These oven-baked country style pork ribs are super tender and flavorful. They cook slowly, letting the meat soak up all the yummy spices—no fancy techniques needed!
Honestly, when I make these ribs, I can’t resist having a few bites before serving. They’re perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Who can say no to that? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Country Style Pork Ribs: These are the star of the dish! They’re meaty and flavorful. If you can’t find them, consider using spare ribs or baby back ribs, though cooking times might vary slightly.
Olive Oil: This adds moisture and helps the spice rub stick. If you’re looking for an alternative, you can use vegetable oil or melted butter for a different flavor.
Smoked Paprika: It adds a lovely smokiness. If you don’t have it, try sweet paprika or regular paprika with a touch of liquid smoke. It’s a great way to mimic that BBQ flavor.
Spices: The mix of garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano gives depth. Feel free to switch any of these based on your preference—Italian seasoning or chili powder can work well too!
Barbecue Sauce: While optional, this can elevate your ribs. If you’re avoiding sugar, look for sugar-free options or make your own sauce. Honey or maple syrup can also be great alternatives.
How Do You Ensure Ribs Are Tender and Fall Apart?
The key to tender ribs is cooking them low and slow. This method allows the fat to break down and keeps the meat juicy. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Set your oven to a low temperature, around 300°F (150°C). This slow cooking helps the meat to soften.
- Cover the ribs tightly with foil before baking. This traps steam and moisture, ensuring they don’t dry out.
- Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours. Check the tenderness toward the end. If they’re not falling apart, give them a bit longer.
For a nice finish, you can broil them with barbecue sauce. Just keep an eye on them, as they can burn quickly!
How to Make Fall Apart Oven Baked Country Style Pork Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 lbs country style pork ribs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Spices:
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For Serving:
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (optional, for serving)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and then around 2.5 to 3 hours to bake in the oven. Add a few minutes if you decide to broil with barbecue sauce for a caramelized finish. So, set aside approximately 3 hours for this delightful dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep:
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low temperature is key to making your ribs juicy and tender. While it’s heating, gather all your spices!
2. Mix the Spice Rub:
In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, thyme, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if you like a little heat). This spice mix is going to give your ribs tons of flavor!
3. Prepare the Ribs:
Pat the pork ribs dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. This helps the spice rub stick better. Drizzle the olive oil over the ribs and rub it in, making sure they’re covered all over.
4. Season the Ribs:
Take the spice mix and generously rub it over the ribs. Make sure every inch is coated in those delicious spices. It’s like giving your ribs a cozy, flavorful blanket!
5. Arrange and Cover:
Place the seasoned ribs in a baking dish or sheet pan, making sure to spread them out in a single layer. This helps them cook evenly. Then, cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil. This step is crucial because it locks in moisture and helps the ribs cook perfectly.
6. Bake for Tenderness:
Pop the pan in the preheated oven and let the ribs bake for about 2.5 to 3 hours. When they’re finished, they should be so tender that they almost fall apart when you poke them with a fork. So good!
7. Optional Glaze:
If you’d like a nice glaze on your ribs, take them out of the oven, remove the foil, and brush on your favorite barbecue sauce. Then, broil them for 3-5 minutes until they’re beautifully caramelized. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
8. Rest and Serve:
Once you’re done broiling, take the ribs out and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color before serving. You can serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping if desired.
Enjoy your tender, fall-apart country style pork ribs! They are sure to be a hit at your table!
FAQ for Fall Apart Oven Baked Country Style Pork Ribs
Can I Use Different Cuts of Pork for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While country style pork ribs are great for this recipe, you can also use spare ribs or baby back ribs. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly, so it’s best to check tenderness as you go.
How Do I Know When the Ribs Are Done?
The ribs are done when they are tender and can be easily pulled apart with a fork. You should plan for 2.5 to 3 hours of baking at 300°F (150°C). If you want to make sure, use a meat thermometer—pork is safe to eat at 145°F (63°C), but for tender ribs, you want them to be much more than that!
Can I Make These Ribs Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare and season the ribs in advance and refrigerate them overnight. Just be aware that you may want to bring them to room temperature before baking for evenly cooked results. Alternatively, you can bake them early in the day and reheat them in the oven before serving!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Ribs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) until warmed through or microwave them for a quicker option, adding a splash of water to keep them moist.
