Take four ingredients, follow this recipe, and turn these ribs into a BBQ feast.
Summer, for me, is always synonymous with backyard barbecues. And one of my absolute favorite things to serve for such an occasion is ribs.
Growing up, country-style ribs were the cut of choice that my family reached for most often. They’re meaty, satisfying, economical, and forgiving, making them perfect for a group setting. As an adult, I make this recipe for a big dinner on an annual lakehouse trip with friends; the kind of trip where shoes are optional and you lose track of time. The ribs are always the star of the night. There are no elaborate ingredients, no tricky timing, just a simple, foolproof recipe that hits the spot.
These country-style ribs get a swipe of Dijon mustard, which creates a bright tang and holds the seasoning in place before going into the oven. The ribs then slow-roast until the edges are caramelized and there’s no fight to take a bite; they’re practically falling off the bone. And, of course, the barbecue sauce layered on toward the end adds warm, sweet heat that gives any good plate of ribs their signature flavor.
What exactly are country-style pork ribs?
Here’s a little secret: Country-style pork ribs don’t actually come from the pig’s ribs. They aren’t ribs at all. They are actually taken from the shoulder or pork loin areas. Country-style cuts are meatier, but they’re also fattier, which makes them the ideal cut for slow cooking, either in a slow cooker or in the oven, as we do with this recipe. They also tend to be cheaper than actual baby back or spare ribs, which makes them a better option for feeding a large crowd on a budget.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze your cooked country-style ribs for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven with a brush of fresh sauce so the edges don’t dry out.
Serving suggestions
You may be tempted to pair these ribs with coleslaw, but I’m going to suggest this recipe for Healthy Brussels Sprout Salad as a unique twist on a classic combo. To complete the trifecta of BBQ pork goodness, you’ll need some Easy Slow-Cooker Baked Beans, too. Want to make this a quartet? Make Jenny’s Cornbread on the side.
Country-Style Pork Ribs Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds country-style pork ribs
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 275°F.
- Brush the ribs with mustard and then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Arrange the ribs on a baking tray and cover with foil. Bake in the oven for 2 hours, or until tender.
- Remove from the oven. Pour off the liquid. Baste the ribs with barbecue sauce on both sides. Bake uncovered for 15-30 minutes. The meat should be tender to the point of falling apart.
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