Country Pork Ribs Recipe: Simple, Flavorful, and Tender

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with the allure of country pork ribs. Known for their rich, deep flavors and tender texture when cooked right, country pork ribs offer a succulent taste that is both satisfying and undeniably comforting. This blog post dives into a simple yet flavorful recipe that guarantees melt-in-your-mouth ribs, perfect for any occasion, whether you're hosting a family dinner or a barbecue party.

Ingredients

Here are the essentials you’ll need to create your scrumptious country pork ribs:

• Pork Ribs - 2-3 lbs of country-style pork ribs
• Spices
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Liquids
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
  • ¹⁄₂ cup brown sugar
  • ¹⁄₄ cup soy sauce

Preparation

Let’s start with the preparation:

1. Pat Dry: Ensure the ribs are patted dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Seasoning: Combine all the dry spices (smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper) in a small bowl. Rub this mixture generously over the ribs, coating them evenly.

💡 Note: Allow the ribs to sit with the spice rub for at least 30 minutes or up to several hours in the refrigerator. This helps the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Cooking Method

Cooking country pork ribs to perfection involves a slow and low heat approach:

1. Oven Roasting: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
   • Arrange the seasoned ribs in a roasting pan or a baking dish.
   • Pour the apple cider vinegar, chicken stock, brown sugar, and soy sauce mixture over the ribs.
   • Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil.
   • Roast in the oven for about 2-3 hours or until the meat is tender and almost falling off the bone.
2. Broiling: After roasting, remove the foil, turn the oven to broil, and allow the ribs to develop a nice, crispy crust for about 5-10 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Serving Suggestions

To enhance your dining experience:

• Serve with a side of coleslaw for a crunchy contrast.
• Add mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a hearty meal.
• Consider a light salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the ribs.

After following these steps, you'll have perfectly cooked country pork ribs with a caramelized surface and a moist, tender interior. Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:

💡 Note: For a BBQ flavor, you can apply your favorite barbecue sauce during the broiling step, brushing it on for the last 5 minutes of cooking.

These ribs offer not just a culinary delight but also an opportunity to gather and enjoy a meal that speaks to the soul. From the selection of prime cuts to the artful seasoning and cooking techniques, every step in preparing country pork ribs is about patience and passion, resulting in a dish that's truly unforgettable.

How long should I marinate the ribs?

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Marinate the ribs for at least 30 minutes to several hours. Longer marination enhances flavor penetration but doesn’t necessarily tenderize the meat further.

Can I grill these ribs instead of oven roasting?

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Yes, these ribs can be grilled. Use indirect heat on a BBQ grill, aiming for a similar low and slow cooking technique as oven roasting, and add sauce towards the end for a glazed effect.

What can I use if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?

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Apple cider vinegar is great for adding flavor, but you can substitute it with white wine vinegar or even balsamic vinegar for a different depth of flavor.