Introduction

Country style ribs are a delightful cut of meat that many people love for their rich flavor and tenderness. These ribs are perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. Cooking them in the oven is a great way to ensure they come out perfectly tender while in a flavorful sauce. In this article, we will guide you through how to cook country style ribs in the oven. You will learn about the ingredients, preparation, cooking techniques, and tips for the best results.

Understanding Country Style Ribs

What Are Country Style Ribs?

Country style ribs are a cut of pork that comes from the blade end of the pig. They are not true ribs but rather a rib-like cut. This cut contains more meat than traditional ribs, which makes them perfect for those who want a hearty meal. You can find country style ribs bone-in or boneless, but the bone-in version tends to be more flavorful.

Why Choose Country Style Ribs?

Country style ribs are juicy and flavorful. They are easier to cook than other cuts of meat, such as brisket or pork shoulder. Additionally, they are often cheaper than other cuts, making them a budget-friendly choice for many households. The meat is well marbled, allowing it to stay tender while cooking. This is vital when preparing ribs in the oven since the cooking time can be longer.

Ingredients You Will Need

The Basic Ingredients

To make country style ribs in the oven, you need some basic ingredients. The primary ingredient, of course, is the country style ribs themselves. You will need about 3 to 4 pounds of country style ribs for a family meal.

Next, you’ll want to gather some seasonings. You’ll need salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. These ingredients will enhance the ribs’ flavor and make the meat even tastier.

Making Your Own Marinade

How to cook country style ribs in the oven? You can use a marinade to add even more flavor to your ribs. A simple marinade consists of olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Combine these ingredients in a bowl and whisk them together. You can also add spices like paprika or chili powder for a kick. Marinating the ribs for at least an hour will help them absorb the flavors.

Optional Ingredients

If you want to take your ribs to the next level, consider adding barbecue sauce. You can either buy a ready-made sauce or make your own. Homemade sauce can include ingredients like ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. This sauce can be slathered on the ribs during cooking, adding a sticky glaze.

Preparing Your Country Style Ribs

Thawing and Cleaning

Before cooking, ensure your ribs are thawed if frozen. You can place them in the refrigerator overnight for best results or use the defrost feature on your microwave. Once thawed, rinse the ribs under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels. It’s important to remove excess moisture to prevent steaming in the oven.

Trimming Excess Fat

Country style ribs can contain a good amount of fat. While fat adds flavor, you don’t want too much. Trim down excess fat using a sharp knife. This step is essential as it prevents the ribs from being greasy. It will also help the meat cook evenly.

Marinating the Ribs

Once cleaned and trimmed, it’s time to marinate the ribs. Place them in a large resealable bag or a glass dish. Pour your marinade over the ribs, making sure they are fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and place it in the refrigerator. Allow them to marinate for at least one hour, but marinating overnight yields the best flavor.

Cooking Country Style Ribs in the Oven

Preheating the Oven

How to cook country style ribs in the oven? Before cooking, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This temperature allows the ribs to cook slowly, making them tender and flavorful. Preheating the oven ensures an even cooking temperature when you place the ribs inside.

Preparing the Baking Dish

While the oven is preheating, you can prepare your baking dish. A large roasting pan or a baking dish will work well. You want enough space to lay out the ribs in a single layer. If desired, you can line the dish with foil for easier cleanup.

Placing the Ribs in the Oven

After marinating, remove the ribs from the fridge. Allow them to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This step helps the ribs cook evenly. Arrange the ribs in the prepared baking dish, bone side down if using bone-in ribs. You can sprinkle a little more salt and pepper over the top for added flavor.

Covering the Ribs

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This step is crucial as it traps steam inside, helping to tenderize the meat. It will also keep the ribs moist while they cook. Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and set a timer for 2 hours.

Checking for Doneness

Checking the Internal Temperature

After two hours, it’s time to check your ribs. Carefully remove the foil, and check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. The temperature should reach at least 190°F (88°C) for optimal tenderness. If they haven’t reached that point, cover them back up, and cook for another 30 minutes.

Tenderness Test

Besides the temperature, you can check the ribs for tenderness. Use a fork to see if the meat easily pulls away from the bone. If it does, they are done cooking. If not, place them back in the oven for another 30 minutes, checking them periodically.

Glazing with Barbecue Sauce

Applying the Sauce

Once the ribs are tender, it’s time to add the barbecue sauce. Brush a generous amount of sauce over the top of the ribs using a basting brush. Make sure to coat them well for a sticky, delicious finish.

Broiling for Extra Flavor

After glazing with the barbecue sauce, turn on your oven’s broiler. Broil the ribs for about 5 to 10 minutes. This step caramelizes the sauce and gives it a beautiful glaze. Be sure to keep an eye on them, as they can burn quickly under the broiler.

Letting the Ribs Rest

Importance of Resting

Once the ribs are nicely glazed and cooked, it’s important to let them rest. Remove them from the oven and place them on a cutting board. Cover them loosely with foil and let them sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, making each bite juicy and tender.

Slicing the Ribs

After resting, it’s time to slice the ribs. If you used bone-in ribs, cut between the bones for perfect portions. Place the sliced ribs on a serving platter. You can drizzle extra barbecue sauce over the top if desired.

Serving Your Country Style Ribs

Choosing Side Dishes

Country style ribs make a hearty meal. Consider serving them with some classic side dishes. Coleslaw is a refreshing addition that balances the richness of the ribs. Baked beans also pair well and add a hearty element.

Enjoying with Family and Friends

Gather your family or friends around the table. Enjoy the ribs alongside your chosen sides. The tender, flavorful meat will surely impress your guests.

Leftover Storage

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They can last for about three to four days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy them again.

Conclusion

Cooking country style ribs in the oven is simple and rewarding. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you can prepare a delicious meal everyone will love. Follow the steps outlined in this article for perfectly tender and flavorful ribs. With practice, you can adapt the recipe to your taste, making it a new favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy the process and gather loved ones around the table for a memorable meal.