How to Cook Country Style Ribs in the Oven Fast

If you love country-style ribs but need more hours to slow-cook them, let me show you how to get succulent, tender ribs in the oven quickly. I understand that time is often limited in our busy lives, but that shouldn’t stop us from enjoying a hearty, home-cooked meal. In this guide, I will focus on how to cook country style ribs in the oven fast without compromising the delicious taste and texture that makes this dish a favorite.

Cooking country style ribs quickly can be simple. It’s all about knowing the proper techniques and maximizing the use of your oven. By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to whip up a delicious meal in no time.

So, if you’re looking for a surefire way to impress your family or guests at your next gathering, read more in this article, let’s delve into the process and get you cooking!

What Are Country Style Ribs

Before we delve into the cooking process, let’s first understand what country-style ribs are. Contrary to what the name might suggest, country-style ribs aren’t ribs. They’re cuts of meat taken from the blade end of the loin close to the pork shoulder. They contain a few pieces of bone and have a robust marbling of fat, making them incredibly flavorful and tender when cooked properly.

Country-style ribs are a versatile cut of meat and can be cooked using various methods. Whether you’re grilling, smoking, slow-cooking, or baking them in an oven, they’re guaranteed to come out tasty. However, in this guide, we’re focusing on how to cook country style ribs in the oven fast.

The secret to making delicious country-style ribs lies in the preparation, the cooking method, and the ingredients used. So, let’s get started!

Benefits of Oven Cooking Country Style Ribs

While grilling and smoking are popular ways to cook ribs, using an oven has unique benefits. One of the main advantages is convenience. Unlike grilling, which requires constant attention and turning, oven-baked ribs can be left to cook independently once the temperature is set.

Additionally, cooking ribs in an oven allows for better cooking temperature control. This control is crucial when cooking ribs fast without drying them out. The oven’s enclosed environment also helps keep the ribs moist and tender, allowing for even heat distribution.

Finally, cooking ribs in the oven is perfect for those who live in apartments or places where outdoor grilling might not be possible. It’s an easy, fuss-free method that guarantees delicious ribs every time.

Necessary Ingredients for Fast Oven-Cooked Country Style Ribs

You’ll need the following key ingredients to cook your country-style ribs in the oven quickly. First, of course, are the country style ribs themselves. Look for ribs that have a good amount of meat and are evenly cut so they will cook at the same rate.

Next, you will need a good rub. The rub is what gives the ribs their flavor. You can buy a pre-made rub from the store or easily make your own at home with ingredients like brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, salt, chili powder, and garlic powder.

Lastly, you will need a good-quality baking sheet, aluminum foil, and a wire rack. The rack is essential as it allows the heat to circulate evenly around the ribs, ensuring they cook evenly and quickly.

Preparing the Ribs for Cooking

Proper preparation of your ribs is critical to achieving the best flavor and tenderness in a shorter cooking time. Start by rinsing your ribs under cold water and patting them dry with a paper towel. This helps to remove any bone fragments or excess blood from the ribs.

Next, you’ll want to trim any excess fat from the ribs. While some fat is good for flavor and moisture, too much can lead to overly greasy ribs. Use a sharp knife to trim off any large pieces of fat.

Once your ribs are cleaned and trimmed, it’s time to apply the rub. Massage the rub into the ribs, making sure to cover all sides. The rub adds flavor and helps create a delicious crust on the ribs as they cook.

Making Your Quick Rib Rub

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup paprika
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)

Instructions:

2. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Mix until the spices and sugar are evenly distributed.
3. Apply the rub liberally to your country-style ribs. Make sure to cover all sides of the ribs with the rub. 
4. let the ribs sit with the rub on them for at least an hour before cooking. This will allow the flavors to permeate the meat. If you’re in a rush, you can cook the ribs immediately, but the flavor will be more intense the longer you let the rub sit.
5. Store any leftover rub in an airtight container. It will keep for up to six months.

Oven Temperature and Cooking Time for Fast Cooking

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

At this temperature, the ribs will cook quickly while the fat renders out, helping to keep the meat moist and flavorful. Remember to place the ribs in a single layer on a baking sheet or roasting pan.

Cooking time.

Country-style ribs should be cooked in the oven for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. However, the exact cooking time can vary depending on the size and thickness of your ribs. Always check the ribs for doneness rather than relying solely on the clock.

Checking for doneness.

You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ribs. According to USDA guidelines, pork should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Alternatively, you can check for doneness by testing the tenderness of the ribs. They should be tender enough to pull apart with a fork.

Basting and Turning the Ribs

Regular basting and turning are necessary to ensure even cooking and to keep your ribs moist and flavorful. Basting helps to keep the ribs from drying out and adds a layer of flavor.

About halfway through the cooking process, remove the ribs from the oven and baste them with the juices collected on the baking sheet. At this point, you should also turn the ribs to ensure they cook evenly.

Remember to use oven mitts when handling the hot baking sheet, and be careful of the steam that may escape when you open the oven door. After basting and turning, return the ribs to the oven to continue cooking.

Testing for Doneness

Use a meat thermometer.

This is the most reliable method. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the rib, ensuring not to touch the bone. According to USDA guidelines, pork should reach a minimum internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Check the color and texture.

The ribs should be deep brown, and the meat should be tender enough to pull apart with a fork. If you see any pink, it’s a sign that the ribs may need more time. 

The bone test.

If the meat has begun to shrink away from the ends of the bone, this is usually a good sign that your ribs are done. 

Resting time.

After you remove the ribs from the oven, let them rest for at least 3-5 minutes before cutting into them. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, producing a moister rib.

Serving Suggestions

Now that your country style ribs are cooked to perfection quickly in the oven, here are some serving suggestions to make your meal complete. Country-style ribs pair well with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with coleslaw, potato salad, roasted vegetables, or cornbread for a traditional barbecue meal.

You could also serve the ribs with barbecue sauce on the side. Whether you prefer a tangy vinegar-based sauce, a sweet and smoky sauce, or a spicy hot sauce, it’s sure to complement the flavors of the ribs.

Lastly, let the ribs rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in moister, more flavorful ribs.

Conclusion

Cooking country-style ribs in the oven can be time-consuming. With this guide on cooking country-style ribs in the oven fast, you can enjoy succulent, delicious ribs in less time than traditional methods—the essential lies in the preparation, oven temperature, and cooking technique.

Remember to use a good rib rub to enhance the flavor of the ribs, and remember the importance of basting and turning for even cooking. With these tips and techniques, you’re heading to becoming a rib-cooking expert!

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FAQs

Q1: What temperature should I set the oven to cook country style ribs fast?

To cook country style ribs in the oven fast, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This higher temperature will help cook the ribs faster while reducing fat and tenderizing the meat.

Q2: How long does it take to cook country style ribs in the oven at 375°F (190°C)?

At this temperature, country-style ribs typically cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour. However, the exact time can vary depending on the size and thickness of your ribs.

Q3: How can I tell when my ribs are done cooking?

A meat thermometer is one way to tell if your ribs are done. The USDA recommends cooking pork to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Alternatively, you can check the ribs’ tenderness. The ribs should be tender enough to pull apart with a fork, and the meat should have shrunk back from the bones.

Q4: Do I need to turn and baste the ribs while they’re cooking?

Yes, turning and basting the ribs halfway through cooking will ensure they cook evenly and stay moist. Baste the ribs with the juices collected on the baking sheet.

Q5: What can I serve with country-style ribs?

Country-style ribs pair well with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with coleslaw, potato salad, roasted vegetables, or cornbread for a traditional barbecue meal. You could also do the ribs with barbecue sauce on the side.

Q6: Can I make my rib rub?

Absolutely! A simple homemade rib rub combines brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, salt, chili powder, and garlic powder. Feel free to customize your rub by adding other spices or herbs that you like for added flavor.

Q7: Do I need to let the ribs rest after cooking?

It’s a good idea to let the ribs rest for a few minutes after they come out of the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in moister, more flavorful ribs.

Q8: Can I use this method to cook other types of ribs?

While this guide talks explicitly about country-style ribs, the general principles of cooking ribs quickly in the oven can also apply to other types of ribs. However, cooking times and temperatures may vary depending on the type and size of the ribs.