These fall-apart tender country-style pork ribs are baked to perfection in the oven. They are soaked in a tasty BBQ sauce that adds a delicious kick!
There’s nothing like the smell of these ribs cooking to make my stomach growl! I love serving them with a side of coleslaw—it’s a match made in Heaven! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Country Style Pork Ribs: These are the star of the dish. They’re meatier and tend to be more tender than traditional ribs. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try using boneless pork shoulder called “pork butt” instead.
BBQ Sauce: I love using a spicy or tangy BBQ sauce to give extra flavor. If you prefer a homemade option, you can mix ketchup, vinegar, honey, and Worcestershire sauce for a quick substitute.
Apple Cider Vinegar or Apple Juice: These ingredients help keep the ribs moist. If you don’t have them, you can use chicken broth or even a splash of white wine for added moisture.
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: Essential for flavor! If you don’t have these, minced garlic and finely chopped onions would work well too. Adjust the amounts according to your taste!
How Do You Get the Ribs Nice and Tender?
To achieve fork-tender ribs, low and slow cooking is key. Searing them before baking not only adds rich flavor but also helps to lock in moisture. Here’s how:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Sear the ribs in a hot skillet for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Cover them tightly with foil before baking. This creates steam, keeping the ribs moist during the long cooking process.
- Check for tenderness after 2 ½ to 3 hours; they should be easily pulled apart with a fork.
For an extra caramelized finish, remove the foil during the last baking stage and baste with juices! This way, you get that delicious, sticky glaze.
Fall Apart Oven Baked Country Style Pork Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 to 4 pounds country style pork ribs
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for smoky flavor)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for serving)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or apple juice (for moisture and tang)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish requires about 15 minutes of preparation time and then 2 ½ to 3 hours of baking. The longer baking time ensures the ribs become tender and juicy. Just set them in the oven and wait—it’s that simple!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Getting the oven hot before you pop in those ribs is essential for cooking them perfectly.
2. Season the Ribs
In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Take this flavorful seasoning mix and rub it all over the country style pork ribs, making sure they’re well-coated. It adds all the needed taste!
3. Sear the Ribs
Next, heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or roasting pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ribs and sear them on all sides until they’re golden brown—about 3-4 minutes per side. This step seals in all those delicious flavors.
4. Add BBQ Sauce and Vinegar
Remove the pan from heat after searing. Pour the BBQ sauce and apple cider vinegar (or apple juice) over the ribs, ensuring they’re evenly coated. This will add moisture and flavor to your dish.
5. Cover with Foil
Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil. This is key as it traps steam, keeping the ribs super moist as they bake.
6. Bake the Ribs
Now, place the pan in the oven and bake for 2 ½ to 3 hours. They should become fork-tender and fall apart easily when you’re done. Just wait patiently—totally worth it!
7. Baste and Caramelize
After the baking time, carefully remove the foil and baste the ribs with the pan juices or some extra BBQ sauce for that extra yum factor. If you want a nice caramelized finish, put them back in the oven uncovered for an extra 10-15 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
8. Rest and Serve
Take those beautiful ribs out of the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep all the juices inside. Slice them, serve hot with a side of extra BBQ sauce, and enjoy your delicious fall-apart ribs!
Dig in and savor every bite of these tender, juicy country style pork ribs—perfect for a cozy dinner!
FAQ for Fall Apart Oven Baked Country Style Pork Ribs
Can I Use Baby Back Ribs Instead of Country Style Ribs?
Absolutely! Baby back ribs can be used, but you may need to adjust the cooking time. Baby back ribs cook faster, so start checking for tenderness around the 2-hour mark to avoid overcooking.
What If I Don’t Have Apple Cider Vinegar or Apple Juice?
No problem! You can substitute these with chicken broth, which will keep the ribs moist and add flavor. You could also use another type of vinegar, like white or red wine vinegar, but use it sparingly as they may be more pungent.
How Do I Store Leftover Ribs?
Leftover ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or use a microwave on low power, covering them with a damp paper towel to keep them moist.
Can I Make These Ribs on the Grill?
Yes! To grill, after searing, you can transfer the ribs to a grill set to low heat. Cook them for about 1 ½ to 2 hours, basting with BBQ sauce occasionally. Use indirect heat to prevent burning. This will also give you that amazing smoky flavor!
