If you’re wondering how to cook pork country style ribs to juicy, tender perfection, you’re in the right place. Country style ribs are a delicious, meaty cut from the pork shoulder, not traditional ribs, but packed with flavor and fat that makes them ideal for slow cooking. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make mouthwatering country style ribs at home.
What Are Pork Country Style Ribs?
Despite the name, country style ribs aren’t really ribs at all. They come from the pork shoulder or butt and are usually sold as thick, meaty strips with some bone or boneless options. This cut is well-marbled with fat, which keeps the meat moist and flavorful during cooking.
Why Cook Country Style Ribs Low and Slow?
Country style ribs have a lot of connective tissue, so they need slow, low-temperature cooking to break down the collagen and become tender. Cooking them quickly at high heat will leave them tough and chewy. The “low and slow” method ensures the ribs become fall-apart tender and juicy.
Preparing Your Country Style Ribs
Ingredients:
– 8 country style pork ribs (about 2.5 pounds)
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper
– Your favorite barbecue sauce (about 2 to 2.5 cups)
– Optional: olive oil or your favorite dry rub
Basic Prep Steps:
- Season generously with salt and pepper or a dry rub of your choice. Pat the seasoning into the meat so it sticks well.
- Optionally, drizzle a little olive oil to help the seasoning adhere and add moisture.
Cooking Methods for Country Style Ribs
1. Oven-Baked Country Style Ribs
– Preheat your oven to 275–300°F (135–150°C).
– Place the ribs in a roasting pan or on a baking sheet lined with foil.
– Cover the ribs tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture.
– Bake for about 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and pulls apart easily.
– Remove the foil, brush the ribs generously with barbecue sauce, then broil for a few minutes to caramelize the sauce.
– Let rest briefly before serving.
2. Slow Cooker Method
– Season ribs with salt and pepper.
– Add ribs and about 3 tablespoons of water to the slow cooker.
– Cook on low for 4 hours until meat is tender.
– Sauce the ribs with barbecue sauce just before serving.
3. Grilling or Smoking
– Preheat grill for indirect cooking at low heat.
– Brown the ribs over direct heat briefly to develop color.
– Move ribs to cooler side, cover, and cook slowly for 1.5 to 2 hours.
– Brush with barbecue sauce during the last 15 minutes.
– Internal temperature should reach about 150°F for safe consumption, but cooking longer until tender is ideal.
Tips for Perfect Country Style Ribs
– Use foil during baking to keep ribs moist and prevent drying out.
– Allow enough cooking time-rushing ribs will make them tough.
– Sauce at the end of cooking to avoid burning the barbecue sauce during long cooking times.
– Rest the ribs after cooking to let juices redistribute for maximum flavor and juiciness.
What to Serve with Country Style Ribs?
Country style ribs pair wonderfully with classic barbecue sides such as:
– Baked beans (try adding chorizo for extra flavor)
– Potato salad or coleslaw
– Macaroni and cheese
– Fresh salads or grilled vegetables
– Air-fried or roasted potato fries
A Simple Oven-Baked Country Style Ribs Recipe
Ingredients:
– 8 country style ribs
– Salt and pepper
– 2 cups barbecue sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 300°F.
- Season ribs with salt and pepper.
- Place ribs on foil-lined baking sheet, cover tightly with foil.
- Bake for 3 hours until tender.
- Remove foil, brush ribs with barbecue sauce.
- Broil for 3-5 minutes until sauce is caramelized.
- Let rest and serve with your favorite sides.
Country style pork ribs are a versatile and budget-friendly cut that rewards patience with rich, tender meat. Whether slow-roasted in the oven, cooked in a slow cooker, or grilled low and slow, these ribs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next meal.
Enjoy your cooking adventure with these flavorful, easy-to-make pork country style ribs!