Easy Boneless Country Style Ribs (Oven-Baked)

What are Country-Style Pork Ribs?

Despite their name, country-style pork ribs aren’’t like traditional pork or beef ribs as they come from the pork shoulder area rather than the rib area. In contrast, spare ribs are traditional pork ribs that come from the rib section and contain specific rib structures, setting them apart from country-style ribs.

These ribs, which can be purchased boneless or bone-in, are meatier and contain more fat and connective tissue, making them incredibly flavorful and tender when cooked low and slow.

Reasons I love this recipe, and you will, too!

• Like my recipe for Oven Baked Baby Back Ribs, this one calls for simple ingredients with only a few minutes of prep. Then, the oven takes over all of the heavy lifting.
• Boneless Country-Style Pork Ribs are a tasty and versatile cut of pork that is full of flavor. Leftovers are just as good the next day and can be used in many different ways.
• This is an easy recipe suitable for beginning cooks, and it’s foolproof!

Ingredient notes

Besides the ribs, the only other ingredients you will need are simple pantry ingredients for the dry rub and your favorite BBQ sauce.

• Country-style boneless ribs – are different from baby back ribs or beef ribs. A moderate amount of marbling is desirable as it adds flavor and helps keep the meat juicy during cooking.
• Dry rub ingredients – include light brown sugar, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder (not pictured), kosher salt, and ground black pepper. The dry rub is crucial for enhancing country-style pork ribs’ flavor, texture, and juiciness.
• Your favorite purchased barbecue sauce (BBQ sauce) adds a bold and tangy flavor to the dish, complementing the smoky notes from the dry rub and enhancing the dish’s overall taste.

Complete measurements are available in the recipe card below.

How to cook Boneless Country-Style Ribs

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F. Combine all the dry rub ingredients in a small bowl.

2. Pat the meat dry with a paper towel, sprinkle the rub evenly over all sides of the meat, and pat it in. Let sit for 30 minutes up to 24 hours.

3. Take two large pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil and line a rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan with plenty of overhang to wrap the ribs securely. Place the meat on the foil with space between them and wrap them tightly to ensure no steam escapes.
4. To cook ribs for optimal tenderness, bake in the oven for one hour and 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and pull back the foil. For the most tender meat, you are looking for an internal temperature of 190-205°F as measured by an instant-read meat thermometer. If the pork isn’t done, wrap them up and cook them for 15 to 20 minutes more.
5. Remove excess liquid, and brush your favorite barbecue sauce liberally on the top and sides of the meat. Leave the foil pulled back, turn up the heat to 350°F, and let them cook for an additional 30 minutes. Optional: If you like a little char on your BBQ sauce, turn on the broiler and let the meat broil for a minute or two.

6. Remove the pan from the oven and let the ribs rest for a few minutes. Serve hot with your favorite sides, plenty of napkins, and extra BBQ sauce, if desired.

Serving suggestions

Country-style pork ribs pair well with classic BBQ side dishes such as coleslaw and smoked baked beans that complement their rich flavor and hearty texture.

Here are some other delicious side dish options to consider:

• House Salad or Broccoli Salad
• Grilled Vegetable Kabobs
• Southern Mac and Cheese
• Air Fryer French Fries

Recipe variations

Here are a few variations to the country-style pork ribs recipe that you might enjoy:

• Smoked Ribs: If you can access a smoker, try smoking the meat using the recipe for my Smoked Beef Short Ribs instead of cooking them in the oven. This will impart a rich, smoky flavor.
• I like to use a tomato-based BBQ sauce such as Sweet Baby Ray’s, but you could try a mustard-based sauce or Alabama white sauce. You can also serve the pork dry without BBQ sauce.
• Slow Cooker Method: Instead of cooking the pork in the oven, try using a slow cooker. Season the meat with the dry rub, place them in the slow cooker, and pour the barbecue sauce over the top. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until they are tender.
• These ribs can also be cooked in an Instant Pot or Air Fryer or on the grill.
• The boneless pork ribs recipe is versatile and can be adapted to various cooking methods, making it a convenient and effortless option for preparing tender and flavorful country style ribs.

How to store and reheat leftovers

After the meat has cooled to room temperature, store it in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag to maintain freshness. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for longer-term storage.

I like to reheat leftovers in the oven. To do this, preheat your oven to 300°F. Place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish or on a baking sheet lined with foil. Cover the dish with foil to prevent them from drying out, and heat for about 10-20 minutes or until warmed through.

Creative ways to give leftover ribs a second life!

A great way to repurpose leftovers is with my Cast Iron Pizza Skillet recipe. Substitute BBQ sauce for pizza sauce, thinly slice the ribs, mix them with a tablespoon of BBQ sauce, and pile them on the cheese. Bake as directed.

You’ll have a delicious BBQ Pork Pizza, and no one will know they are eating leftovers. You will need two leftover ribs for a 10-inch pizza.

Leftovers can also can also be used to make tasty pork fried rice or added to cheese quesadillas to make pork quesadillas.

Recipe FAQs:

Sharon’s tips and tricks

Choose boneless ribs that are relatively uniform in size and thickness. This ensures even cooking and prevents smaller pieces from overcooking while larger ones are still underdone.

Allow the meat to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in juicier and more flavorful ribs.

More pork recipes

Here is a link for all of my pork recipes if you need more menu ideas.

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