Cooking country style pork ribs in the oven can be a straightforward and delicious way to prepare this favorite dish, even when you’re short on time. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve tender and flavorful country style ribs quickly.
Preparing the Ribs
Before you start cooking, ensure your country style pork ribs are ready for the oven. Here are some initial steps:
Pat Dry the Ribs: Use paper towels to pat the ribs dry. This helps the dry rub or seasonings adhere better to the meat[1][4][5].
Season the Ribs: Mix your dry rub ingredients, which can include spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and other desired spices. Apply the dry rub evenly to all sides of the ribs. You can use a large zip-top bag to coat the ribs by shaking them with the seasoning mix[4][5].
Oven Preparation
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (162°C). This temperature is ideal for cooking the ribs slowly enough to keep them moist but quickly enough to fit a tighter schedule[1][4][5].
Line the Baking Dish: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish or a large baking tray with aluminum foil. This makes cleanup easier and helps in retaining moisture[2][4][5].
Cooking the Ribs
Low and Slow Method
For a more traditional approach that still saves time, follow these steps:
Cover and Bake: Place the seasoned ribs in the prepared baking dish, cover it tightly with foil, and bake for 2 hours. This method ensures the ribs are tender and fall-apart[1][4][5].
Add BBQ Sauce: After the initial 2 hours, remove the ribs from the oven, carefully remove the foil, and discard any excess liquid. Slather the ribs with BBQ sauce and return them to the oven at a lower temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) for an additional 45 minutes, uncovered. This step caramelizes the BBQ sauce and adds extra flavor[1][5].
Faster Method
If you’re really pressed for time, here’s a quicker alternative:
Bake and Flip: Place the ribs in a single layer on the lined baking tray and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 90 minutes, flipping them halfway through. After 90 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 420°F (210°C), discard any excess liquid, and coat the ribs with BBQ sauce. Return the ribs to the oven for an additional 10 minutes or until the sauce is glazed and bubbling[2].
Finishing Touches
Broiling: For an extra crispy exterior, transfer the ribs to a broiler-safe pan after baking. Broil them on high for 3-4 minutes, or until the fat is browned and the ribs are slightly caramelized. Baste the ribs with pan juices during broiling to enhance the flavor[4][5].
Tips for Quick and Tender Ribs
Thickness Matters: The thickness of your ribs can affect the cooking time. Thicker ribs may require longer cooking times, while thinner ones can be cooked more quickly[3].
Covering: Covering the ribs with foil during the initial baking phase helps retain moisture and ensures the ribs are tender[1][4][5].
BBQ Sauce: Applying BBQ sauce towards the end of the cooking time allows it to caramelize and stick to the ribs without burning[1][2][4].
Most Important Facts
Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (162°C) for optimal cooking[1][4][5].
Dry Rub: Apply a dry rub to the ribs before baking to enhance flavor[1][4][5].
Covered Baking: Bake the ribs covered in foil for at least 2 hours to ensure tenderness[1][4][5].
BBQ Sauce: Add BBQ sauce towards the end of the cooking time and bake uncovered for a glazed finish[1][2][4].
Broiling: Broil the ribs briefly to achieve a crispy exterior and caramelized BBQ sauce[4][5].
Adjust Cooking Time: Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the ribs; thicker ribs may need up to 2.5 hours, while thinner ones can be ready in about 90 minutes[2][3].
By following these steps and tips, you can enjoy deliciously tender and flavorful country style pork ribs in the oven, even on a tight schedule.
