These Baked Country Style Ribs are juicy and full of flavor! They’re slow-cooked in the oven, making them tender, and topped with a tasty barbecue sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.
There’s something about the smell of ribs baking that makes my mouth water! I love serving them with coleslaw and cornbread. It’s a meal that brings smiles to the table every time! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Country Style Pork Ribs: This cut is meaty and perfect for slow cooking. If you’re looking for a pork alternative, beef short ribs can also work, just keep in mind they may need a bit more cooking time!
Onion: Sliced onions add sweetness when cooked down. You could swap them for shallots for a milder flavor or even green onions for a fresh touch at the end.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder or garlic paste can substitute, but use half the amount since it’s more concentrated.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite! If you’re watching sugar intake, you might try a low-sugar barbecue sauce or even make a homemade one using tomato sauce and spices.
Chicken Broth: This adds depth. Vegetable broth is a great substitute for a lighter option, and plain water can work too, though the flavor will be less complex.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Tender Ribs?
Getting tender ribs is all about the cooking method. A low and slow approach is key here. Baking at a low temperature allows the connective tissues in the meat to break down, resulting in that fall-off-the-bone texture everyone loves.
- Preheat your oven correctly to 300°F (150°C) to start low and slow.
- Cover your baking dish tightly with foil. This traps moisture and steam, which helps tenderize the meat.
- Give it enough time! Ribs usually need at least 2.5 hours in the oven. Check for tenderness at about that mark.
- Finishing at a higher heat (400°F) helps caramelize the sauce. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
How to Make Baked Country Style Ribs?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Ribs:
- 2 to 3 pounds country style pork ribs
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- Fresh rosemary or parsley, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for prep and 3 hours total for cooking time. You’ll start by seasoning and arranging the ribs, then cook them low and slow in the oven, finishing with a quick caramelization phase. It’s a delicious journey worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low temperature is perfect for making those ribs tender and delicious!
2. Prepare the Ribs:
In a large baking dish, lay out your country style ribs in a single layer. Sprinkle them generously with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and brown sugar. This will give the ribs a lovely flavor profile!
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once it’s warm, toss in the sliced onions and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 5 minutes until the onions turn translucent and fragrant.
4. Mix the Sauce:
After your onions and garlic are done, take the skillet off the heat. Pour in the barbecue sauce and add the chicken broth (or water), stirring everything until well combined. This will be the tasty sauce that makes your ribs shine.
5. Coat the Ribs:
Now, pour that delicious barbecue sauce mixture all over the ribs in the baking dish. Make sure they’re well-coated; we want that flavor to penetrate deep into the meat!
6. Bake Low and Slow:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in. Pop it into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 2.5 to 3 hours, until the ribs are tender and starting to fall off the bone. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Caramelize the Top:
Once the ribs are tender, carefully remove the foil. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. This will help caramelize the sauce on top, giving it a nice glaze!
8. Let Them Rest and Garnish:
When the ribs are done, take them out of the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Before serving, sprinkle some fresh rosemary or parsley on top for a beautiful, fresh finish.
Enjoy your wonderfully delicious Baked Country Style Ribs! They’re perfect for sharing or for a cozy night in!
Can I Substitute Different Types of Ribs?
Absolutely! While country style ribs work best for this recipe, you can also use St. Louis-style or baby back ribs. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so adjust accordingly until the ribs are tender.
What If I Don’t Have Barbecue Sauce?
No worries! You can make a quick homemade barbecue sauce using ketchup, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and spices. Mix equal parts ketchup and vinegar with a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and add sugar and spices to taste. This will give you a similar flavor profile!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the ribs moist when reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water in the container. Microwave or reheat in the oven covered with foil until warmed through.
Can I Bake These Ribs at a Higher Temperature?
While the low-and-slow method helps to tenderize the ribs, you can bake them at a higher temperature, around 325°F (160°C), but you may need to reduce the cooking time. Check for tenderness earlier, around the 2-hour mark, and adjust as needed.
