Finger-Lickin’ Good: Southern Ribs Recipe
As a master of southern-style cuisine, I have perfected my recipe for mouth-watering, fall-off-the-bone Southern Ribs. These country-style pork ribs are slow-cooked to perfection in the oven with a tantalizing spice rub that will transport you straight to the deep south.
This recipe is perfect for any barbecue occasion and is sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or having a cozy dinner at home, these ribs are guaranteed to be a hit.
As we all know, pork is king when it comes to Southern cuisine. And this pork ribs recipe is no exception – it actually comes from the shoulder butt area of the pig, which means that when cooked correctly, you’ll end up with delicious and tender pulled pork.
So break out the baking dish and preheat your oven to 300°F because we’re about to cook some mouth-watering ribs that will make your taste buds sing!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen up, folks! You’re in for a treat with this southern-style ribs recipe. If you’re a fan of deep south barbecue, this dish is the flavor punch you need in your life. But even if you haven’t had much experience with country-style cooking, believe me when I say that you’ll fall head over heels for these juicy, tender pork ribs.
First of all, let’s talk about the ingredients. We’ve got everything from onions to cherry tomatoes to smoked paprika – each one providing a unique flavor that will make your taste buds sing. And the spice rub? Oh, boy. It’s got just the right amount of heat and sweetness with brown sugar and paprika.
But what really sets this recipe apart is how simple it is to make. In just a few easy steps, your ribs will be oven-baked to perfection – no need to smoke them for hours on end. Plus, if you’re short on time or don’t have access to an oven, you can cook these ribs in a slow cooker or pressure cooker.
But don’t take my word for it – try this recipe out for yourself and see how quickly it becomes a staple in your meal rotation. Whether you’re looking for a new spin on barbecue ribs or simply want to try out some southern-style cooking, this recipe has got you covered. So grab some boneless country-style pork ribs and get ready to cook up a storm!
Ingredient List
Before starting any recipe, it’s essential to have all the required ingredients at your disposal. For this Southern Ribs recipe, you will need country-style pork ribs (not to be mistaken with spare ribs), a blend of spices for a school -e deep south BBQ spice rub, and barbecue sauce for the final touch.
Here are all the ingredients you need:
- 4 pounds boneless country-style pork ribs
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons BBQ spice rub (depending on your taste preference)
- Salt and pepper
- 1 bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce
Besides these ingredients, you’ll also require some pantry staples like onions (2 medium), cherry tomatoes (3 cups peeled and chopped), and butter to set the stage for that perfect Southern Style flavor.
The Recipe How-To
- First things first: preheat your oven to 300°F. This will give you enough time to get all the ingredients ready for the recipe.
- Take a baking dish that is big enough to hold the ribs cut into single layer. You can use boneless country-style pork ribs or bone-in country-style pork ribs, whichever you prefer.
Preparing the Ribs
- Cut 2 medium yellow onions into thin rings and lay them on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Season both sides of the ribs generously with smoked paprika, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Use 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika and 1 teaspoon of brown sugar per pound of pork.
- Place the seasoned ribs on top of the onions in a single layer.
- Pour 1 cup of water into the baking dish, making sure not to wash off any spices from the pork.
Cooking Process
- Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Cook for 2 hours.
- After 2 hours, remove the foil and baste the ribs with barbecue sauce on both sides.
- Add 3 cups of chopped cherry tomatoes and continue cooking uncovered for another hour.
Check if it’s done
- Check if your ribs are done by inserting a knife between two bones and twisting it gently. If it goes through smoothly, your meat is cooked.
- If not then you can put it back in the oven for an additional 15–30 minutes until completely cooked.
Serve it up!
Remove from the oven and let it cool down for about 5 minutes before serving.
Serve your Oven-Baked Country-Style Pork Ribs with Cherry Tomatoes, enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
Listen up, y’all! As a Southern cook, I know that sometimes you just ain’t got all the ingredients in your pantry. But don’t you fret, darlin’, ’cause there are substitutions and variations you can use to still create a delicious dish of country-style pork ribs.
Firstly, if you can’t find country-style pork ribs, spare ribs work just fine. They’re meaty and tender, and will still give you that smoky flavor we all love. You can also cut pork shoulder or pork end loin into 2-inch thick slices for some boneless country-style pork.
If you want a little kick to your barbecue ribs, add some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the spice rub. Feeling bold? Mix in some chipotle pepper for that deep South barbecue taste.
Now, let’s talk tomatoes. If you don’t have cherry tomatoes on hand, any type of small tomatoes can be used for this recipe. You could even use sliced roma tomatoes or sundried tomatoes to add more complexity to the dish. And if you’re not much of a tomato fan, feel free to leave them out altogether.
Finally, for those who prefer a hands-off cooking experience, try using a slow cooker or pressure cooker to cook your ribs instead of baking them in the oven. It’ll take less time and require less attention from you – perfect for those busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.
Remember y’all, cooking is all about creativity and having fun. So don’t be afraid to experiment with substitutions and variations in this Southern-style ribs recipe until you find what works best for you!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving your southern-style ribs, there are a few pairing options that truly complement their mouth-watering flavor profile. First and foremost, these country style pork ribs are best served hot and fresh out of the oven or off the grill.
When thinking about what to serve alongside your ribs, traditional southern-style sides like creamy mac and cheese or refreshing coleslaw are always a hit. Another popular option is a batch of hush puppies or some cornbread muffins to soak up all the delicious juices that may be left on your plate.
While these sides add a great balance to the richness of the meat, don’t forget about vegetables! A simple mixed green salad or roasted veggies like grilled asparagus or baked sweet potatoes can help lighten up the meal and keep things fresh.
For drinks, nothing beats a cold beer or a classic southern-style sweet tea to help balance out the spice and saltiness of the dish. If you’re looking for something a little more fancy, a bottle of red Zinfandel can pair well with the smoky flavors of the meat.
Ultimately, whether you’re serving these pork ribs up for a summer BBQ or whipping them up for dinner during the week, they’re sure to be a crowd pleaser. So grab your fork and knife, and don’t forget your bib – you’re in for a treat!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the greatest things about Southern Style Ribs is that they can be made ahead of time and still maintain their delicious flavor. To make the most out of this feature, prepare your ribs a day or two before serving. After cooking, let the meat cool down to close to room temperature before storing.
Storing the Ribs: Store the ribs in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It’s best to store them in the refrigerator for a maximum of four days. Be sure to keep them away from other foods that might have strong odors, as they can easily absorb it.
Reheating the Ribs: When reheating your Southern Style Ribs, there are several ways to achieve optimal results. One way is by using your oven – preheat it to 300°F, place the ribs on a baking dish and heat for approximately 15-minute intervals until they’re hot in the center (make sure there are no cold spots). Another way is using a microwave oven – place the ribs on a microwave-safe plate covered with kitchen paper towel or lid, heating them up for 30 seconds at a time to prevent overheating that may dry out the meat.
Making Ahead: If you plan on making your Southern Style Ribs ahead of time and don’t want to skip one bit of their mouthwatering flavor and juicy texture, try these tips:
– Cook your ribs as usual and let them come to room temperature
– Wrap each individual rib tightly with plastic wrap and seal in high-grade freezer bags.
– They should stay fresh for up to six months when frozen (depending on how well they were wrapped).
By following these storage and reheating tips, you’ll continue enjoying your Southern Style Ribs even days after making them!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you’re done preparing your southern style pork ribs, it’s time to make sure you get perfect results. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Don’t overcook the ribs: Although country style ribs require a longer cook time than most other cuts of pork, it’s important not to overdo it. Overcooked ribs can become dry and tough. Keep a close eye on the cook time and adjust as necessary.
2. Use a meat thermometer: To ensure that your country style pork ribs are fully cooked without being overdone, use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature. The ideal temperature for pork should be at least 145°F (63°C).
3. Let it rest: After cooking, allow the meat to rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving to let the juices distribute evenly throughout the cut.
4. Baste with barbecue sauce: In the last 10-15 minutes of cooking, brush the ribs with a flavorful barbecue sauce to give them that classic southern flavor.
5. Experiment with spice rubs: The spice rub used in this recipe is just one example of what you can use. Feel free to experiment by adding your own mix of herbs, spices, and seasonings to match your own taste preferences.
6. Try other cooking methods: If you don’t have an oven or prefer different cooking methods, consider using a slow cooker or pressure cooker for equally delicious results.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll surely get perfect southern style pork ribs every time!
FAQ
As we have reached the FAQ section of this article, you may have some doubts and questions related to the Southern Ribs recipe. Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered with some of the most commonly asked questions regarding this recipe. Let’s get started!
What do you soak ribs in to make them tender?
First things first, let’s get those ribs soaking in some apple cider vinegar for a couple of hours. This will help tenderize the meat and give it a tangy flavor. After a nice long soak, remove the ribs and give them a good pat down to dry them off. Don’t be too rough, we don’t want to damage the meat.
Now it’s time to coat those ribs in a dry rub. Make sure you get the rub on every nook and cranny of the ribs to ensure maximum flavor. Once you’ve got them coated, lay the ribs meat-side up in a shallow baking dish. Pour water into the dish until it covers the bottom, but don’t submerge the ribs. We don’t want them to boil – just to steam. Finally, wrap the dish tightly with foil to trap in all the steam and juices.
Here comes the hard part – waiting for those ribs to cook. Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F, and slide the dish into the oven. Set your timer for 3 hours and try not to peek too often. We want to keep that steam locked in as long as possible to ensure the meat is extra juicy and tender. Don’t forget to set aside some extra rub for when the ribs are done cooking!
What is the 3 3 1 rule for ribs?
When it comes to cooking deliciously tender and smoky ribs in southern-style, follow these simple steps. First, place the ribs directly on the grill grates of a smoker and let them cook for three hours to achieve that perfect smoky flavor. After three hours, wrap the ribs and continue cooking for two more hours. Finally, take the ribs out of the wrap, brush them with your delicious sauce and let them cook for one more hour, ensuring a mouth-watering final product.
What is the secret to the best ribs?
As a believer in southern-style cooking, I recommend following my steps for a lip-smacking barbecue feast. It all starts with proper planning, so shop wisely for the right type of meat. Whether it be baby back ribs or beef ribs, select cuts that have a pink color with uniform size and marbling which will ensure even cooking at all times.
Before you fire up the grill or smoker, giving it a thorough clean is crucial. Nobody wants to put in all that hard work just to eat at their own risk. Make sure you have the right tools and gear to get the job done, from tongs to basters to seasoned wood.
Moisture is a sure-fire ingredient that will spoil your barbecue experience. So make sure you remove any excess moisture from the meat or seasoning with a paper towel. It may seem insignificant, but it helps keep the smoke rolling and the flavor profile popping.
Next up is the rub, which deserves the right respect. Giving the rub time to stand will let the spices and herbs settle in and create the desired flavor profile. 30 minutes to an hour before cooking is just about enough time to let the flavoring work its magic.
One of my favorite tips that I live by is to never peek while cooking. Resist the urge to take a sneak peek at your beautiful meat creations, as it releases the precious smoke and temperature, delaying the cooking process. Patience is key when it comes to achieving the perfect texture and taste at the very end.
Last but not least, always test for doneness. Different types of meat require different cooking times and can be deceiving. So use a meat thermometer to gauge the temperature and ensure that it is cooked to perfection. Follow these steps, and you’re well on your way to a finger-licking, lip-smacking Southern-style BBQ.
Is it better to boil ribs before cooking?
Boiling ribs prior to cooking them is a foolproof way to achieve tender and succulent meat. It expedites the cooking process and results in meat that is less chewy and more enjoyable to eat.
Bottom Line
So there you have it, folks! My tried and true southern-style country ribs recipe that will have your taste buds dancing with each bite. With the perfect blend of spices and the tender, juicy meat falling off the bone, these ribs are sure to be a family favorite.
I encourage you to give this recipe a try and see for yourself just how delicious they truly are. Whether you decide to bake them in the oven, throw them on the grill, or make them in a slow cooker or pressure cooker, these country-style ribs are sure to satisfy your cravings for that classic southern barbecue taste.
So gather your family and friends, fire up the grill, pour yourself a cold glass of sweet iced tea, and enjoy these delicious southern-style ribs together. Trust me, it will be a meal to remember.
Southern Ribs Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 baby back rib rack
- seasoned pepper, i use jamaica me crazy by johnny's
- 1/4 cup Southern Comfort
- wood chips
Instructions
- Take the rack of ribs-Pull off membrane.
- Season with Seasoned Pepper.
- Wrap and put in frig or on ice.
- Two hours before you grill-Pour a 1/4 cup of Southern Comfort over ribs and rub into meat.
- Use smoke chips in small pan as you grill on side of fire- I use Applewood or Alder.