Country-style pork ribs are a fantastic meal option for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a summer barbecue or a cozy family dinner, these ribs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. They are not actually ribs, but are cut from the pork shoulder blade into rib-like pieces, offering a meatier and more flavorful experience than traditional ribs. This guide will walk you through a simple and delicious method to cook country-style pork ribs that will leave everyone wanting more.
What are Country Style Pork Ribs?
Country-style pork ribs come from the shoulder or blade end of the pig, making them meatier and thicker than other types of ribs. They often have a small bone running through them or are entirely boneless, with beautiful fat marbling that keeps them moist during cooking. This cut is perfect for slow cooking, which results in a tender, juicy, and flavorful dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe involves straightforward steps and simple ingredients.
- Flavorful: The marbling of fat in the pork shoulder ensures a moist and tender result.
- Versatile: Suitable for BBQs in the summer or oven-baked meals any time of the year.
- Economical: Country-style pork ribs are an inexpensive cut of meat, making them a budget-friendly option.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2-3 pounds country-style pork ribs (bone-in or boneless)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning (or your favorite BBQ rub)
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons minced fresh thyme, divided
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh rosemary, divided
- BBQ sauce of your choice (optional)
- ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tablespoon liquid smoke
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Oven-Baked Method
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Season the Ribs: Season the pork ribs on both sides with salt, pepper, and Creole seasoning. Then, rub with minced garlic, Dijon mustard, half of the thyme, and half of the rosemary.
- Prepare the Baking Pan: In a shallow baking pan, place the sliced onions and the remaining thyme and rosemary.
- Arrange the Ribs: Place the seasoned pork ribs in a single layer on top of the onions and herbs.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking pan tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 30 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce and the pork to brown nicely.
- Add BBQ Sauce (Optional): For BBQ country-style ribs, brush your favorite BBQ sauce over them during the last 15-30 minutes of cooking.
- Rest: Let the ribs rest for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute, making them even juicier.
Stove Top Method
- Prepare the Ribs: Season the pork ribs with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Sear the Ribs: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown the pork ribs for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the ribs from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add Liquid and Sauce: Add chicken broth and barbecue sauce to the skillet, stirring to combine.
- Simmer: Return the pork ribs to the skillet, ensuring they are covered with the sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the pork ribs simmer for about 1-1.5 hours, or until they are tender and cooked through.
- Serve: Serve the pork ribs hot with your favorite sides.
Boiling and Baking Method
- Boil the Ribs: Add the ribs to a large pot and cover them with water. Season with Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the water to a boil and continue boiling for about 50 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Season and Bake: Place the boiled ribs on a foil-lined baking sheet and brush with about one cup of barbecue sauce. Cover the sheet with foil, making sure the foil doesn’t touch the barbecue sauce.
- Bake: Bake for 1½-2 hours, or until the internal temperature of the ribs reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Broil: Brush with the remaining barbecue sauce and broil for the last few minutes to caramelize the sauce.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Country Style Pork Ribs
- Choose Ribs of Similar Size: Select packaged country-style ribs that are similar in size to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t Grease the Pan: You don’t need to grease the roasting pan, as the ribs will release enough fat as they cook.
- Easy Clean-Up: Line the roasting pan with foil before adding the ingredients for a quick and easy clean-up.
- Add Apple Cider Vinegar: A teaspoon or two of apple cider vinegar can add extra flavor and tenderness to the ribs.
- Marinate Overnight: Marinating the ribs with seasonings and Dijon mustard overnight can enhance the flavor.
Recipe Variations
- BBQ Country-Style Ribs: Pour homemade or store-bought BBQ sauce over the ribs for the last 30 minutes of cooking after removing the foil.
- Instant Pot Country-Style Ribs: Use an Instant Pot for a fork-tender version in less time.
- Cider-Braised Ribs: Braise the ribs with tomato paste, white wine, and cider vinegar, balanced by the sweetness of apple cider.
Serving Suggestions
Country-style pork ribs are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:
- Mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious pan drippings or braising sauce.
- Grilled corn on the cob for a classic BBQ feel.
- Homemade potato salad for a cool and creamy contrast.
- Jalapeño cornbread for a bit of southwestern flair.
- Green beans with bacon for a savory and satisfying side.
- Mac and cheese for a kid-friendly option.
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can prepare homemade Creole seasoning ahead of time and store it in your pantry to save time. For longer storage, you can bake the ribs up to three days before serving.
Conclusion
With their rich flavor and tender texture, country-style pork ribs are a guaranteed hit. Whether you choose to bake them in the oven, simmer them on the stove, or use a combination of boiling and baking, the result is a delicious and satisfying meal. Enjoy the process and savor every bite!