Boneless country style ribs are a fantastic cut of pork that’s all meat, tender, and packed with flavor. Unlike traditional ribs, they come from the shoulder and have a good amount of marbling, which makes them juicy and perfect for slow cooking. If you’re wondering how to cook boneless country style ribs to get that tender, fall-apart texture, you’re in the right place! Let’s dive into easy, foolproof methods that will make your ribs the star of any meal.
What Are Boneless Country Style Ribs?
Boneless country style ribs are pork shoulder ribs without the bone, often sold in chunks or strips. They’re meatier than regular ribs and have a rich, fatty texture that benefits from slow and low cooking methods. Because they don’t have bones, they cook faster and are easier to eat, making them a great choice for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.
Why Slow and Low Is the Key
Country style ribs need to be cooked slowly at low temperatures to break down the connective tissue and fat. This method ensures the ribs become tender and juicy instead of tough and chewy. Whether you bake them in the oven, cook them in a slow cooker, or grill them, the mantra is “slow and low” – slow cooking at low heat.
Oven-Baked Boneless Country Style Ribs: Step-by-Step
One of the easiest ways to cook boneless country style ribs is in the oven. Here’s a simple recipe that yields tender, flavorful ribs with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
– 2 pounds boneless country style pork ribs
– ½ cup light brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ cup barbecue sauce (your favorite kind)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Mix the dry rub: Combine brown sugar, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Prepare the ribs: Pat the ribs dry with paper towels. Rub the dry spice mix evenly over all sides of the ribs and gently pat it in. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor.
- Wrap and bake: Line a baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil, leaving enough overhang to wrap the ribs tightly. Place the ribs on the foil, leaving space between pieces, and wrap securely to trap steam.
- Bake low and slow for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 190-205°F for optimal tenderness. If not quite done, wrap and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Add barbecue sauce: Carefully unwrap the foil, drain excess liquid, and brush ribs generously with barbecue sauce. Leave the foil open, increase oven temperature to 350°F, and bake for another 30 minutes. For a caramelized finish, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.
- Rest and serve: Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before serving with your favorite sides like potato salad or cornbread.
Slow Cooker Method for Effortless Ribs
If you prefer a hands-off approach, slow cooking is perfect. It’s as simple as seasoning the ribs, adding some liquid, and letting the cooker do the work.
How to Slow Cook
– Season ribs with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices.
– Place ribs in the slow cooker, add a few tablespoons of water or broth to keep them moist.
– Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours until ribs are fork-tender.
– Just before serving, brush with barbecue sauce and optionally broil for a few minutes to get a nice glaze.
Grilling Boneless Country Style Ribs
For a smoky flavor, grilling is a great option. Use indirect heat and cook the ribs slowly to avoid drying them out. Start by seasoning the ribs, then grill covered at low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, turning occasionally. Brush with barbecue sauce in the last 20 minutes for a sticky, flavorful finish.
Tips for Perfect Boneless Country Style Ribs
– Don’t rush the cooking time: Patience is key to tender ribs.
– Use a meat thermometer: Aim for 190-205°F internal temperature for fall-apart tenderness.
– Let the ribs rest: This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
– Experiment with rubs and sauces: From sweet and spicy to smoky and tangy, find your favorite flavor profile.
– Wrap tightly when baking: This traps steam and helps cook the ribs evenly and tenderly.
Serving Suggestions
Boneless country style ribs pair wonderfully with classic sides like:
– Creamy mashed potatoes
– Southern-style potato salad
– Buttermilk cornbread
– Grilled vegetables
– Coleslaw
These sides complement the rich, savory flavor of the ribs and make for a well-rounded meal.
Variations to Try
– Dry rub only: Skip the barbecue sauce for a crusty, seasoned rib.
– Asian-inspired: Use soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey in your marinade.
– Spicy kick: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to your rub or glaze.
– Slow cooker with pineapple juice: Adds a sweet, tenderizing element during cooking.
Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and cooking methods to find your perfect boneless country style ribs recipe.
Boneless country style ribs are easy to cook and incredibly satisfying when done right. Whether baked, slow-cooked, or grilled, the key is slow and low heat, a tasty rub or sauce, and a little patience. Your taste buds will thank you!