These Easy Baked Country-Style Pork Ribs are juicy and full of flavor! They get a nice caramelized finish from the oven and are super simple to make. Just season, bake, and enjoy!
My favorite part? They require hardly any prep time, and the smell of them cooking is heavenly. Perfect for family dinners or when you want some comfort food. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Country-Style Pork Ribs: These ribs are meaty and perfect for this recipe. If you’re looking for a leaner option, boneless pork chops could work, although they will be less tender.
Paprika: I love using smoked paprika for an extra depth of flavor, but sweet paprika works just as well. If you don’t have paprika, you could use chili powder for a different taste.
Olive Oil: This helps the spices stick to the ribs and adds moisture. You can replace it with vegetable oil or melted butter if you prefer a richer flavor.
Cayenne Pepper: If you don’t like spice, feel free to leave this out. For a milder heat, consider using a dash of black pepper instead.
How Do You Get the Ribs Tender and Flavorful?
Cooking the ribs low and slow is key! This method lets the meat become tender and soak up all the flavors. Here are some tips:
- Make sure to cover the baking dish tightly with foil. This keeps moisture in while they bake.
- Patience is crucial; don’t rush the cooking process. 2.5 to 3 hours at 300°F is perfect.
- By increasing the oven temperature at the end, you give the ribs a nice caramelized outer layer.
Letting the ribs rest after baking allows juices to settle, ensuring each bite is moist and delicious. Enjoy your ribs! 🍖
Easy Baked Country-Style Pork Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 to 4 pounds country-style pork ribs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for mild heat)
- Cooking spray or a little oil for greasing the baking dish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 2.5 to 3 hours for baking. After that, you’ll need a quick 5 minutes to let the ribs rest before you dig in. So, it’s perfect for a relaxed evening at home while the oven does all the hard work!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Baking Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). While it heats up, take a baking dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a bit of oil. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier!
2. Preparing the Ribs:
Take your country-style pork ribs and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings stick better and gives you a nice outer crust when cooked.
3. Mixing the Seasoning:
In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme (or Italian seasoning), salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you want a little kick. Mix it well so that everything is evenly incorporated.
4. Seasoning the Ribs:
Drizzle the olive oil over the ribs, ensuring they are coated on all sides. Then, sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the ribs, rubbing it in to make sure they’re well covered. This is where the flavor begins!
5. Arranging in the Baking Dish:
Place the seasoned ribs in a single layer in the greased baking dish. Try to avoid stacking them, so they cook evenly. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in during baking.
6. Baking the Ribs:
Put the covered baking dish in the prepared oven and bake for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the ribs are super tender. The low heat is key here; it breaks down the meat perfectly!
7. Browning the Ribs:
Once the baking time is up, carefully remove the foil (watch out for steam!), and then increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). This will give the ribs a beautifully caramelized exterior. Bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes.
8. Serving the Ribs:
After browning, remove the dish from the oven. Let the ribs rest for about 5 minutes—this helps the juices redistribute, making each bite extra juicy. Now you’re ready to serve!
9. Enjoy!
Serve your ribs with your favorite sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked potatoes. Dig in and enjoy the tender, flavorful goodness of your homemade country-style pork ribs!
FAQ About Easy Baked Country-Style Pork Ribs
Can I Use Different Cuts of Pork for This Recipe?
Sure! While country-style pork ribs are ideal for tenderness and flavor, you can use bone-in pork chops or spare ribs as alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different cuts may require less or more time to cook through.
What If I Don’t Have Cayenne Pepper?
No worries! If you don’t have cayenne pepper, feel free to omit it or substitute it with a pinch of black pepper for some mild heat. Alternatively, you can use a dash of hot sauce in the seasoning mix for a slight kick.
How Should I Store Leftover Ribs?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat them gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which helps retain their tenderness.
Can I Make These Ribs in a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! To use a slow cooker, prepare the ribs with the seasoning and place them in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until they’re tender. You can finish them in the oven under the broiler for a few minutes to achieve that caramelized crust.
