Kevin Is Cooking | Cuisines | Classic American | BBQ Pork with Cheesy Grits
By Kevin
published Apr 11, 2016, updated Aug 09, 2022
5 from 8 votes
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What to do with leftover ribs from a BBQ? I got you covered. After grilling a huge rack of pork ribs the other evening, we had plenty of leftovers. What’s great about this is the hard work is already done, just make the grits and top themto make this BBQ Pork with Cheesy Grits in minutes.
This is definitely a Southern inspired meal. Rain or not here, I was planning on, and did indeed BBQ these awesome pork ribs this past weekend. There were too many for us to devour in one sitting, so the leftover pork ribs gave the assist forthis meal. Now mind you, you could just as easily usepulled pork or beef for this recipe, I used what leftovers I had on hand.
Now I don’t mind pulling a leftover rib fromthe fridge to snack onlikethe next guy, but I felt these needed a little more TLC. So I shredded the meat from the bones and simmering it in BBQ sauce. It’s all what was needed. Easy peasy.
I also wrestled with calling this a BBQ Pork Ragù, but by definition it really isn’t. A ragù is a meat sauce served over pasta, so that was out.
While some ragù are found using minced, ground beef and or pork in the Northern areas of Italy, some like in the Southern areas use braised, larger portions of beef or pork, though these are always served with or over pasta.
There was my dilemma, since this is served over one of my all time comfort foods, cheesy grits or polenta.When it comes to the grits, the cut of the corn grain is basically what distinguishes it and a finer ground is polenta. When the corn is ground, the coarser pieces become known as grits, while the finer granules are used for polenta. When you get to finer ground corn, then it becomes cornmeal. Ground even finer it is then considered corn flour. But enough about that…
I love grits for breakfast, like my Cheese Grits and Ham, but dinner works, too! Take my Cajun Shrimp and Grits, that’s a killer, and quick, mid-week dinner as well. But today it’s all about using leftovers. Leftover pork ribs. I posted before on putting leftover ribsto good use in myBarley Stir Fry with Baby Back Pork Ribs. While that is an Asian influenced meal, this one is pure Southern.
Needless to say I love it all and I’m thinking the tart and spicy BBQ sauce, whichever you prefer, works so good with the creamy, cheesy grits. My favorite is Loveless Cafe’s BBQ sauce. It’s tart and spicy and sweet all at the same time. I am not paid by them, just love their product. It’s my go to BBQ sauce, so if you are in Nashville, Tennessee drop by their place, pick it up or try ordering it online. You won’t be disappointed!
This isa great way to use up any leftover braised or grill meats like the superb rack of pork ribs I dry rubbed over the weekend. Enjoy!
BBQ Pork with Cheesy Grits
5 from 8 votes
Leftover pork ribs get shredded and simmered in your favorite BBQ sauce and top creamy, cheesy grits for a Southern inspired dinner that's sure to satisfy.
Servings: 4 servings
Cook: 25 minutes mins
Total: 25 minutes mins
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Ingredients
- 3 cups of water
- 1 cup stone ground yellow grits
- 1 tsp of salt
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- fresh cracked black pepper
- 2 cups rib meat from leftover pork ribs
- 3/4 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
In a large pot bring the water to a boil. Next add the salt, cayenne pepper and butter.
Gradually add the grits to the boiling water using a whisk to prevent any lumps.
Lower the heat to simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
While grits are simmering, pick meat from pork ribs and chop. Place in a small saucepan with BBQ sauce and cook on low for 10 minutes.
Gradually whisk the cheese a little at a time into the grits until completely incorporated. Cook another 5 minutes.
Plate with divided grits, topped with BBQ pork rib meat. Garnish with fresh cracked black pepper and chopped parsley (optional).
Nutrition
Calories: 850kcal | Carbohydrates: 53.2g | Protein: 35.4g | Fat: 54.3g | Saturated Fat: 21.5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17.9g | Trans Fat: 0.9g | Cholesterol: 173.7mg | Sodium: 1349.3mg | Fiber: 2.3g | Sugar: 18.1g
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Course: Main
Cuisine: American
Author: Kevin Is Cooking
Have You Made This Recipe? Let Me Know on InstagramTag @keviniscooking or tag me #keviniscooking!
Kevin
Whether in the kitchen or on the grill, you’ll find me cooking American favorites with a love for BBQ, Mexican and Tex Mex. I’m passionate about making tasty food because life’s too short to be bland!
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