These oven-baked BBQ boneless country-style pork ribs are a wonderful treat! They’re juicy, tender, and have a smoky, sweet flavor that makes them irresistible.
What I love most is how easy they are to make. Just season, bake, and slather with your favorite BBQ sauce. Dinner is ready in no time, and oh boy, it’s so good! 🍖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Boneless Country-Style Pork Ribs: These ribs are tender and flavorful. If you can’t find them, you could use other pork cuts like pork shoulder or ribs with bones, though cooking times may vary.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade for a personal touch. If you want to cut down on sugar, a vinegar-based sauce can be a great option. I enjoy mixing different flavors to keep things interesting!
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps with caramelization. You can substitute with honey or maple syrup if you’re looking for a different flavor profile. Adjust the quantity slightly, as they are sweeter than brown sugar.
Smoked Paprika: This gives a lovely smoky flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works too, but you might miss that smoky depth. You could also use chipotle powder for a spicy kick!
Cayenne Pepper: This is optional for heat. If you’re not a fan of spicy food, you can omit it or use a pinch of black pepper instead.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from Marinating the Ribs?
Marinating is an important step for flavor. Allowing the pork ribs to soak up the marinade gives them a richer taste. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Mix your marinade and pour half over the ribs. Make sure every part is covered well.
- Let the ribs marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes or refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Overnight marinading deeply flavors the meat.
- If you’re short on time, even a quick 30-minute soak is better than nothing!
Why Should I Sear the Ribs Before Baking?
Searing the ribs is a great way to lock in juices and boost flavor. Although it can be skipped if you’re in a hurry, here’s how to do it:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Quickly sear the marinated ribs for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are beautifully browned.
- This adds a nice crust and seals in moisture, making your ribs juicy and tasty!
Enjoy making these ribs; they’ll be a hit at any meal!
How to Make Oven Baked BBQ Boneless Country Style Pork Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Ribs:
- 3 pounds boneless country-style pork ribs
- For the Marinade:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your choice)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for prep and marinating, plus 2 hours and 30 minutes of baking time. If you choose to marinate the ribs in the fridge for up to 24 hours, it will boost the flavor even more. Overall, this dish takes around 3 hours if you include the marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This is essential for cooking the ribs slowly and evenly.
2. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, mix together your barbecue sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper if you like some spice. Stir everything well to combine—this will be your delicious marinade!
3. Marinate the Ribs:
Place the boneless ribs in a large mixing bowl or a resealable plastic bag. Pour half of the barbecue sauce mixture over the ribs, making sure they are coated fully. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator for the best flavor.
4. Sear the Ribs (Optional):
If you want to add a nice crust and extra flavor, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated ribs for about 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. This step is optional but gives a lovely texture!
5. Bake the Ribs:
Now it’s time to transfer the ribs to a baking dish. Pour the remaining barbecue sauce mixture over the ribs, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil, then place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 2 hours to make them tender.
6. Finish Baking:
After 2 hours, carefully remove the foil. Bake the ribs uncovered for an additional 30 minutes. This will help the sauce caramelize and thicken, giving it an amazing finish.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, take the ribs out of the oven and allow them to rest for a few minutes. This will make them juicier when you cut into them. Serve your delicious oven-baked BBQ boneless country-style pork ribs with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Can I Use Bone-In Ribs Instead of Boneless?
Yes, you can definitely use bone-in ribs! Just be aware that bone-in ribs may require a longer cooking time, typically an additional 30 minutes. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
What Can I Use Instead of Barbecue Sauce?
If you don’t have barbecue sauce, you can make a quick substitute by mixing ketchup with Worcestershire sauce, honey, and a dash of vinegar. Adjust the sweetness and tang to your liking, or try your favorite sauce like honey mustard or teriyaki!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the ribs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them in short intervals, but the oven will help keep them juicy.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! You can enhance the heat by adding more cayenne pepper or even some chopped fresh jalapeños to the marinade. Additionally, consider serving the ribs with a spicy barbecue sauce on the side for an extra kick!
