Description
Succulent country style ribs bring rustic Southern comfort straight to dinner tables with rich, tender meat that melts in your mouth. Garlic, herbs, and slow-roasting create a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 3 lbs (1.36 kg) country-style pork ribs (bone-in or boneless)
Seasoning and Rub:
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a bit of heat)
Cooking and Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the culinary workspace by positioning an oven rack in the middle position and heating to 300F (150C). Line a deep baking tray with aluminum foil to simplify post-cooking cleanup and prevent stuck-on residue.
- Meticulously dry the country-style ribs using clean kitchen towels, removing excess moisture. Gently massage a thin layer of olive oil across the entire surface to enhance seasoning adhesion and promote even browning.
- Craft a robust dry rub by combining brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a mixing vessel. Ensure thorough blending of spices to create a harmonious flavor profile.
- Liberally coat the ribs with the prepared spice mixture, pressing the seasoning into the meat’s surface. Rotate and massage to guarantee complete and uniform coverage, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Transfer the seasoned ribs to the foil-lined baking tray, arranging them in a single layer without overcrowding. Seal the tray completely with aluminum foil to lock in moisture and promote tender meat development.
- Slow roast the ribs in the preheated oven for approximately 2 hours, allowing the connective tissues to break down and create a meltingly tender texture. The meat should begin to separate easily from the bone.
- While the ribs are cooking, whisk together barbecue sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce in a separate bowl. This glaze will provide a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.
- After the initial cooking period, remove the foil and generously brush the ribs with the prepared sauce. Increase oven temperature to 400F (200C) to initiate caramelization and create a glossy exterior.
- Continue baking uncovered for 15-20 minutes, reapplying sauce midway through cooking. For an enhanced finish, activate the broiler and carefully monitor the ribs, rotating as needed to achieve an even, slightly charred glaze.
- Remove from the oven and allow the ribs to rest for 5-7 minutes, permitting the juices to redistribute. Serve with additional sauce on the side, inviting diners to customize their culinary experience.
Notes
- Enhance moisture by wrapping ribs in parchment paper before aluminum foil, preventing them from drying out during the slow cooking process.
- Customize the dry rub by adjusting spice levels or substituting ingredients like replacing cayenne with smoked chili powder for a milder heat.
- Select fatty country-style ribs for maximum tenderness, as the marbling helps keep the meat juicy during extended cooking time.
- Prepare ribs a day ahead and refrigerate after seasoning to allow flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, intensifying the overall taste profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 15-20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg