Baked Country Style Ribs are tender, juicy, and full of flavor! These ribs are slow-cooked in the oven with a tasty sauce that makes them even more delicious to eat.
When I make these, my family can’t get enough! The fall-off-the-bone texture is just amazing. Pair them with some coleslaw and you’ve got a winning meal everyone will love!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Country-Style Pork Ribs: These are meaty and rich, perfect for baking. If you can’t find them, try using baby back ribs or spare ribs instead. Both will work nicely, just adjust the cooking time as they can vary in tenderness.
Onion: A large onion adds flavor and sweetness. If you prefer, you can use shallots for a milder onion taste, or go with a sweet onion like Vidalia for a slight twist.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite! You can use homemade or store-bought sauce. If you’re after a healthier option, go for a sugar-free version or make a simple marinade using mustard and vinegar.
Smoked Paprika & Chili Powder: These spices really boost the flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works too. For chili powder, you can use cayenne for more heat or omit it if you prefer no spice.
Chicken Broth: This adds moisture and flavor. Feel free to swap it with vegetable broth if you are looking for a lighter version or using water in a pinch.
How Can I Ensure My Ribs Are Tender and Flavorful?
The key to tender ribs is low and slow cooking. Follow these steps for the best texture:
- Preheat oven: Always start with a well-preheated oven to ensure even cooking.
- Season well: Make sure to rub the spices well into the meat for maximum flavor. Let them sit for a bit if you have time.
- Cover tightly: When baking, sealing the dish with foil holds in steam and keeps the ribs moist.
- Baste for flavor: In the last 30 minutes, removing the foil allows the sauce to thicken and form a nice caramelization.
Rest the ribs for a few minutes after baking! It helps the juices redistribute, making them easier to cut and more delicious.
How to Make Baked Country Style Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ribs:
- 3 pounds country-style pork ribs
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your choice)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For Garnish:
- Fresh herbs (such as rosemary or parsley)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and 2.5 to 3 hours of baking time. You’ll spend a little time getting everything ready before letting the oven do the work, resulting in deliciously tender ribs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low temperature helps the ribs cook slowly and become tender.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Grab a large baking dish and drizzle the olive oil on the bottom to prevent the ribs from sticking. Spread the sliced onions evenly across the dish. The onions will add flavor as the ribs cook.
3. Season the Ribs:
In a separate bowl, rub the pork ribs with the smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Make sure to cover all sides of the ribs. Then, place the seasoned ribs on top of the onions in the baking dish.
4. Make the Sauce:
In another medium bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, chicken broth, and brown sugar. Stir well until everything is mixed together smoothly. This sauce will keep your ribs juicy and tasty!
5. Coat the Ribs:
Pour the barbecue sauce mixture over the ribs, making sure they are well-coated. The sauce will soak into the meat while it cooks, enhancing its flavor.
6. Cover and Bake:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps trap steam and moisture. Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the ribs are nice and tender.
7. Caramelize the Ribs:
For the last 30 minutes of baking, carefully remove the foil. This step will allow the ribs to caramelize a bit, giving them a lovely color and extra flavor.
8. Let Them Rest:
Once the ribs are done baking, take them out of the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute in the meat.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, garnish the ribs with fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy these delicious, tender baked country-style ribs with your favorite sides!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Meat for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While country-style pork ribs are recommended for their tenderness, you can substitute with pork loin or even beef short ribs. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so check for doneness and adjust as necessary.
Can I Use Homemade Barbecue Sauce Instead of Store-Bought?
Yes, homemade barbecue sauce works great and can add a personal touch to your dish! If you prefer a spicier flavor, consider adding some cayenne pepper or extra chili powder to your sauce mix.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep them juicy, add a splash of extra barbecue sauce before sealing. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, ensuring they don’t dry out.
What Should I Serve with Baked Country Style Ribs?
These ribs pair wonderfully with coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, or cornbread for a true Southern feast! You can also serve them with a light salad to balance out the richness of the meat.
