Oh my goodness, you are in for a treat with this recipe for Baked Country Style Ribs! I can still remember the first time I had these tender, flavorful ribs at a family barbecue. The smell wafting through the air and the sound of laughter around the grill had me dreaming of juicy meat that just fell off the bone. Ever since that day, I’ve been on a mission to recreate those mouthwatering ribs, and let me tell you, this recipe has become a staple in my household. It’s incredibly simple, flavorful, and perfect for any gathering or a cozy night in!
Now that the holidays are just around the corner, I like to whip these ribs out for family dinners, and they never disappoint. There’s something so comforting about ribs slow-cooked in their own flavorful juices. Plus, the combination of spices and the tang of the barbecue sauce creates an explosion of flavor that’s simply irresistible. Grab an apron, and let’s dive into this deliciousness!
What’s in Baked Country Style Ribs?
Country-Style Pork Ribs: This is the star of our show! These ribs are meatier than typical ribs, making them deliciously hearty. I typically like to get 3 to 4 pounds, but feel free to adjust based on how many guests you’re serving.
Olive Oil: A drizzle helps to sauté the onions and keep everything moist as it cooks. Plus, it adds a lovely richness! I usually go for a good quality extra virgin olive oil.
Onion: Sliced onions form a flavorful bed for the ribs. They caramelize beautifully during cooking and add a wonderful sweetness.
Garlic: Because can you ever have too much garlic? I use four cloves to give a nice punch of flavor. (Psst… don’t be afraid to add more if you’re a garlic lover like me!)
Barbecue Sauce: The choice is yours! I often use a smoky variety to complement the ribs perfectly. Make sure it’s your favorite because it packs a lot of flavor!
Apple Cider Vinegar: Just a tablespoon adds a nice tang and helps to balance the sweetness of the barbecue sauce.
Worcestershire Sauce: A splash enhances the umami flavor and depth. I always keep a bottle handy in my pantry.
Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: These spices make the ribs sing! The smoked paprika gives a natural smoky flavor that’ll make you feel like you’re grilling outdoors.
Salt and Black Pepper: Basic seasonings, but oh-so-important to enhance all those fabulous flavors!
Fresh Herbs: I love to garnish with fresh rosemary or parsley for a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor just before serving.
Is Baked Country Style Ribs Good for You?
Now, as much as I adore these ribs, let’s chat about health considerations. First off, the good news: country-style ribs are a source of protein, and when paired with the onions and garlic, you’re getting in some vitamins and antioxidants too!
Pork Ribs: They contain essential nutrients like iron and zinc. However, they can be high in saturated fat, so moderation is key. Enjoy these as a treat rather than an everyday meal, and balance it out with lots of veggies on the side!
Onions and garlic are powerful antioxidants, and they may help reduce inflammation.
So, while these ribs are a fantastic comfort food, be mindful of portion sizes. I like to serve mine with a hearty green salad or some roasted veggies to keep things balanced!
Ingredients
– 3 to 4 pounds country-style pork ribs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup barbecue sauce (your choice)
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– Fresh herbs (like rosemary or parsley) for garnish
This recipe serves about 6 people, depending on how hungry everyone is!
How to Make Baked Country Style Ribs?
1. First things first, let’s get that oven preheating! Set it to 300°F (150°C), so it’s nice and toasty when we’re ready to bake.
2. While that’s heating, grab a large oven-safe dish. Drizzle olive oil in the bottom and spread the sliced onions evenly. This will serve as a fragrant base for our ribs.
3. In a mixing bowl, let’s make our secret sauce! Combine the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir it all together until it’s a lovely, cohesive mix.
4. Now, place the country-style ribs on top of those sweet onions, and pour that wonderful barbecue sauce mixture all over the ribs. Ensure they’re coated without missing a spot – we want flavor in every bite!
5. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep all that moisture in as they cook. Stick it in the oven and let it bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender.
6. Once that time is up, remove the foil and switch your oven to broil. Broil the ribs for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until they’re slightly crispy and caramelized on the top. Oh, the smell in your kitchen is going to be heavenly!
7. Finally, take them out, sprinkle some fresh herbs for that gorgeous garnish, and serve hot with extra barbecue sauce if desired. Dig in and enjoy the oohs and aahs from your guests (or your taste buds if it’s just you!).
Delightful Tips for Baked Country Style Ribs
If you want to switch things up, you can try adding a bit of honey or brown sugar to your barbecue sauce for a sweeter glaze. For a kick, toss in some cayenne or chili powder to the spice blend.
As for serving suggestions, these ribs pair beautifully with classic coleslaw, cornbread, or even baked beans. They’re great for a game day feast or a cozy family dinner—loved by kids and adults alike!
So, there you have it, my friend! I can’t wait for you to try these Baked Country Style Ribs. They’ve got that home-cooked comfort vibe that’ll keep everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds). Don’t forget to share your delicious results with me! Happy cooking!
