These easy baked country-style pork ribs are deliciously tender and full of flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a meal that feels special without too much fuss!
Can you believe how good these smell while baking? I often sneak a taste before they’re ready—who could resist? 😄 I love serving them with coleslaw and cornbread for a perfect dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Country-Style Pork Ribs: These ribs are meaty and perfect for baking. If you can’t find them, try using spare ribs for a similar flavor, though they’ll need a bit more cooking time.
Olive Oil: This helps the spices stick to the ribs. You can swap it out for vegetable oil or melted butter if preferred. Butter adds a richer taste!
Spices: The mix of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder is what makes these ribs flavorful. Feel free to adjust the spices based on your taste. If you love heat, add more chili powder!
Barbecue Sauce: Use whatever flavor you like best. If you want a healthier option, try a low-sugar or homemade sauce. I like a slightly spicy barbecue sauce for an extra kick!
How Can I Ensure My Ribs Are Tender?
The key to tender ribs is low and slow cooking. Baking at a lower temperature allows the meat to break down nicely, making it juicy and falling-off-the-bone tender.
- Start by preheating the oven correctly. 300°F (150°C) is perfect for gentle cooking.
- Cover the ribs with aluminum foil during the first baking phase. This traps moisture, keeping the meat juicy.
- After the first cook, uncover and brush with barbecue sauce. This step adds flavor and caramelizes the sauce for a nice glaze.
Letting the ribs rest after baking allows the juices to redistribute, which means a more flavorful bite. Enjoy your ribs! 🍖
Easy Baked Country-Style Pork Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 to 4 pounds country-style pork ribs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 2 to 2.5 hours for baking! You’ll have perfectly tender ribs after a little time in the oven, making it a hands-off cooking experience.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low temperature will slowly cook the ribs, making them deliciously tender.
2. Prepare the Ribs:
Take the country-style ribs and pat them dry using paper towels. This helps the oil and spices stick better!
3. Mix the Seasonings:
In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and optional chili powder. Mix well so the flavors are evenly blended.
4. Season the Ribs:
Rub the olive oil all over the ribs. This will help the spice mix adhere nicely. Then, sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over all sides of the ribs. Press it in gently to make sure the flavors penetrate the meat.
5. Arrange the Ribs for Cooking:
Get a baking dish or a rimmed baking sheet and arrange the ribs in a single layer. Make sure they are nice and snug, but not overcrowded.
6. Cover and Bake:
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 2 to 2.5 hours. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re tender and the meat is nearly falling off the bone.
7. Add the Barbecue Sauce:
Once the ribs are tender, remove the foil and brush both sides generously with barbecue sauce. This will add a luscious, sticky glaze as they finish cooking.
8. Bake Uncovered:
Now, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Return the ribs to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, basting the ribs with the sauce halfway through. This will caramelize the sauce beautifully!
9. Rest and Serve:
Carefully take the ribs out of the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices locked in. Serve with your favorite sides, and enjoy your mouthwatering, tender ribs!
Enjoy your delicious baked country-style pork ribs with coleslaw, cornbread, or any of your favorite sides!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Cuts of Pork for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! While country-style pork ribs are ideal for this recipe due to their tenderness and flavor, you can also use spare ribs or baby back ribs. Just keep in mind that different cuts may require slight adjustments in cooking time.
Can I Make These Ribs in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ribs and season them the day before. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking, and then follow the baking instructions as usual.
How Do I Store Leftover Ribs?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, brushing with a bit more barbecue sauce if desired to maintain moisture.
Can I Use a Different Type of Barbecue Sauce?
Definitely! You can use any barbecue sauce you like—whether it’s sweet, spicy, or tangy. You can even make your own homemade sauce to customize the flavors exactly to your taste!
