These oven-baked BBQ boneless country-style pork ribs are super easy and tasty! With a sweet and tangy sauce, they’re perfect for a cozy night in or a summer cookout.
I love how tender they turn out without all the cooking fuss. Just slather on the BBQ sauce, pop them in the oven, and let the magic happen—deliciousness awaits! 🍖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Boneless Country-Style Pork Ribs: This is the star of the dish! These ribs are meaty and tender. If you can’t find them, you can use regular pork ribs or even chicken thighs for a lighter option.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for this recipe. For a twist, try a sweet and spicy variety or a tangy mustard-based sauce. If you’re watching your sugar intake, look for a sugar-free version or make your own at home.
Spices: Garlic powder and onion powder are essential for flavor. You can swap these with fresh garlic and onions if preferred, just cook them down first. Smoked paprika adds a nice smokiness, but you can skip it if you don’t have it or use regular paprika instead.
Olive Oil: While it’s optional, I recommend it for helping the spices stick. If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use any other cooking oil like vegetable or canola oil. You can even use cooking spray.
How Do I Ensure My Ribs Turn Out Tender?
The key to tender ribs is cooking them low and slow. Baking at 300°F allows the meat to slowly break down, making it juicy and soft. Here’s how to do it right:
- Always start by patting the ribs dry to help the olive oil and spices stick.
- Cover with foil for the first part of baking to trap steam and moisture.
- When it’s time to uncover, crank up the heat to 400°F. This helps caramelize the BBQ sauce beautifully.
- Brush on extra sauce halfway through to keep things flavorful.
Oven Baked BBQ Boneless Country Style Pork Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless country-style pork ribs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 cups BBQ sauce (your choice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 3 hours for baking. You’ll spend most of the time waiting for the ribs to become tender in the oven, making it an easy and rewarding dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low temperature will help make the ribs tender and juicy. While the oven heats, let’s get the ribs ready!
2. Prepare the Ribs:
Pat the boneless pork ribs dry with paper towels. This step helps the seasoning stick better. If you’re using olive oil, rub it over the ribs now. Even a little bit helps enhance the flavor!
3. Spice it Up:
In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika (if you like a smoky taste). Sprinkle this seasoning mix evenly over the ribs, making sure they’re well coated.
4. Bake the Ribs:
Place the seasoned ribs in a baking dish or on a lined baking sheet. Cover them tightly with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in. Now, pop them in the preheated oven and bake for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until they’re tender and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
5. Add the BBQ Sauce:
Once the ribs are nice and tender, carefully remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Brush a generous amount of BBQ sauce over the ribs, then put them back in the oven without the foil.
6. Finish Baking:
Bake the ribs uncovered for another 20-30 minutes. This will allow the BBQ sauce to thicken and caramelize. For extra flavor, you can brush more BBQ sauce on the ribs halfway through this step.
7. Let Rest and Serve:
Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for about 5-10 minutes. This resting time helps keep the juices inside when you slice them. Serve hot with additional BBQ sauce on the side and enjoy your delicious ribs with your favorite sides!
Can I Use Bone-In Ribs Instead of Boneless?
Yes, you can use bone-in ribs! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time since bone-in ribs usually require a bit longer to become tender. Start checking for doneness at around 3 hours, but they might need an extra 30 minutes or so.
What BBQ Sauce Works Best?
Any BBQ sauce you love will work! However, sauces with a good balance of sweetness and acidity tend to caramelize nicely during baking. If you prefer homemade, you can easily whip one up with ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, applying more BBQ sauce for extra flavor!
Can I Grill These Ribs Instead?
Absolutely! After baking, you can move the ribs to the grill for an extra smoky flavor. Preheat your grill to medium heat and grill the ribs for about 10-15 minutes, basting with BBQ sauce and turning occasionally until caramelized.