These Country Style Ribs are tender, juicy, and smothered in mouthwatering BBQ sauce. Our recipe has all of the tips and tricks to perfecting these delectable pork ribs, whether slow-cooked in the Crockpot for maximum flavor infusion or prepared in the oven or air fryer for a quicker method.
What Are Country Style Ribs
They are a type of pork rib that is cut from the blade end of the pork loin, close to the shoulder. Despite the name, country-style ribs are not actual ribs but rather meaty strips or chops that resemble ribs. They are typically larger and thicker than traditional ribs, with more meat on the bone.
They are known for their rich flavor and tender, juicy meat. They have a good amount of marbling, which contributes to their tenderness and succulence. Due to their meatiness, they are ideal for slow cooking methods like braising, roasting, or grilling.
These ribs are a popular choice for those who enjoy the taste of ribs but prefer a larger, meatier cut with less bone.
How to Season
I love to use my Homemade BBQ Rub and Seasoning for these. It’s a combination of the following:
What Type of BBQ Sauce
Always use your favorite BBQ sauce. That will ensure the ribs suit your taste.
Do You Have to Marinate Them
Marinades are great for hearty meats that won’t necessarily get tender on their own by cooking, such as chicken, thick cuts of pork, and steak. Since these will get tender on their own, I don’t find marinating necessary. Feel free to do so if you wish.
If you want to marinate them you can combine 1/2 cup soy sauce and 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar along with the spices used in the recipe and add them to the ribs. Place the ribs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish that can hold the ribs and the marinade. Marinate for at least 2 hours to overnight.
How to Make Country-Style Ribs
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Pat the ribs dry and sprinkle the BBQ rub onto both sides of the ribs.
- Slow cook, bake, or air fry the ribs.
- Serve with BBQ sauce.
How to Tell When They Are Done
- The ribs should have a golden brown or caramelized exterior when they are properly cooked. The surface should have a slight crust or char, depending on the cooking method used.
- The meat should be tender and easily pull away from the bone. You can check for doneness by gently inserting a fork or a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the rib meat. If the meat is tender and easily separates or flakes apart, it is likely done. Avoid overcooking, as the meat can become dry and tough.
- Use a meat thermometer and ensure the ribs are cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees.
- Cook times will vary depending on the size and thickness of the ribs.
Crispy Skin
Once the ribs are done cooking, they can be served immediately, or you can transfer them to a baking sheet and broil them in the oven for a few minutes to crisp up the skin. You can also crisp them outside on the grill.
How to Store Leftovers
Place the ribs in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. Ensure the container or foil is sealed properly to prevent air and moisture from getting in. They will last for 3-4 days tightly covered in the fridge.
How to Reheat
- Air Fryer: 350 degrees until warm.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 250 degrees. Wrap the ribs in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet. Heat the ribs until they are heated through.
- Grill: Preheat the grill to medium heat. Brush the ribs with a bit of barbecue sauce or oil to prevent sticking, and place them on the grill. Cook the ribs until they are heated through and have grill marks.
- Microwave: Microwave the ribs on high for 1-2 minutes, or until they are heated through.
Freezer Tips
Wrap the ribs tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help prevent freezer burn and keep the ribs fresh. Place the wrapped ribs in a freezer-safe plastic bag or airtight container. Freeze the ribs for up to 2-3 months.
More Ribs Recipes
Traeger Smoked Ribs
Grilled Baby Back Ribs
Air Fryer Ribs
Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs
Slow Cooker Crockpot BBQ Ribs
Pair With These Recipes
Potato Salad with Bacon
Slow Cooker Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Slow Cooker Crockpot Wings
Slow Cooker Crockpot Candied Sweet Potatoes
Slow Cooker Crockpot Collard Greens
Slow Cooker Crockpot Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Country Style Ribs
Ingredients
- 3-4 pounds country style ribs
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar or sweetener
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Regular paprika is fine.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Pat the ribs dry and sprinkle the spices onto both sides of the ribs.
Slow Cooker Crockpot Instructions
- Drizzle the BBQ sauce throughout the bottom of the slow cooker. (I use a 7 quart Crockpot).
- Cook on Low for 8-10 hours or on High for 4-5 hours.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ribs. The temperature should reach a minimum temp of 145 degrees for safety. For tender ribs, the temp should be between 195 to 205 degrees. The meat should pull back from the ends of the bones and the meat should be tender and juicy.
- Be careful removing the ribs. They will be super tender and fall off the bone.
- For crispy caramelized ribs you can transfer them to a baking sheet or foil and broil them in the oven for a 3-4 minutes to crisp up the skin. You can also crisp them outside on the grill.
Air Fryer Instructions
- Place the seasoned ribs in the air fryer basket. Do not stack, cook in batches if necessary.
- Cook for 20-30 minutes at 380 degrees until the ribs reach a minimum temp of 145 degrees for safety. For tender ribs, the temp should be between 195 to 205 degrees. The meat should pull back from the ends of the bones and the meat should be tender and juicy.
- Cool before serving and drizzle the BBQ sauce over the ribs.
Oven Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
- Place the seasoned ribs in a 9×13 baking dish. Cover the dish with foil.
- Bake for 2 hours or until the ribs are tender and juicy and reach a minimum temp of 145 degrees for safety. For tender ribs, the temp should be between 195 to 205 degrees. The meat should pull back from the ends of the bones and the meat should be tender and juicy.
- Drizzle the ribs in BBQ sauce.
- For crispy ribs, remove the foil and change the temperature on the oven to Broil. Broil for 3-4 minutes to crisp up the skin.
Notes
- You can use any cut of ribs in this recipe.
- The amount of the spices you will need will vary based on the size of your ribs. Adjust accordingly and add more or less of whatever you need.
- Feel free to use your favorite BBQ rub blend or BBQ sauce.