These Oven Baked BBQ Boneless Country Style Pork Ribs are a treat! They’re tender and juicy, coated in a tasty BBQ sauce that keeps you coming back for more. Yum!
Honestly, I love how they cook up in the oven without any fuss. Just pop them in and your kitchen will smell amazing. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a fun BBQ day! 🍖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Boneless Country Style Pork Ribs: These ribs are meaty and flavorful, making them perfect for baking. If you can’t find them, you can use boneless short ribs or even boneless chicken thighs for a different twist. Just adjust cooking time as needed!
BBQ Sauce: Choose a BBQ sauce you love! Whether it’s sweet, spicy, or tangy, it can change the entire dish. You can also make your own sauce or try using a teriyaki or honey mustard sauce as a substitute for BBQ sauce.
Garlic and Onion Powders: These add great flavor. In a pinch, you can use fresh garlic and onion, finely minced, but reduce the amount since they’re more potent. I usually love the convenience of powders for a smoother texture.
Smoked Paprika: This gives a deep, smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika works fine—just omit the “smoky” aspect. You can also try a dash of liquid smoke for that aroma!
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a tangy kick. If you’re after a non-vinegar option, try lemon juice or omit it entirely. It’s optional, but I think it brightens the overall flavors nicely.
How Do I Ensure My Ribs Are Tender and Flavorful?
The key to tender ribs is cooking them low and slow. This method allows the meat to absorb the spices while keeping it moist. Here’s how to make sure they turn out perfectly:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) to start. This low temperature is essential.
- After seasoning the ribs, let them sit for about 15-30 minutes. This helps the flavors soak in.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This keeps steam in and ensures the ribs don’t dry out.
- Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours. The longer, the better, so don’t rush this part!
- Once they’re done, adding BBQ sauce and caramelizing them at a higher temp gives a nice finish. Keep an eye out during this step to avoid burning!
Oven Baked BBQ Boneless Country Style Pork Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Ribs:
- 3 pounds boneless country style pork ribs
For The Spice Rub:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
For The BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your choice of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional for tanginess)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus 2.5 to 3 hours to bake. You’ll spend some time mixing the spices and seasoning the ribs, then let the oven do the work. After a bit more time for the BBQ sauce, you’ll be ready to feast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This is the perfect temperature for slow cooking those tender pork ribs.
2. Make the Spice Rub:
In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and olive oil. Mix it until it forms a nice paste. This will be your exciting spice rub that adds tons of flavor!
3. Season the Ribs:
Take the boneless pork ribs and pat them dry gently with paper towels. This will help the rub stick better. Now, spread the spice rub all over the ribs, making sure to coat every side evenly. Get your hands in there for the best coverage!
4. Prepare for Baking:
Arrange the seasoned ribs in a single layer in a large baking dish or on a rimmed baking sheet. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This keeps the moisture in and helps the ribs become super tender while they cook.
5. Bake the Ribs:
Now it’s time to bake! Place your covered baking dish in the oven and let those ribs cook for about 2.5 to 3 hours. They should become tender enough to pull apart easily with a fork.
6. Add the BBQ Sauce:
Once the ribs are ready, take them out of the oven and remove the foil. Brush a generous amount of your favorite BBQ sauce over the ribs. Make sure they are fully coated for delicious flavor!
7. Caramelize the Sauce:
Turn up the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Return the ribs to the oven, uncovered. Let them bake for an extra 15-20 minutes until the BBQ sauce is bubbly and caramelized on top. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing!
8. Let Them Rest:
After baking, take the ribs out of the oven and give them a few minutes to rest. This helps the juices settle in, making them even tastier.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve the ribs warm with your favorite sides—think coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread. Dig in and enjoy your tasty BBQ ribs!
Can I Use Bone-In Ribs Instead of Boneless?
Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that bone-in ribs may require a longer cooking time, about 3 to 3.5 hours. The meat should still be tender and pull away from the bone easily when done. Adjust the cooking time accordingly while keeping an eye on the tenderness.
What Type of BBQ Sauce Works Best?
Feel free to use any BBQ sauce you like! Sweet, smoky, or tangy varieties all work well. If you want a homemade option, you could mix ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices for a quick homemade BBQ sauce.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just let them cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers, and reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
Can I Marinate the Ribs Overnight?
Absolutely! Marinating the ribs overnight will enhance the flavors greatly. Just apply the spice rub and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, simply proceed with the recipe as instructed!
