Baked Country Style Ribs are juicy and tender, perfect for a tasty weeknight dinner. They are seasoned just right and cooked slowly to bring out all that delicious flavor!
Cooking these ribs in the oven means less mess than grilling, and I love how they fill the house with a wonderful smell. Serve them with some corn on the side, and you’ll have a meal to remember!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Country Style Pork Ribs: These ribs are meaty and flavorful, perfect for slow cooking. If you can’t find country style ribs, you can use baby back or spare ribs as alternatives, though the cooking time may vary slightly.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is great for flavor but can be substituted with vegetable oil or melted butter if you prefer. Both options will work well to cook the onions.
Onion: A large onion adds depth to the flavor. Yellow onions are my go-to, but you could use sweet onions or red onions too for a different taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a nice kick. If you’re out of fresh garlic, garlic powder can work in a pinch—just use about 1/4 teaspoon for each clove.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite barbecue sauce for this recipe. If you like a homemade touch, you can mix ketchup with honey and a dash of soy sauce to create a quick substitute.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a nice tang to balance the sauce. White vinegar or lemon juice can be used instead if you don’t have it on hand.
How Can I Ensure My Ribs Are Extra Tender?
The secret to tender ribs lies in low and slow cooking. Follow these easy steps to achieve great results:
- Preheat your oven properly. Set it to 300°F (150°C) so that the ribs cook evenly and break down the tough fibers.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This keeps moisture in, which is crucial for tenderness.
- Allow the ribs to bake for 2.5 to 3 hours. Basting halfway through can also help, though it’s not necessary if covered well.
- Once the ribs are almost done, increase the heat to caramelize the outside. This adds flavor and texture.
- After baking, let the ribs rest. This keeps them juicy when you cut into them.
By following these tips, you’ll serve up mouthwatering ribs that everyone will love!
How to Make Baked Country Style Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2-3 pounds country style pork ribs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your choice)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh rosemary or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 3 hours of cooking time. You’ll bake the ribs slowly for tenderness, and then finish them with a high heat for caramelization. Perfect for a cozy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low heat will help make the ribs tender and juicy.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish:
In a large baking dish, drizzle the olive oil over the bottom. Spread the sliced onions evenly across the dish; they’ll add flavor to the ribs as they bake.
3. Season the Ribs:
Take the country style ribs and pat them dry using paper towels. Then, season them generously with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika on all sides. This helps enhance the flavor of the meat!
4. Arrange the Ribs:
Carefully lay the seasoned ribs on top of the sliced onions in the baking dish. Make sure they’re all in one layer to cook evenly.
5. Mix the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. Mix it well until combined.
6. Coat the Ribs:
Pour the flavorful sauce mixture over the ribs, making sure they are evenly coated. This will give your ribs a delicious and tangy flavor.
7. Cover and Bake:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This keeps the moisture in and helps the ribs cook perfectly. Place it in the oven and bake for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the ribs are fork-tender.
8. Finish with High Heat:
After the ribs are tender, carefully remove the foil. Increase your oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and bake the ribs for an additional 15-20 minutes. This step helps caramelize the sauce on top, creating a delicious glaze.
9. Let It Rest:
Once the ribs are done, take them out of the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This will help keep the juices intact when you cut into them.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, garnish the ribs with fresh rosemary or parsley if you’d like. Serve them up and enjoy your delicious baked country style ribs!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Pork for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you can’t find country style ribs, you can substitute them with pork shoulder or spare ribs. Keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly; pork shoulder may take a bit longer to become tender.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level of the Sauce?
To spice things up, consider adding a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce to the barbecue sauce mixture. Conversely, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the smoked paprika or omit it entirely.
Can I Make This Recipe in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, this recipe works great in a slow cooker! Just follow the seasoning and sauce steps as usual, then cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. There’s no need to preheat the oven; just add everything directly to the slow cooker!
How Do I Store Leftover Ribs?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) wrapped in foil until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option.
