These tender oven-baked country style pork ribs will make your mouth water! With a tasty rub and slow cooking, they come out juicy and full of flavor every time.
Cooking them in the oven is super easy and they fill the house with an amazing smell. I love serving them with some coleslaw—it’s a match made in heaven!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Country Style Pork Ribs: These ribs are meaty and perfect for baking. If you want a leaner option, you could substitute with boneless skinless chicken thighs, though the flavor will be different.
Olive Oil: This is a great choice for rubbing onto the ribs. If you’re out, vegetable oil or canola oil works just as well for cooking.
Spices: The spice mix adds lots of flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika can be used, but you might miss that smoky taste. You can also switch the thyme for oregano if that’s what you have.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite barbecue sauce! For a healthier version, you can make a homemade sauce using ketchup, honey, and vinegar. If you’re avoiding sugar, a sugar-free barbecue sauce can be a good substitute.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a nice tanginess. If you don’t have it, you can replace it with white vinegar or even chicken broth for extra flavor.
How Do I Get the Ribs Super Tender?
Getting tender ribs is all about cooking them low and slow. Here’s how to ensure your ribs come out perfectly:
- Preheat your oven to a low temperature, around 300°F (150°C). Patience is key here!
- Dry the ribs well, which helps the spices stick and creates a nice crust.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. This traps moisture, so your ribs don’t dry out.
- Let them bake for 2.5 to 3 hours. Check for tenderness by pulling on the bones; they should come apart easily.
- Finally, don’t skip the last step—baking uncovered with barbecue sauce at a higher temperature caramelizes the sauce and adds a delicious finish.
These tips will help you master the art of baking tender ribs every time! Enjoy the process and savor the delicious results!
Tender Oven Baked Country Style Pork Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 pounds country style pork ribs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar or water (for the baking pan)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus baking time of 2.5 to 3 hours. After cooking, let the ribs rest for about 5 minutes before serving. The total time is around 3 hours and 20 minutes, but most of it is hands-off cooking, so you can relax while they bake!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low and slow cooking method is key to getting those ribs nice and tender!
2. Prepare the Ribs:
Take your country style pork ribs and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the spices stick better.
3. Mix the Spice Rub:
In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper if you like a little heat. Mix well!
4. Season the Ribs:
Rub the olive oil all over the ribs, ensuring they are nicely coated. Then, sprinkle on the spice mixture, rubbing it into the meat to create a flavorful crust.
5. Bake the Ribs:
Place the ribs in a single layer in a baking dish or a roasting pan. Pour the apple cider vinegar or water into the pan. This keeps the meat juicy while it cooks. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
6. Cook Slowly:
Put the covered ribs in the oven and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours. They should be very tender when done.
7. Add Barbecue Sauce:
After baking, take the ribs out and remove the foil. Brush a generous amount of your favorite barbecue sauce over the ribs.
8. Caramelize the Sauce:
Now, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and return the ribs to the oven, uncovered. Bake them for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is caramelized and bubbly. Watch closely so they don’t burn!
9. Rest and Serve:
Once finished, take the ribs out of the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This will help the juices redistribute and make for even more tender ribs.
10. Enjoy!
Slice and serve your delicious tender oven baked country style pork ribs with extra barbecue sauce on the side if desired. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ: Tender Oven Baked Country Style Pork Ribs
Can I Use Bone-In Ribs Instead of Boneless?
Absolutely! Bone-in ribs can add more flavor and richness to the dish. The cooking time may be slightly longer, so just ensure they are tender before removing from the oven.
What If I Don’t Have Smoked Paprika?
If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika, though you may miss that smoky flavor. Alternatively, adding a bit of liquid smoke to the barbecue sauce can help mimic that taste!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts.
Can I Cook These Ribs in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can cook these ribs in a slow cooker! Just season and place them in the slow cooker with a splash of apple cider vinegar and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Finish with barbecue sauce under the broiler for a few minutes at the end to caramelize.
