Want to enjoy a holiday weekend with some classic food? Here is how to cook country style ribs.
And don’t worry if you’re a newbie, it is simple. So here we are for your fall-apart tender, country style pork ribs. Three simple steps for tasty evenings.
1. About Country Style Ribs
Country style ribs are cooked pieces of pork. Which are, in detail, smoked, grilled, or braised. And, if needed, glazed with BBQ sauce.
The recipe has a general style. But can be modified based on need. Since this gives rise to various sub-types of country style ribs. And each one has its own style and flavour.
1.1. What are Country Style Ribs?
Before getting into how to cook country style ribs, we’ll see what they are. Despite the name country style ribs, these are not traditional ribs. Instead, cut from a pork loin or pork shoulder blade. So the cuts have more meat than bone.
Because the rib area has more bones. This leads to easier cooking. Thus, there is no need to worry about the rib bones cooking.
1.1.1. Types of Pork Cuts
There are different types of pork cuts. And each has its own texture and properties. Different cuts are used for different dishes. So each cut has to be cooked in its appropriate way.
This is done to ensure proper cooking. And you must choose the right one for the country style pork ribs.
Loin:
a) Chops: These are tender cuts used for grilling, pan-searing, or roasting.
b) Tenderloin: Tenderst part, boneless, used for roasts or stir-fries.
Pork Shoulder:
a) Boston Butt: upper shoulder, used for pulled pork.
b) Picnic shoulder: lower shoulder used for roasting or braising
Belly:
It is a fatty cut containing layers of fat and meat. It is used for bacon.
Spare ribs:
Spare ribs are from the belly and are used for grilling or barbequing.
Pork rinds:
Pieces of pig skin, roasted, fried, or baked Used as a snack.
1.2. History of origin
Initially, pork ribs were used for the dish. But people needed boneless country style ribs. So ribs were replaced by other cuts. Firstly, vendors did not want to waste other pork cuts. Secondly, due to the meat-to-bone ratio.
2. Barbeque Glazed Country Style Ribs
This recipe is for the classic barbecue glaze. The three overall steps are preparing, cooking, and finishing the ribs. Additionally, you can make your BBQ sauce as given. Or use other stuff you have lying around.
2.1. Recipe Outline
All three steps are important. And these steps take some time for slow cooking. Because it reflects on the tender ribs. Also, feel free to modify the recipe to match your needs. Since everyone’s country style ribs have a unique style.
2.1.1. Preparing the Pork Ribs
We will see how to clean the pork ribs. And marinate them for some time. Since this helps in adding flavour to the ribs. Also, this results in soft and tender ribs.
2.1.2 Cooking the Pork Ribs
The ribs are cooked mostly by baking. Because this results in tender and evenly cooked ribs. This step also ensures the entry of flavors into the country style ribs.
2.1.3. Finishing the Country Ribs
Finally, the country style pork ribs are either grilled or seared. Then basted evenly for a good finish. They are then glazed with a sauce of choice for extra depth. And finally served. Now let us look in detail at the process.
2.2. Ingredients
These simple ingredients form the centre of the ribs. So here are the ingredients for country style ribs.
- 4 pounds (approx. 1.8 kg) of country style pork ribs
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
3. Creating Your Barbecue Sauce (Optional)
3.1. Ingredients
Here are the ingredients for your BBQ sauce: Given that, feel free to modify the list based on need and availability.
- 1 cup of ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chilli powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey (optional, for extra flavor)
3.2. Steps for Making Your Smoky BBQ Sauce
Let’s create your favourite BBQ sauce for the country style ribs.
3.2.1. Combining Ingredients
Take a medium-sized saucepan. Now add all the above-mentioned ingredients to the pan. Next, mix well to combine the ingredients.
3.2.1. Simmering
Simmer the saucepan over medium heat. And keep mixing the ingredients. So that they won’t stick to the pan. Since this process helps in the thickening of the BBQ sauce. It also gives it a glossy finish.
3.2.1. Adding Alcohol
Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash Copyright 2020
If adding alcohol like bourbon is necessary, do it at the end. After the cooking is done, add alcohol. Then slowly cook off the alcohol. Also, make sure you completely cook off the alcohol from the BBQ sauce. In fact, do not use high temperatures to burn off the alcohol. By doing so, the alcohol may ignite into flames.
3.2.3. Finishing
Taste the glaze and analyze the flavors. And add extra salt or spices as per your taste. This step ensures a perfectly balanced BBQ glaze. Which has the perfect smokiness, tang, and spice.
4. Preparing the Ribs
The first step in making country style pork ribs is the preparation of boneless pork ribs.
4.1. Preheating the Oven
Firstly, turn the oven to 275°F (135°C) and place in a baking dish. Since this makes sure the oven is hot enough. And furthermore, no temperature changes occur. And helps cook at a constant temperature.
4.2. Preparing the Ribs
Take the pork cuts. Given that there may be bones based on your choice of cut, if so, remove any tough meat attached to it. Since this helps in getting evenly cooked and tender ribs.
4.3. Applying Dry Rub
Dry rub generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. And if needed, add more seasoning of your choice. For example, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, and flavoring salts
Make sure the dry rub rests for at least 15–20 minutes before proceeding further.
4.4. Searing(Optional)
Searing is an optional step in this process. It also helps add texture to the ribs.
Take a large skillet that fits the ribs. Then add some olive oil or clarified butter. Next, place the ribs in and sear on both sides for 2–3 minutes.
5. How to Cook Country Style Ribs
5.1. Setting Up the Oven
Place a wire rack inside the oven. This ensures the ribs cook evenly. And also prevents the sitting of ribs in their liquids. And don’t forget to add some cooking foil below. Since this catches any juices coming out of the ribs.
5.2. Setting Up the Ribs
Place the ribs evenly spaced in the baking dish. And make sure their meaty side is facing up. After that, gently place it in the preheated oven. Importantly, bake uncovered.
Slowly bake at an oven temperature of 275°F (135°C) for 3 hours.
6. Finishing the Tasty Ribs
6.1. Adding Barbecue Sauce
Take the ribs from the oven and coat them evenly. And this helps in deepening the flavors. This could be done before cooking the ribs. Or during the baking window.
6.2. Basting With Sauce
Baste once in a while when the ribs bake. Now baste with additional barbecue sauce by pouring it over. Or use a cooking brush to apply sauce.
6.3. Stopping Cooking
Around the 3–4 hour mark, check if the ribs are done. By using a meat thermometer to measure the temperature. The internal temperature must be at least 190–203 °F (88–95 °C). And if the temperature is not reached, continue cooking. And keep checking once in a while.
6.4. Serving
Transfer the cooked ribs gently to a plate or a tray. Then place them in a visually pleasing way. Usually arranged one after another. So that it is pleasing.
And use chopped chives or green onions to garnish. This helps balance out the color. And also balance the meatyness of the country style pork ribs. Hence, country ribs have a fresh and refreshing nature.
6.4. Additions
Do serve the country style pork ribs with your additional barbecue sauce. Also, add sides like mashed potatoes or cloud eggs. Since they help fill the stomach. And they also give a full-meal effect to the country ribs.
7. Tips and Tricks On How To Cook Country Style Ribs
7.1. How To Cook Country Style Ribs: Choice Of Cut
Make sure you choose well-marbled pork cuts. Since marbled cuts have a good balance of meat and fat. Moreover, the fat is evenly integrated into the meat. Hence, the country style pork ribs have a soft and buttery consistency.
7.2. How To Cook Country Style Ribs: Removing the Membrane
There may be tough membranes near the bones. So make sure to remove them. This ensures good sweeping of the rub and the sauce. Hence, providing an even spread of flavor Also, it ensures a smooth and soft texture.
7.3. How To Cook Country Style Ribs: Enough Seasoning
Do well to rub the cut. Also use seasonings like salt, black pepper, onion powder, chili powder, garlic powder, etc. Also, do well rest the cut afterwards. And this ensures the seeping of the rub flavours inside the cut.
7.4. How To Cook Country Style Ribs: Slow Cooking
It is the key to soft and tender country style ribs. Since slow cooking ensures the breakdown of collagen and connective tissues. Also, ensure the cooking time is at least 3–4 hours on low heat.
7.5. How To Cook Country Style Ribs: Use a Thermometer
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the cut is fully cooked. Since doing so ensures the ribs are fork-tender. And that they are safe to eat. Further, the internal temperature must be 190–203 °F (88–95 °C).
7.6. How To Cook Country Style Ribs: Regularly Baste
Baste regularly at intervals of 30 minutes to enhance flavor. Because this step also helps to add back the moisture lost during the cooking process.
7.7. How To Cook Country Style Ribs: Foil Wrap
Optionally, you can also wrap the ribs after initial cooking in a cooking foil. Because this results in faster cooking. Also, the moisture content is retained within the foil. And this helps in getting moist and tender ribs.
7.8. How To Cook Country Style Ribs: Rest the Meat
As it is one of the important points about how to cook country side ribs. After cooking, make sure you rest the meat for at least 15-20 minutes because this ensures that the moisture and liquids inside the meat are evenly distributed. So that when you cut the meat, it is evenly moist and tender.
7.9. How To Cook Country Style Ribs: Smoking
Optionally, you can also smoke the ribs. Since doing this adds a smoky layer of depth to the dish. Also, when smoking, use different wood chips. For example, apple, hickory, and cherry. Since different woods add their flavors to the meat when smoked with them. This is because the compounds responsible for the smell mix with the smoke. And then eventually enter the meat through diffusion.
7.10. How To Cook Country Style Ribs: Personalize Your How to Cook Country Style Ribs
Cooking is all about your style. So feel free to add or remove steps and ingredients. Also do modify the instructions to make your own style of country style ribs. Also, personalize your barbecue sauce recipe.
7.11. How To Cook Country Style Ribs: Time Variation
Change the cooking time based on the cut of meat. So slightly increase for thicker cuts of meat. Also slightly decrease the time for thinner cuts of meat.
7.12. How To Cook Country Style Ribs: Marination
If you need some extra flavour, also do marinate the ribs. Given that you can do this by leaving them in your marinating liquid overnight in the refrigerator. And then proceed to cook them the next day. Also, let the dry rub set in.
7.13. How To Cook Country Style Ribs: Leftover Ribs
Also if you have some extra ribs after making the dish, use them for other dishes. For example, sandwiches, pulled pork, tacos, wraps, and pasta.
8. Nutritional Information
Country style ribs can play a major role in a balanced diet. Since it is rich in proteins and good fats. Also note that the nutritional value depends on the type of cut. And also on the cooking techniques chosen.
Nutritional Information (per 100 grams of cooked meat):
- Calories: 250–300 calories
- Protein: 25–30 grams
- Total Fat: 16–20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 6–8 grams
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7-8 grams
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1-2 grams
- Cholesterol: 80-100 milligrams
- Sodium: 60–80 milligrams (depending on preparation)
- Vitamins and Minerals: Nutrients like niacin (vitamin B3), vitamin B6, vitamin B12, selenium, and phosphorus are present.
Conclusion
Cooking country style pork ribs is an easy three-step process. It may look sophisticated at first. But it is just a simple dish. So you just have to focus on the key points. And this ensures you get tender and flavorful country style ribs.
These ribs complete your evening on a good note. And they are not just pork cuts, they also help bring back sweet and tender memories. We hope you enjoy your tasty country style ribs. Given that, happy cooking!
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