Country Style Pork Ribs with Shrimp and Veggies Recipe

Name: country style pork ribs
Prep time: PT-489336H30M33S
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2.5 to 3 pounds Country-style pork ribs (shoulder or butt, bone-in or boneless) Primary protein, well-marbled for juiciness and flavor; Salt and pepper To taste Basic seasoning to enhance meat’s natural taste; 3 tablespoons Brown sugar Adds sweetness and helps create a caramelized crust; 2 teaspoons Kosher salt Balances flavors and aids in tenderizing meat; 1 teaspoon Ground mustard Introduces subtle tanginess and depth; 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika Provides smoky, warm notes complementing pork; 1 teaspoon Onion powder Boosts savory flavor without extra moisture; 1 teaspoon Garlic powder Enhances aroma and adds a mild garlic taste; 1 teaspoon Black pepper Gives a gentle heat and pungency; ½ teaspoon Cayenne pepper Provides a kick of spiciness to balance sweetness; Approximately ¼ cup BBQ Sauce For brushing, adds moisture, tang, and sticky finish

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Why You’ll Love This Country Style Pork Ribs

Ease of preparation: This country style pork ribs recipe is designed for simplicity and efficiency. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps like seasoning, slow roasting, and finishing with a flavorful BBQ sauce, you can have a delicious meal ready in about 3 to 3.5 hours, mostly hands-off once it’s in the oven. Perfect for busy home cooks, the slow cooking process guarantees tender, juicy results without complicated techniques or constant attention.
Health benefits: Country style pork ribs offer valuable nutrition, boasting high-quality protein to support muscle maintenance and energy. Choosing lean cuts from the shoulder or butt and using a controlled amount of seasoning and BBQ sauce keeps calories in check a typical serving has around 370 calories. Plus, the slow roasting method locks in moisture and nutrients, making it a wholesome option compared to fried or heavily processed meats. For those mindful of health, trimming excess fat and pairing with nutritious sides enhances wellness.
Versatility: These flavorful pork ribs easily adapt to various dietary preferences. Whether you need a gluten-free version by selecting the right BBQ sauce or want to adjust spice levels for a low-calorie meal, this recipe’s flexibility fits the bill. It complements a wide range of veggies and sides, allowing you to create surf and turf meals by adding shrimp or tailor seasonings to different global flavors. You can even make it bone-in or boneless depending on your preference and budget, as these ribs usually cost about $2 per pound.
Distinctive flavor: What makes this dish stand out is the perfect blend of rich pork taste, enhanced by marbling fat that keeps the meat moist during slow cooking, and a balanced dry rub that combines sweetness, smokiness, and a mild kick. Brushing the ribs with BBQ sauce near the end creates a sticky, caramelized crust that adds depth and mouthwatering appeal. Tested tips for slow roasting bring an unforgettable countryside flavor that’s both comforting and satisfying.

For more slow-cooked recipe ideas that deliver big on flavor with easy preparation, check out this garlic chicken recipe on Recipes Isabella.

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This Country Style Pork Ribs
2. Essential Ingredients for Country Style Pork Ribs
3. How to Prepare the Perfect Country Style Pork Ribs: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Country Style Pork Ribs
5. Mastering Country Style Pork Ribs: Advanced Tips and Variations
6. How to Store Country Style Pork Ribs: Best Practices
7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Country Style Pork Ribs
8. country style pork ribs

Essential Ingredients for Country Style Pork Ribs

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose / Benefit
Country-style pork ribs (shoulder or butt, bone-in or boneless)	2.5 to 3 pounds (1.1 to 1.4 kg)	Primary protein, well-marbled for juiciness and flavor
Salt and pepper	To taste	Basic seasoning to enhance meat’s natural taste
Brown sugar	3 tablespoons	Adds sweetness and helps create a caramelized crust
Kosher salt	2 teaspoons	Balances flavors and aids in tenderizing meat
Ground mustard	1 teaspoon	Introduces subtle tanginess and depth
Smoked paprika	1 teaspoon	Provides smoky, warm notes complementing pork
Onion powder	1 teaspoon	Boosts savory flavor without extra moisture
Garlic powder	1 teaspoon	Enhances aroma and adds a mild garlic taste
Black pepper	1 teaspoon	Gives a gentle heat and pungency
Cayenne pepper	½ teaspoon	Provides a kick of spiciness to balance sweetness
BBQ Sauce	Approximately ¼ cup	For brushing, adds moisture, tang, and sticky finish

Special Dietary Options

Vegan: Use plant-based substitutes like seitan or jackfruit to mimic the texture and flavor of pork ribs in surf and turf dishes with veggies and shrimp alternatives.
Gluten-free: Choose certified gluten-free BBQ sauce and verify all spices do not contain gluten or cross-contamination to keep this easy oven baked recipe safe.
Low-calorie: Substitute BBQ sauce with a low-sugar or homemade light glaze and trim thick fat caps before cooking to reduce calorie intake without sacrificing flavor or moisture.

How to Prepare the Perfect Country Style Pork Ribs: Step-by-Step Guide

First Step: Preheat and Prepare the Ribs

Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C) to set the slow roast environment that will tenderize the pork ribs over time. While waiting, pat the 2.5 to 3 pounds of country style pork ribs dry with paper towels to ensure good searing and seasoning adhesion. If using the optional dry rub, combine 3 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon each of ground mustard, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper in a bowl or ziplock bag. Massage or shake the ribs thoroughly in this mixture so every surface is coated evenly. Alternatively, just season generously with salt and pepper if you prefer a simpler flavor base.

Second Step: Arrange for Slow Roasting

Place the ribs in a single layer in a roasting pan or rimmed baking sheet with high sides to catch juices. Position the ribs with the fattier side facing up; as the pork cooks, the rendered fat will baste the meat, ensuring moistness and rich flavor. Cover the pan tightly with foil to trap steam and moisture preventing drying out during the long cooking time.

Third Step: Bake Low and Slow

Put the covered pan into your preheated oven and allow the ribs to bake for about 2 to 2.5 hours. This slow, low-temperature roasting tenderizes the ribs thoroughly, softening connective tissue and marbled fat. If your ribs are larger than 10 ounces (around 280 grams) or still feel tough to the touch after the estimated time, extend cooking by 15 to 30 minutes for best results.

Fourth Step: Drain and Sauce

Carefully remove the foil cover be cautious as steam and hot liquids can cause burns and drain any excess liquid from the baking pan to avoid sogginess. Next, brush the ribs generously with approximately ¼ cup of your favorite BBQ sauce. This coats the meat with flavor and sets the stage for a sticky, caramelized glaze in the next baking phase.

Fifth Step: Finish Baking Uncovered

Lower your oven temperature to 275°F (135°C) and return the pan to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 1 hour, which will thicken the BBQ sauce and develop a luscious crust. For smaller ribs, check tenderness after 20 minutes to prevent overcooking. This final step enhances flavor and texture, sealing in juiciness while delivering a mouthwatering sticky finish.

Optional Final Step: Broil for Caramelization

For a restaurant-style finish, coat the ribs with another layer of BBQ sauce and place them under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes. Keep a close eye to achieve a caramelized, slightly charred glaze without burning. This step is excellent for creating a visually appealing, flavor-intense crust that complements the soft interior.

Final Step: Rest and Serve

Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Resting redistributes the juices, guaranteeing each bite is tender and succulent. Plan on roughly two ribs per person for a satisfying main course. Serve with sides like Brussels sprouts or creamy mac and cheese for a balanced, inviting surf and turf meal.

This method to prepare country style pork ribs guarantees juicy, tender results with a rich, smoky profile. Baking low and slow is key for success, so trust the timing and temperature for flavorful ribs every time.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Country Style Pork Ribs

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

Substituting the main protein can help tailor the dish to various dietary needs or preferences. For vegan or plant-based diets, seitan or jackfruit can cleverly mimic the texture of pork ribs and absorb the smoky spices well.

Chicken thighs or turkey: These are excellent alternatives for those avoiding red meat but still craving a hearty protein. Slow baking these in the same style works beautifully.
Lean cuts of pork or fish fillets: For a low-fat or lighter option, choose leaner pork cuts or fish fillets such as cod or salmon, which cook faster but can be adapted to similar seasonings and sauce applications.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

The vegetable sides and sauces are great areas to personalize flavors and dietary scope. Swap standard BBQ sauce for sugar-free or homemade varieties to reduce sugars for health-conscious diners. Incorporating seasonal, colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or onions enhances nutrition and flavor. Herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or cumin can provide fresh twists or complement diverse palates. Spices can be adjusted to accommodate spice sensitivity or dietary restrictions without compromising the key smoky, tangy essence of the ribs.

Mastering Country Style Pork Ribs: Advanced Tips and Variations

Pro Cooking Techniques

For an ultra-tender finish, consider slow cooking the ribs in a slow cooker or using the sous vide method. These advanced techniques allow precise temperature control for perfect texture every time. Marinating ribs overnight not only deepens the flavor but also helps tenderize tougher cuts, especially bone-in varieties.

Flavor Variations

Try experimenting with different seasoning blends or marinades to bring new life to your country style pork ribs recipe. An Asian-inspired glaze using soy sauce, garlic, and ginger can add a savory-sweet profile, while a honey-chili combination creates a sweet and spicy glaze that contrasts wonderfully with the richness of the meat.

Presentation Tips

Serving ribs on a rustic wooden platter accented with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme adds a charming touch. Lemon wedges or a side of pickled veggies can provide acidity to balance the richness. Consider pairing with creamy or tangy sides such as coleslaw or a herbed potato salad for plated perfection.

Make-Ahead Options

You can prepare and fully cook your country style pork ribs ahead of time, refrigerating or freezing them in portions. When ready, gently reheat in the oven covered with foil to maintain moisture. This strategy is perfect for busy schedules or entertaining, offering juicy ribs ready to serve with minimal effort.

How to Store Country Style Pork Ribs: Best Practices

Storage Method	Guidelines
Refrigeration	Keep cooked country style pork ribs in airtight containers or tightly wrapped foil/plastic wrap, storing them in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days to maintain freshness and safety.
Freezing	For longer storage, wrap ribs tightly in foil or freezer bags, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn. Label with date and store for up to 3 months.
Reheating	Reheat ribs gently in a 275°F (135°C) oven covered with foil to keep moisture locked in. Microwave reheating is faster but may compromise texture. Adding a small splash of water or sauce before reheating can help retain juiciness.
Meal Prep Considerations	Divide ribs into portion sizes before storing so you can quickly grab individual servings. This approach works well for weekly meal planning and ensures you enjoy flavorful, tender ribs throughout the week.

For more balanced meal pairing ideas, see our comforting mac and cheese recipe that complements pork ribs brilliantly.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Country Style Pork Ribs

What are country style pork ribs and how are they different from regular ribs?

Country style pork ribs come from the pork shoulder area, not the rib section, and are often boneless or contain a small Y-shaped bone. They are meatier and have more marbling compared to traditional ribs, making them tender and flavorful. Unlike baby back or spare ribs, these ribs are usually sold in chunks resembling ribs but are actually shoulder cuts, which results in a different texture and cooking approach.

How long and at what temperature should I cook country style pork ribs in the oven?

For tender country style ribs, cook them covered at 300°F for about 2 hours to allow the meat to braise in its juices. After that, remove the foil, brush ribs with your favorite BBQ sauce if desired, reduce the oven to 275°F, and bake uncovered for another hour to caramelize the sauce and finish tenderizing the meat. Adjust cooking time if ribs are larger than 10 ounces.

Can I use bone-in or boneless country style ribs for oven recipes?

Yes, both bone-in and boneless country style ribs work well in oven recipes. Bone-in ribs offer a bit more flavor from the bone, while boneless ribs cook slightly faster. Covering the ribs during most of the cooking time helps retain moisture, ensuring the meat stays tender regardless of bone presence.

How many country style pork ribs should I plan per person for a meal?

A typical serving size is about two standard-sized country style ribs per person. Since these ribs are meatier than traditional ribs, this amount is generally sufficient. If serving a larger group or hungry guests, plan on 3 ribs each. Pair ribs with sides like coleslaw or mac and cheese for a balanced meal.

What seasoning or rub works best for country style pork ribs?

A simple dry rub with brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne enhances the natural pork flavor. This mix adds sweetness, smokiness, and slight heat that complements the rich meat. Apply the rub generously before cooking, and consider brushing on BBQ sauce toward the end for extra depth and glaze.

1 thought on “Country Style Pork Ribs with Shrimp and Veggies – Easy Oven-Baked Surf and Turf Recipe”

Lucy Meadows

July 14, 2025 at 5:56 pm

These country style ribs were a hit at our family barbecue! 🍖 I added a touch of honey to the marinade for some extra sweetness, and my kids loved it.
Thank you for this delicious recipe—it’s definitely going into our regular rotation!

★★★★★

Country Style Pork Ribs with Shrimp and Veggies – Easy Oven-Baked Surf and Turf Recipe