If you’re a fan of tender, juicy, and flavorful pork ribs, then you’ll love country-style pork butt ribs.
These thick cuts of meat are perfect for slow cooking, which allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become fall-off-the-bone tender.
But cooking them to perfection can be a challenge, especially if you’re new to the game.
In this article, we’ll show you how to cook pork butt country style ribs like a pro, with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips along the way.
So grab your apron and let’s get started!
How To Cook Pork Butt Country Style Ribs?
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 300°F.
Step 2: Season both sides of your ribs with salt and pepper and place them in a single layer in a pan, fattier side up.
Step 3: Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake for 2 hours.
Step 4: After 2 hours, carefully remove the ribs from the oven and check the meat. They should be starting to become tender. If they still feel tough, re-cover them and place them back in the oven for 15 to 30 minutes.
Step 5: Transfer the ribs to a plate and drain the liquid from the pan.
Step 6: Return the ribs to the tray and brush them with a generous coating of BBQ sauce.
Step 7: Turn the oven down to 275°F and bake the ribs, uncovered, for 1 hour more, or until you can pull the meat apart with a fork.
Step 8: Brush with another coat of BBQ sauce, rest for 5 minutes, serve and enjoy!
Choosing The Right Pork Butt Country Style Ribs
When it comes to choosing the right pork butt country style ribs, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, look for slabs with good meat coverage over the bones and no large areas of surface fat. Avoid slabs where the meat has been cut too close to the bone, as these exposed bones may fall out during cooking. It’s also best to avoid buying ribs that are frozen or have been previously frozen, if possible. While some people don’t notice much of a difference in quality between fresh and frozen ribs, fresh is generally considered to be the best option.
When selecting country-style ribs, keep in mind that they are unique in appearance and not technically ribs. They are cut from the fatty, muscular section of the shoulder blade near the loin and consist of lean meat layered with flavorful fat. Look for cuts that have more meat and less bone than “real” ribs. The size and weight of the slabs can vary, so experiment to find out what you like best. Some people prefer smaller slabs, around 2 pounds each, believing that there’s a higher ratio of meat to bone in smaller slabs. Others prefer larger slabs.
It’s important to inspect the ribs before purchasing them. Reject any ribs that are discolored or have dried-out edges, as this is an indication of freezer burn. When opening Cryovac packaging, you may notice a slight odor which should dissipate after a few minutes – this is normal. However, if the odor is strong and putrid and lasts longer than 10 minutes, the meat is probably spoiled and should be returned to the store for a refund. Additionally, check for liquid in the bottom of the packaging – a large amount of liquid is an indication of excessive storage time, improper storage temperature or previously frozen meat.
Preparing Your Ribs For Cooking
Before cooking your pork butt country style ribs, it’s important to prepare them properly. The first step is to remove the membrane on the back of the ribs. This can be done by using a paper towel to grip the corner of the membrane and pulling it off. Removing the membrane allows for better flavor absorption and a more tender end result.
Next, season both sides of the ribs with your desired seasoning. Salt and pepper are a simple and classic option, but you can also use a dry rub or marinade for added flavor. Make sure to coat both sides evenly.
When placing the ribs in the pan, make sure to arrange them in a single layer with the fattier side facing up. This will help keep the meat moist and tender during cooking.
Cover the pan tightly with foil to create a steamy environment that will help break down the tough connective tissue in the meat. This is an important step in achieving fall-off-the-bone tenderness.
After baking for 2 hours, check on the ribs to see if they are starting to become tender. If they still feel tough, re-cover them and place them back in the oven for an additional 15 to 30 minutes.
Once the ribs are tender, remove them from the oven and brush them with a generous coating of BBQ sauce. Turning down the oven temperature and baking uncovered for an additional hour will allow the sauce to caramelize and create a delicious glaze on the ribs.
Finally, let the ribs rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and moist end result. Enjoy your perfectly cooked pork butt country style ribs!
Seasoning Your Pork Butt Country Style Ribs
Before you start cooking your pork butt country style ribs, it’s important to season them well to bring out their delicious flavor. Begin by generously rubbing salt, pepper, and Creole seasoning over both sides of the ribs and onions. This will help to enhance the natural flavors of the meat and create a delicious crust on the outside.
Next, smear Dijon mustard on both sides of the pork chops, then add minced garlic and half of the thyme and rosemary. This will infuse the meat with a rich, savory flavor that will complement the smoky BBQ sauce perfectly.
Once you’ve seasoned your pork butt country style ribs, place them in a roasting pan with onions and the other half of the thyme and rosemary. Make sure to place them in a single layer so that they cook evenly. If desired, you can add more seasonings at this point to further enhance the flavor of the meat.
Cover the roasting pan with foil to prevent your country-style ribs from drying out and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F/177°C for an hour. After an hour, remove the foil and cook for another 30 minutes to reduce the liquid and brown the pork. This will create a beautiful caramelized crust on the outside of the meat while keeping it juicy and tender on the inside.
By following these simple steps for seasoning your pork butt country style ribs, you’ll be able to create a delicious and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a backyard BBQ, these ribs are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them!
Slow Cooking Your Ribs To Perfection
Slow cooking your pork butt country style ribs is a great way to achieve tender, juicy and flavorful ribs. The slow cooking process allows the meat to cook low and slow, breaking down the tough connective tissues and rendering the fat, resulting in fall-off-the-bone deliciousness.
To slow cook your ribs to perfection, start by preheating your oven to 300°F. Season both sides of your ribs with salt and pepper and place them in a single layer in a pan, fattier side up. Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake for 2 hours.
After 2 hours, carefully remove the ribs from the oven and check the meat. They should be starting to become tender. If they still feel tough, re-cover them and place them back in the oven for 15 to 30 minutes.
Once the meat is tender, transfer the ribs to a plate and drain the liquid from the pan. Return the ribs to the tray and brush them with a generous coating of BBQ sauce. Turn the oven down to 275°F and bake the ribs, uncovered, for 1 hour more or until you can pull the meat apart with a fork.
Brush with another coat of BBQ sauce, rest for 5 minutes, serve and enjoy! Slow cooking your pork butt country style ribs is an easy and delicious way to achieve restaurant-quality results at home.
Adding Flavor With BBQ Sauce Or Marinade
Adding BBQ sauce or marinade is a great way to enhance the flavor of your pork butt country style ribs. There are many different types of BBQ sauces and marinades available in stores, but making your own homemade version can be just as delicious and give you more control over the ingredients.
To make a simple BBQ sauce, combine ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and spices like garlic powder and paprika. Whisk everything together and adjust the seasoning to your taste. You can also add some heat with hot sauce or cayenne pepper if you like spicy ribs.
To use the BBQ sauce with your ribs, brush it on generously during the last hour of cooking. Make sure to turn the ribs over and coat both sides evenly. The sauce will caramelize and create a sticky glaze on the meat. You can also reserve some of the sauce for serving at the table.
If you prefer to use a marinade instead of BBQ sauce, mix together soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil for an Asian-inspired flavor. Or try a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, rosemary, and thyme for a Mediterranean twist.
To marinate your ribs, place them in a large resealable bag or container and pour the marinade over them. Make sure the meat is fully coated and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor. Before cooking, remove the excess marinade and pat the ribs dry with paper towels.
Whether you choose to use BBQ sauce or marinade, adding flavor to your pork butt country style ribs is easy and delicious. Experiment with different combinations of ingredients to find your favorite flavor profile.
Serving And Enjoying Your Delicious Pork Butt Country Style Ribs
Once your pork butt country style ribs are ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy them! Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and ensures that the ribs are juicy and tender.
To keep the ribs warm while resting, tent them with aluminum foil. Place the hot ribs on a wood cutting board and lightly cover them with enough aluminum foil to tuck under the edge of the ribs, leaving a peak, like a tent, above the meat.
You can serve your pork butt country style ribs as is or pair them with classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, or potato salad for a hearty meal that your family will enjoy.
If you have leftovers, wrap them in foil or plastic and store them in a shallow, airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, then cover and bake them for about 20 minutes in a preheated 250°F/120°C oven. Baste the ribs with barbeque sauce to prevent drying out.