Promise me, Ned.” Ah, promises between old friends—worth their weight in gold dragons.

For my take on this kingly dish, I went with pork ribs and braised them for about an hour to ensure all that tender goodness was sealed in. For the marinade and sauce, I swapped out the pearl onions you see in the pic above for regular white onions. Why? Because onions are onions, and these are still delicious.

The spice blend I chose was influenced by the contrasting climates of Winterfell and King’s Landing. Sage and thyme for the Starks and their cold northern home, and paprika and red pepper flakes representing the Baratheons in the balmy south. For the wine, well, let’s just say it should be something Tyrion Lannister would approve of—red or white, your choice!

game of thrones ribs recipe ingredients

Here’s What You Need

  • Pork Ribs: The star of the show; provides the meaty, hearty base that absorbs all the other flavors beautifully.
  • Red or White Wine: Adds depth and acidity to the sauce, tenderizes the ribs, and gives a royal touch to the dish.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Brings tanginess to balance the richness of the meat and the sweetness of the honey.
  • Local Honey: Sweetens the sauce and complements the spiciness from the red pepper flakes and paprika.
  • Onion or Pearl Onions: Offers texture and subtle sweetness, while also helping to thicken the sauce.
  • Garlic: Adds aromatic and earthy flavors, complementing both the meat and the herbs.
  • Sage: Infuses the dish with a woody, minty note, reminiscent of Winterfell’s herb gardens.
  • Thyme: Adds a subtle, earthy green note that plays well with the sage and other spices.
  • Paprika: Introduces a smoky element that pairs well with the meatiness of the ribs.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a touch of heat, making the dish more dynamic without overpowering it.
  • Olive Oil: Used for searing, it helps in locking in the flavors and juices of the meat.
  • Bay Leaves: Optional but recommended; they add a complex, woody undertone to the sauce.
  • Salt & Pepper: Basic seasoning that amplifies the flavors of all other ingredients in the dish.
searing raw ribs

Let’s Cook!

First, sear those ribs in a skillet over high heat until they’re browned on all sides. Be quick about it; you want each side to brown in just a few seconds. Your aim here is to achieve a satisfying sear without cooking the meat all the way to the bone.

searing pork ribs

Saute and Simmer

Once the ribs are set aside, it’s back to the same skillet. Add a dash more oil and sauté the onions and whole cloves of garlic over medium heat.

sauting onion and garlic

When the onions and garlic start turning golden, turn up the heat and splash in the wine, apple cider vinegar, and your bouquet of herbs and spices.

simmering sauce

Let that sauce reduce for about 15 minutes before you reunite it with the ribs. Make sure to flip the ribs now and then so they cook evenly. Simmer this whole masterpiece over medium to medium-low heat for roughly an hour. You’ll know it’s done when the meat starts parting ways with the bones.

sauce with ribs

The Final Touch

Remove the bay leaves from your now-perfected sauce, and don’t hesitate to drizzle that goodness all over the ribs as you serve them.

braised short ribs

Tips for Making Boar Ribs

  • Choosing Ribs: Opt for ribs with a good balance of meat and fat for the most flavorful outcome.
  • Wine Selection: A dry wine works best, as it adds depth without making the sauce overly sweet.
  • Onion Variants: If you’re out of white onions, shallots can be a good substitute for a milder, sweeter profile.
  • Avoid Burning Garlic: Make sure the garlic doesn’t burn while sautéing, as it can turn bitter. Keep an eye on the heat.
  • Herb Freshness: Using fresh herbs over dried ones will give a more vibrant flavor, but remember to adjust the quantity.
  • Meat Sticking to the Pan: If the ribs stick while searing, they’re probably not ready to flip. Give them a bit more time.
  • Marinade Option: For extra flavor, consider marinating the ribs in the wine and spices a few hours before cooking.
  • Sauce Thickness: If the sauce is too thin, you can remove the ribs and reduce it further. If it’s too thick, add a bit of water.
  • Meat Tenderness: If the meat isn’t falling off the bones after an hour, it might need more time. Cooking times can vary based on the thickness of the ribs.
  • Serving Suggestion: For a full Game of Thrones experience, serve with a side of “Bread and Salt,” a customary offering for guests in Westeros.
  • Leftover Tips: Don’t toss the sauce! It can be refrigerated and used as a base for other stews or gravies.
game of thrones recipe for boar ribs

And there we are, Hungry People—a rib feast worthy of kings and direwolves alike! With a blend of spices that sing the songs of both Winterfell and King’s Landing, these Baratheon boar ribs will make you feel like you’re feasting right in the heart of Westeros.

game of thrones dinner

Pair it with a strong flagon of wine and some hearty root veggies from the Stark’s cellar, and you’ve got a meal that even Ned and Robert would approve of. As the old saying goes, “When you play the game of thrones, you win or you dine.” Today, we’ve definitely dined like kings. Enjoy!

Baratheon Boar Ribs | Game of Thrones Inspired Recipes

The Starving Chef
Get a taste of Westeros with these tender, flavorful Baratheon boar ribs, boasting a mix of herbs and spices from Winterfell to King's Landing.
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Course Fictional Feasts
Cuisine Game of Thrones
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Split up the ribs so each bone has an even amount of meat on each side. Season with salt and pepper. In a skillet over high heat, add the olive oil and sear the ribs on each side until browned but not cooked through.
  • Remove the ribs from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet over medium heat, add the onions and whole cloves of garlic with a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté until beginning to caramelize, about 10 minutes.
  • Pour in the wine and apple cider vinegar and bring to a simmer. Stir in the local honey until well incorporated. Add the sage, thyme, paprika, and red pepper flakes (and bay leaves if using). Season with salt and pepper.
  • Place the ribs back into the skillet with the sauce. Simmer over medium to medium-low heat for about one hour, ensuring you turn the ribs about every 10 minutes for even cooking.
  • Plate the ribs and pour the remaining sauce from the pan over them. Serve alongside Winterfell root vegetables and shout, "King of the North!"
Keyword Game of Thrones, pork, ribs
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