The Tasty World of Country Style Pork Ribs

As I strolled through the meat department at my local grocery store the other day, I came across a pack of country style pork ribs. Their meaty, marbled appearance immediately caught my eye and made my mouth water. Though I was familiar with baby back ribs and spare ribs, I wasn’t quite sure what country style ribs were all about. Intrigued, I decided to pick up a pack and do some research to satisfy my curiosity.

What I discovered is that country style ribs come from the upper portion of the pig near the loin and shoulder area. Unlike spare ribs which are located lower down near the belly, country style ribs contain both white and dark meat. This gives them a wonderfully rich flavor that is reminiscent of a pork chop. The cut consists of the rib bones surrounded by fatty marbled meat on one side, with loin meat on the other side of the bones.

One of the things that makes country style ribs so enticing is that they are extremely versatile. They can be prepared in a variety of ways, whether you want to grill, bake, braise, or simmer them. The possibilities are nearly endless! Let’s take a look at some of the classic ways to cook up these succulent ribs and explore what makes each preparation unique.

Grilling For Smoky Perfection

For many barbecue aficionados, grilling is the ideal way to cook country style pork ribs. The high dry heat helps render the fat while forming a delicious caramelized crust on the exterior. Grilling imparts a wonderful smoky flavor that brings these ribs to their full potential.

I like to start by creating a zesty dry rub to coat the meat. A basic rub of brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper is always a winner. The spices and sweetness form a mouthwatering bark when seared over the hot grill. I’ll let the ribs soak up that rub for at least 30 minutes before tossing them on the grates.

Once the grill is hot, I’ll cook the ribs for 4-5 minutes per side to get nice grill marks. Then I’ll move them to indirect heat, close the lid, and let the smoke work its magic. Country style ribs usually take about 1-1.5 hours to become tender and cooked through when grilling. I like to brush them with a tangy barbecue sauce during the last 10-15 minutes to let it caramelize. Smoky, saucy, with a touch of spice – grilled country style ribs are a summer grill-out staple!

Baking For Hands-Off Meals

For easy weeknight meals, baking country style pork ribs is a totally hands-off cooking method. Simply season the ribs, pop them in the oven, and let the dry ambient heat tenderize the meat to fall-off-the-bone perfection.

I recommend seasoning the ribs generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika before baking. The spices form a flavorful crust, while the salt helps draw moisture out of the meat. Baking country style ribs takes approximately 1 1/2 – 2 hours in a 275°F oven. For extra flavor, you can brush them with barbecue sauce periodically as they bake.

The great thing about oven-baked ribs is you don’t have to watch and flip them constantly like grilling. Once they are in the oven, you are free to prepare tasty side dishes or relax until the ribs are ready. The oven does all the work! Roasting pans or rimmed baking sheets work perfectly for catching the juices.

Braising For Tenderness

When I want fall-off-the-bone tender country style ribs, braising is my top choice technique. Braising involves browning the meat first to develop flavor, then slowly simmering in a small amount of liquid. This gentle moist-heat method tenderizes the ribs while infusing them with a delicious braising liquid.

I’ll start by searing the seasoned ribs in a skillet with olive oil. Then I’ll transfer the ribs to a Dutch oven or heavy pot along with onions, carrots, garlic, and broth. Letting the ribs braise for 2-3 hours creates meat so tender it nearly melts in your mouth. The natural collagen in the ribs breaks down to create a silky sauce. Serve braised country style ribs with buttery mashed potatoes – comfort food at its finest!

For a fun twist, you can braise the ribs in a flavorful sauce like barbecue, teriyaki, red wine, or salsa. The sauce adds great flavor and keeps the ribs ultra-moist. Braising may take time, but the results are well worth it!

Simmering For Effortless Meals

When time is short, simmering country style pork ribs on the stovetop or in the slow cooker lets you get food on the table fast.

For stovetop simmering, I brown the seasoned ribs first in a skillet to develop that great seared flavor. Then I’ll add about a cup of water or broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Letting the ribs simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour results in tender, juicy meat that’s ready to enjoy. The simmering liquid provides moisture so the ribs don’t dry out.

For even easier meals, using a slow cooker is the way to go. Simply toss the seasoned ribs in the slow cooker and let them cook on low heat for 6-8 hours until fork tender. The elongated cooking time gives the connective tissue plenty of time to break down. Slow cooker ribs turn out incredibly moist and flavorful with little hands-on effort required.

When dinner needs to hit the table quickly, simmering is the perfect way to cook country style pork ribs. Try serving them atop cheesy polenta, over pasta, or in tacos or sandwiches. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination!

Flavorful Sauces and Sides

While country style pork ribs are amazingly tasty all on their own, sauces and sides can take them to new culinary heights. Here are some of my favorite ways to finish off a rack of fantastic country style ribs:

Sauces

• BBQ Sauce: A classic sweet and tangy barbecue sauce never fails. The bold flavor coats each juicy bite.
• Teriyaki Sauce: For an Asian twist, brush ribs with a salty-sweet teriyaki glaze during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• Chimichurri: This vibrant Argentinian green sauce with herbs and vinegar cuts through the richness perfectly.
• Mole Sauce: For a Mexican kick, smother ribs in this complex sauce with chili peppers and cocoa. So unique!

Sides

• Mac and Cheese: Ooey-gooey macaroni and cheese is my favorite accompaniment! The creaminess pairs perfectly with country style ribs.
• Coleslaw: Crisp, cool coleslaw provides freshness and crunch to balance the tender ribs.
• Baked Beans: Sweet and smoky baked beans complement the barbecue flavor of the ribs.
• Cornbread: Warm cornbread fresh from the oven soaks up all the flavorful juices.
• Potato Salad: Old-fashioned potato salad with hard boiled eggs and pickles is a classic pairing.

With so many ways to sauce up plates and round out meals, country style pork ribs are endlessly adaptable to please all palates! Experiment with different flavor combinations until you find your favorites.

Serving Suggestions

When serving up my perfectly cooked country style pork ribs, I like to get creative with the presentation. Here are some fun ideas to impress guests:

• Pile ribs over cheesy grits in a bowl for a Southern comfort food feast.
• Serve ribs on a platter with all the classic barbecue fixings like cornbread and coleslaw.
• Chop ribs and toss with cooked pasta, vegetables, and a bold vinaigrette for a hearty main dish salad.
• For appetizers, cut ribs into individual bones and serve with homemade barbecue sauce for dipping.
• Stuff ribs, mashed potatoes, and roasted vegetables into a baked potato for an amazing stuffed spud.
• Dice up leftover ribs and add them to scrambled eggs, omelets, or breakfast tacos.

However you choose to serve them up, country style pork ribs are sure satisfy! Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when plating these flavorful ribs. They pair well with so many dishes and ingredients. Get creative to make unforgettable meals that will have your guests begging you to share the recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly are country style pork ribs?

Country style pork ribs come from the upper portion of the hog near the shoulder. They contain part of the loin along with rib bones surrounded by streaks of fat. This makes their texture and flavor similar to pork chops.

How are country style ribs different from spare ribs or baby back ribs?

Spare ribs are lower on the pig near the belly, while baby back ribs are from the top center of the back. Country style ribs have more marbling from the shoulder section. They also contain loin meat unlike other rib cuts.

Are country style ribs tough since they contain more connective tissue?

Not necessarily. They can be cooked to be very tender and juicy. Methods like braising, baking, grilling, and simmering help break down the connective tissue over time. Proper cooking renders country style ribs succulent and flavorful.

What is the best way to cook country style pork ribs?

Country style ribs are extremely versatile! They can be baked, braised, grilled, broiled, simmered, or even cooked in the slow cooker. Different methods produce slightly different results, but they can be adapted to various recipes and preferences quite well.

What woodsmoke flavors pair best with country style pork ribs?

For smoking or grilling country style pork ribs, fruitwoods like apple, cherry, pecan, and hickory work very well. The mildly sweet smoke complements the pork beautifully. Mesquite or oak give a stronger smoke flavor if that is your preference. Try small amounts of various woods to find the flavors you like most.

Conclusion

After diving into the world of country style pork ribs, I’ve gained a true appreciation for just how tasty and versatile they can be. Their milder flavor and tender meatiness reminds me of a pork chop crossed with the fabulous texture of ribs. I’m excited to keep experimenting with different seasonings, sauces, sides, and plating ideas. Tracing the roots of traditional BBQ back to its origins, I’ve explored various cooking methods like grilling, braising, baking, and simmering – and no matter which one I choose, country style ribs satisfy my hunger every time. I hope the tips I’ve shared will inspire you to pick up a pack of country style ribs and create your own fantastic recipes. Happy grilling, simmering, braising, and baking!