Country style pork spare ribs are a staple of American barbecue, and for good reason. These tender, flavorful ribs are a crowd-pleaser, and with the right techniques, you can achieve fall-off-the-bone tenderness and a rich, tangy flavor that will leave your guests begging for more. In this article, we’ll take you through the process of cooking country style pork spare ribs, from preparation to finishing touches.
Understanding Country Style Pork Spare Ribs
Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s essential to understand what country style pork spare ribs are and how they differ from other types of ribs. Country style ribs are a type of pork rib that is cut from the shoulder or loin area, rather than the belly. This makes them meatier and more tender than traditional spare ribs. They are also often boneless, which can make them easier to cook and more convenient to serve.
Choosing the Right Ribs
When selecting country style pork spare ribs, look for ribs that are meaty and have a good balance of fat and lean meat. You want the ribs to be tender and juicy, but not so fatty that they become greasy. Opt for ribs that are labeled “country style” or “pork loin ribs,” and avoid ribs that are labeled “lean” or “low-fat,” as these may be too dry.
Preparing the Ribs
Before cooking the ribs, you’ll need to prepare them by removing any excess fat and connective tissue. This will help the ribs cook more evenly and prevent them from becoming tough.
Removing Excess Fat and Connective Tissue
To remove excess fat and connective tissue, start by trimming any visible fat from the surface of the ribs. Use a sharp knife to cut away any excess fat, taking care not to cut too deeply and damage the meat. Next, use a pair of kitchen shears to cut away any connective tissue that is visible on the surface of the ribs. This will help the ribs cook more evenly and prevent them from becoming tough.
Seasoning the Ribs
Once you’ve removed any excess fat and connective tissue, it’s time to season the ribs. In a small bowl, mix together a dry rub of your favorite spices, including paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the dry rub all over the ribs, making sure to coat them evenly. Let the ribs sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the seasonings to penetrate the meat.
Cooking the Ribs
Now that the ribs are prepared, it’s time to cook them. There are several ways to cook country style pork spare ribs, including grilling, baking, and slow cooking. In this article, we’ll focus on slow cooking the ribs, as this method produces the most tender and flavorful results.
Setting Up Your Slow Cooker
To slow cook the ribs, you’ll need a slow cooker or crock pot. Set the slow cooker to low heat and add a layer of barbecue sauce to the bottom of the pot. You can use your favorite store-bought barbecue sauce or make your own using a combination of ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices.
Adding the Ribs to the Slow Cooker
Once the slow cooker is set up, it’s time to add the ribs. Place the ribs in the slow cooker, bone side down, and spoon some of the barbecue sauce over the top of the ribs. Cover the slow cooker and let the ribs cook for at least 8 hours, or overnight.
Finishing the Ribs
After 8 hours, the ribs should be tender and falling off the bone. To finish the ribs, remove them from the slow cooker and place them on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Brush the ribs with additional barbecue sauce and sprinkle with brown sugar. Place the ribs under the broiler and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the ribs are caramelized and crispy.
Serving the Ribs
Once the ribs are cooked, it’s time to serve them. You can serve the ribs on their own, or with a variety of sides, including coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread.
Popular Side Dishes
Here are a few popular side dishes that go well with country style pork spare ribs:
- Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw made with shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, and vinegar is a classic side dish that pairs well with ribs.
- Baked beans: Sweet and smoky baked beans are a popular side dish that pairs well with ribs.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to help you take your country style pork spare ribs to the next level:
Using Different Types of Wood
If you’re using a smoker to cook your ribs, you can add different types of wood to the smoker to give the ribs a unique flavor. Popular types of wood include hickory, oak, and mesquite.
Adding Aromatics
You can add aromatics, such as onions and garlic, to the slow cooker with the ribs to give them additional flavor.
Using Different Types of Barbecue Sauce
You can use different types of barbecue sauce to give the ribs a unique flavor. Popular types of barbecue sauce include Kansas City-style, Carolina-style, and Alabama-style.
Conclusion
Country style pork spare ribs are a delicious and tender cut of meat that can be cooked to perfection with a little patience and practice. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can achieve fall-off-the-bone tenderness and a rich, tangy flavor that will leave your guests begging for more. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a beginner, country style pork spare ribs are a great choice for any barbecue or dinner party.
What is the best way to choose country style pork spare ribs?
When selecting country style pork spare ribs, look for meat that is fresh, has a good color, and is free of any visible fat or bone fragments. You can choose either boneless or bone-in ribs, depending on your preference. Bone-in ribs tend to be more flavorful, but boneless ribs are often easier to cook and eat.
It’s also important to consider the size of the ribs. Country style pork spare ribs are typically larger and meatier than other types of ribs. Look for ribs that are at least 1-2 pounds in weight and have a good balance of meat and fat. This will ensure that the ribs are tender and flavorful after cooking.
What is the purpose of dry-brining the ribs?
Dry-brining the ribs is an important step in preparing them for cooking. This process involves rubbing the ribs with a mixture of salt, sugar, and spices, and then letting them sit for a period of time before cooking. The dry-brine helps to tenderize the meat, add flavor, and create a crispy texture on the surface of the ribs.
The dry-brine works by drawing out moisture from the meat and helping to break down the proteins. This makes the meat more tender and easier to chew. The dry-brine also helps to add flavor to the ribs, as the seasonings penetrate deep into the meat. By dry-brining the ribs, you can create a more complex and nuanced flavor profile that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
How long should I cook the ribs in the oven?
The cooking time for country style pork spare ribs will depend on the size and thickness of the ribs, as well as the temperature of the oven. As a general rule, you should cook the ribs in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 2-3 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
It’s also important to wrap the ribs in foil during the cooking process to help retain moisture and promote even cooking. You can wrap the ribs in foil after the first hour of cooking, and then continue to cook them for another 1-2 hours, or until they are tender and falling off the bone.
Can I cook the ribs on a grill instead of in the oven?
Yes, you can cook country style pork spare ribs on a grill instead of in the oven. In fact, grilling can add a rich, smoky flavor to the ribs that is hard to replicate in the oven. To cook the ribs on a grill, preheat the grill to medium-low heat and cook the ribs for about 2-3 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
When grilling the ribs, it’s a good idea to use a combination of direct and indirect heat. You can sear the ribs over direct heat for a few minutes on each side, and then move them to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking. This will help to prevent the ribs from burning and promote even cooking.
What is the best way to finish the ribs with a glaze?
To finish the ribs with a glaze, you can brush them with a sweet and sticky sauce during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. This will help to add a rich, caramelized flavor to the ribs and create a crispy texture on the surface.
When choosing a glaze, look for a sauce that is sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy. You can use a store-bought barbecue sauce, or make your own glaze using a combination of ingredients like ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and hot sauce. Brush the glaze onto the ribs during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking, and then serve them hot.
How do I know when the ribs are done cooking?
Country style pork spare ribs are done cooking when they are tender and falling off the bone. You can check for doneness by inserting a fork or knife into the meat. If the meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork, it is done cooking.
Another way to check for doneness is to look for a rich, caramelized color on the surface of the ribs. This indicates that the ribs have been cooked long enough to develop a crispy texture and a deep, complex flavor. You can also check the internal temperature of the ribs, which should be at least 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
Can I make country style pork spare ribs ahead of time?
Yes, you can make country style pork spare ribs ahead of time. In fact, cooking the ribs a day or two in advance can help to make them even more tender and flavorful. To make the ribs ahead of time, cook them as directed and then let them cool to room temperature.
Once the ribs have cooled, you can refrigerate or freeze them for later use. To reheat the ribs, simply wrap them in foil and heat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are hot and tender. You can also reheat the ribs on a grill or in a skillet on the stovetop.