If you’ve ever wondered how to cook pork loin country style ribs to juicy, fall-apart perfection, you’re in the right place! Despite the name, country style ribs aren’t really ribs at all-they come from the pork shoulder, making them meatier and packed with flavor. Cooking them right means slow, low heat and a bit of patience, but the results are absolutely worth it. Let’s dive into a friendly, easy-to-follow guide on how to cook these delicious ribs.
What Are Country Style Ribs?
Country style ribs are thick cuts from the pork shoulder, sometimes called shoulder chops or blade steaks. Unlike traditional ribs, they have more meat and a good amount of marbling fat, which keeps the ribs juicy and tender during cooking. They may or may not have bone-in, but even the boneless ones are rich and flavorful.
Why Cook Country Style Ribs Low and Slow?
The secret to tender country style ribs is cooking them low and slow. The pork shoulder has a lot of connective tissue that needs time to break down, which happens best at low temperatures over a longer period. This process makes the ribs fall-apart tender and juicy, rather than tough and dry.
How to Cook Pork Loin Country Style Ribs: Step-by-Step
Ingredients You’ll Need
– 3 to 4 pounds of country style ribs (bone-in or boneless)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Your favorite dry rub or seasoning (Creole seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, or a BBQ rub work well)
– Barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Optional: sliced onions, garlic, fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C) for slow roasting. This temperature is ideal for tenderizing the meat while keeping it juicy.
- Season the ribs generously with salt, pepper, and your chosen dry rub. You can also rub in some Dijon mustard or a bit of oil to help the seasoning stick and add flavor.
- Prepare your baking dish by lining it with foil for easy cleanup. Place sliced onions and herbs at the bottom if you like extra aroma and flavor.
- Arrange the ribs in a single layer in the baking dish. Cover tightly with foil to trap steam and moisture, which prevents drying out.
Cooking
- Bake the ribs covered for about 2 to 2.5 hours at 275°F. This slow cooking breaks down connective tissue and renders fat, making the meat tender.
- Uncover the ribs and brush them with barbecue sauce. Return to the oven uncovered for another 30 minutes to let the sauce caramelize and the ribs brown nicely.
- Check for tenderness-the ribs should be very tender and almost fall off the bone (if bone-in). If not, cover and cook a bit longer.
Optional Finishing Touches
– For a smoky flavor, you can finish the ribs on a grill for a few minutes after baking.
– Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Tips for Perfect Country Style Ribs
– Choose ribs that are similar in size for even cooking.
– Covering the ribs tightly with foil during baking keeps them moist and juicy.
– If you want to speed up cooking or ensure tenderness, you can boil or steam the ribs briefly before roasting or grilling.
– Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature around 190°F to 205°F for optimal tenderness.
– Serve with classic barbecue sides like baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad, or mac and cheese for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Country style ribs pair wonderfully with traditional BBQ sides. Think creamy potato salad, tangy coleslaw, baked beans, or cheesy macaroni and cheese. These sides balance the rich, savory flavor of the ribs perfectly.
Cooking pork loin country style ribs is a rewarding experience that delivers tender, flavorful meat with minimal fuss. Slow roasting at low temperatures, seasoning well, and finishing with a sticky barbecue glaze will make these ribs a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy your delicious, juicy ribs!