Country Style Pork Ribs Recipe
I absolutely adore this recipe because it’s the perfect balance of sweet and smoky flavors, and the ribs always come out tender and juicy, just the way I like them. Plus, it’s a pretty simple dish to make, but it feels like a gourmet meal that’s perfect for impressing friends at a weekend get-together!
I adore crafting substantial and satisfying dishes, and my recipe for Country Style Pork Ribs is among my favorites. A combination of 2 lbs of luscious ribs, the savory layer of barbecue sauce, tangy apple cider vinegar, and sweet brown sugar gives these ribs a delicious balance of flavors.
The ribs get a rub of spices—paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a little cayenne pepper if you like things spicy—that not only seasons the meat but also makes your kitchen smell amazing. These ribs are hearty, flavorful, and packed with protein, what we need to recover from all the hiking and biking we’ve been doing.
Ingredients
Pork Ribs, Country Style: These ribs are tender and flavorful when cooked low and slow.
They’re rich in protein, so eat your fill!
BBQ sauce adds a glaze that is both sweet and tangy, leaving the ribs laced with smoky undertones.
Apple cider vinegar: Delivers balanced acidity while also tenderizing meat, boosting flavor in the overall dish.
Brown Sugar
Caramelizes during cooking, giving the ribs a sweet, deep flavor.
Paprika provides a gentle smokiness and a wonderful color that makes the dish pop.
It’s very much in the background helping to boost the depth of flavors.
Ingredient Quantities
- 2 lbs country style pork ribs
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
1. Set your oven to 300°F (150°C) to start it heating.
2. In a tiny dish, blend the paprika, powdered garlic, powdered onion, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper to create a dry rub.
3. Evenly rub the country style pork ribs on both sides with the spice mixture.
4. In a big skillet that can go in the oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
5. Add the ribs to the skillet and sear on each side until nicely browned, say about 3 to 4 minutes per side.
6. In a separate bowl, mix the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar together until they are well-blended and smooth. This will be used to marinate the pork chops.
7. Ensure that the ribs in the skillet are well coated by pouring the sauce mixture over them.
8. Place aluminum foil over the skillet and move it into the oven, which should be at the desired temp.
9. Cook the ribs in the oven for 2-
2.5 hours, or until they are tender and pull apart easily with a fork.
10. Remove the foil, switch on the broiler, and place the ribs under it for a few minutes until they are fabulously caramelized. Serve hot.
Equipment Needed
1. Oven
2. Small dish or bowl
3. Large oven-safe skillet
4. Medium bowl
5. Measuring spoons
6. Measuring cups
7. Tongs or a spatula for turning the ribs
8. Aluminum foil
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of ribs for this recipe?Certainly, you may use baby back ribs or spare ribs, but the time it takes to cook them could change a little based on the type of rib and its thickness.
- Is there a substitute for apple cider vinegar?Certainly, you can use either white vinegar or rice vinegar as substitutes; however, the taste will not be exactly the same.
- How can I make the ribs spicier?The barbecue mixture can have its quantity of cayenne pepper increased or a bit of hot sauce added to it.
- What is the best way to cook these ribs?The tenderest results come from cooking the ribs in the oven at low temperature or grilling them over a low fire. This method, described with the term low and slow, is how pitmasters cook ribs to get them nice and tender. You can use the same method in your home kitchen.
- Can I prepare the ribs ahead of time?You can indeed marinate the ribs in the spice mixture, and refrigerate them for as long as 24 hours, before cooking.
- Do I need to cover the ribs while baking?While baking, keeping the ribs covered with foil preserves their moisture. But in the last 15 minutes, you can take off the foil and let the tops of the ribs get caramelized.
- Can I make these ribs without a grill?Certainly, you can prepare these ribs in the oven for a result comparable to what you would get from the grill. Use a rimmed baking sheet and follow the same prep steps.
Substitutions and Variations
Barbecue sauce. Replace with hoisin sauce for a different flavor profile.
Apple cider vinegar: Substitute with white wine vinegar or rice vinegar.
Coconut sugar or honey can be used for a different sweetness level.
Paprika: Substitute with smoked paprika to enjoy a smoky flavor, or use chili powder to ignite your dish with heat.
Canola oil or vegetable oil are good substitutes for olive oil.
Pro Tips
1. Marinate Overnight: For extra flavor, consider marinating the ribs in the barbecue sauce mixture overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
2. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the ribs are perfectly cooked and tender, use a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of about 190-203°F (88-95°C) for fall-off-the-bone tenderness.
3. Let Them Rest: Once the ribs are out of the oven, let them rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in more flavorful and juicy ribs.
4. Add Wood Chips for Smokiness: If you’re using a grill pan or have a grilling option, consider adding soaked wood chips during the searing step to introduce a smoky flavor into the ribs.
5. Customize the Dry Rub: Adjust the spice level to your preference. If you like it spicier, increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of chili powder. For a sweeter profile, increase the brown sugar in the rub.
Country Style Pork Ribs Recipe
My favorite Country Style Pork Ribs Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven
2. Small dish or bowl
3. Large oven-safe skillet
4. Medium bowl
5. Measuring spoons
6. Measuring cups
7. Tongs or a spatula for turning the ribs
8. Aluminum foil
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs country style pork ribs
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Set your oven to 300°F (150°C) to start it heating.
2. In a tiny dish, blend the paprika, powdered garlic, powdered onion, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper to create a dry rub.
3. Evenly rub the country style pork ribs on both sides with the spice mixture.
4. In a big skillet that can go in the oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
5. Add the ribs to the skillet and sear on each side until nicely browned, say about 3 to 4 minutes per side.
6. In a separate bowl, mix the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar together until they are well-blended and smooth. This will be used to marinate the pork chops.
7. Ensure that the ribs in the skillet are well coated by pouring the sauce mixture over them.
8. Place aluminum foil over the skillet and move it into the oven, which should be at the desired temp.
9. Cook the ribs in the oven for 2-
2.5 hours, or until they are tender and pull apart easily with a fork.
10. Remove the foil, switch on the broiler, and place the ribs under it for a few minutes until they are fabulously caramelized. Serve hot.
