COUNTRY STYLE RIBS

Instructions:

Grilled Country Style Ribs:

1. Prepare the Ribs: Start by patting the country style ribs dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere better and ensures a crispy crust. Rub the ribs with olive oil, then season generously with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Massage the seasoning into the meat to coat it evenly.
2. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C). If you’re using a charcoal grill, allow the coals to heat until they are covered in a thin layer of white ash. For a gas grill, simply turn the burners to medium-high.
3. Grill the Ribs: Place the seasoned ribs on the grill and cook for 6–8 minutes per side, flipping occasionally to ensure even cooking. Grill the ribs until they are well-browned and slightly charred, with an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
4. Add Barbecue Sauce: In the last 2–3 minutes of grilling, brush the ribs with your favorite barbecue sauce. Allow the sauce to caramelize slightly on the ribs, giving them a beautiful glossy finish.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread.

Oven-Baked Country Style Ribs:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low and slow cooking method ensures tender, juicy ribs.
2. Prepare the Ribs: Pat the country style ribs dry and rub them with olive oil. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning blend generously over the ribs, coating them thoroughly.
3. Bake the Ribs: Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Cover the baking sheet with foil to retain moisture during baking. Bake the ribs for 2.5–3 hours, or until they are tender and easily pull apart with a fork.
4. Add Barbecue Sauce: In the final 20–30 minutes of baking, remove the foil and brush the ribs with barbecue sauce. Return them to the oven to bake uncovered for an additional 20–30 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize and form a flavorful crust.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Let the ribs rest for a few minutes after baking. Slice them into individual portions, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with your favorite sides.

Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs:

1. Season the Ribs: Rub the country style ribs with olive oil and season them with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Slow Cook the Ribs: Place the seasoned ribs in the slow cooker. Pour in a bit of water or broth to help create steam and keep the ribs moist during cooking. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until the ribs are tender and easily pull apart with a fork.
3. Add Barbecue Sauce: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush the ribs with barbecue sauce and allow them to cook uncovered to let the sauce thicken and adhere to the meat.
4. Serve and Enjoy: After the ribs are done, serve them with extra barbecue sauce on the side. Pair them with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Why Choose Country Style Ribs?

Country style ribs are incredibly versatile and can be cooked in several ways, offering a rich, tender texture that is perfect for anyone who enjoys a meaty, flavorful cut of pork. These ribs are often considered more budget-friendly compared to traditional spareribs or baby back ribs, but they still deliver on taste and satisfaction. The extra meat on the bone (or on the boneless cut) means more to enjoy in every bite.

Additionally, because they come from the shoulder region, country style ribs have a good amount of marbling, which contributes to their juicy tenderness when cooked slowly. Whether you prefer a smoky, charred finish from the grill or a melt-in-your-mouth result from slow cooking, these ribs can be customized to suit your tastes.

Variations and Tips:

• Spicy Country Style Ribs: If you love spice, add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning mix for an extra kick. You can also drizzle hot sauce over the ribs before serving for added heat.
• Marinate for Extra Flavor: For even more flavor, marinate the ribs in your favorite marinade for 4 hours or overnight before cooking. A vinegar-based marinade will help tenderize the meat, while adding layers of flavor.
• Smoke the Ribs: For a deeper smoky flavor, try smoking the ribs over wood chips or in a smoker for 4–5 hours at a low temperature (around 225°F / 107°C). This method creates an incredibly flavorful and juicy result.
• Sauce Variations: While barbecue sauce is the classic choice, you can get creative with other sauces such as honey mustard, teriyaki, or a spicy chipotle glaze to suit your taste.

Conclusion:

Country style ribs are a fantastic choice for a hearty, flavorful meal that’s easy to make and versatile enough to suit any cooking method. Whether you grill, bake, or slow cook them, these ribs offer a tender, juicy bite with a smoky, savory flavor that’s sure to satisfy. With endless seasoning and sauce options, you can tailor this dish to fit your personal taste. So, fire up the grill or preheat the oven and indulge in a delicious plate of country style ribs today!