What are boneless country-style ribs?
Boneless country-style ribs are cuts of pork taken from the blade end of the loin close to the pork shoulder. They contain a portion of the loin meat as well as some collagen and fat similar to ribs, but do not contain any bones. The term “country-style” refers to the cut and flavor rather than a specific rib preparation style. Boneless country-style ribs are very versatile and can be cooked using methods similar to pork chops, roasts, or ribs depending on the preparation.
Are boneless country-style ribs a good value?
Boneless country-style ribs can be a great value cut of meat. Since they contain both lean loin meat and fat/collagen, they are flavorful and tender if cooked properly. They are usually cheaper per pound than pork chops. Boneless country-style ribs allow you to experience the pork rib flavor without having to meticulously remove bones and cartilage. The preparation is easier as well since there are no bones to navigate around.
How should you cook boneless country-style ribs?
There are a few methods that work well for cooking boneless country-style ribs:
Grilling
Grilling imparts nice char flavor and allows the fat to render and keep the ribs juicy. Cook over direct medium heat for 8-10 minutes per side. Baste with barbecue sauce the last 2-3 minutes if desired. Rest 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Braising
Low and slow braised boneless country-style ribs become fall-off-the-bone tender. Brown them first in batches if desired, then braise in broth, barbecue sauce, or other braising liquid at 300°F for 1.5-2 hours until fork tender.
Roasting
Roasting in the oven at 375°F for 45-60 minutes creates a nice sear on the exterior while keeping the inside juicy. Baste with glaze or barbecue sauce toward the end if desired. Rest at least 5 minutes before slicing.
Sous Vide
Cooking sous vide at 145°F for 8-12 hours tenderizes the meat while retaining moisture. Quickly sear all sides after cooking to get a nice brown exterior crust.
Slow Cooker
A slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours works wonders on boneless country-style ribs. Add barbecue sauce, broth, or other liquid to keep moist. Shred with forks if desired.
What flavors pair well with boneless country-style ribs?
The rich pork flavor pairs nicely with sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors. Consider using:
– Brown sugar or honey for sweet glazes
– Chili powder, cayenne, or hot sauce for heat
– Smoked paprika, chipotle, or cumin for smoky flavors
– Garlic, onion, mustard for savory flavors
– Apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce for tanginess
– Barbecue sauce, cola, Dr. Pepper are classic pairings
Fruits like pineapple, mango, or cherry also complement the pork nicely when grilled.
What are some boneless country-style rib recipe ideas?
Here are a few recipe ideas that showcase boneless country-style ribs:
Classic Barbecued Boneless Country-Style Ribs
– 1-2 lbs boneless country-style ribs
– 1 cup barbecue sauce
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon Worcesteshire sauce
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Whisk together barbecue sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Place ribs in a baking dish and pour over 3/4 of the sauce. Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes, brushing with more sauce every 15 minutes. Broil last 2-3 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
Sweet and Spicy Boneless Country-Style Ribs
– 5 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 tablespoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/4 cup lime juice
– 2 lbs boneless country-style ribs
In a small bowl, mix together garlic, honey, chili powder, cumin, cayenne, and lime juice. Place ribs in a gallon size zip top bag and pour marinade over top. Seal and refrigerate 8 hours up to overnight, flipping bag occasionally.
Grill ribs over medium heat 8-10 minutes per side, basting with extra marinade.
Tangy Mustard Boneless Country-Style Ribs
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons maple syrup
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper
– 2 pounds boneless country-style ribs
In a small bowl, whisk together mustard, maple syrup, vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place ribs in a baking dish and brush with mustard mixture on both sides. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, then reduce heat to 350°F and bake 20 more minutes, brushing with more mustard mixture halfway through. Broil 2-3 minutes to finish.
What sides go well with boneless country-style ribs?
Boneless country-style ribs pair nicely with classic barbecue sides:
Baked Beans – Sweet and tangy baked beans complement the ribs. Try beans baked with bacon, onion, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
Cole Slaw – Cool, creamy cole slaw balances the richness of the ribs. Make it with shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and seasonings.
Corn on the Cob – Grilled corn on the cob slathered in butter is a perfect summertime accompaniment.
Potato Salad – Potato salad made with a mayonnaise dressing adds texture and flavor contrast.
Macaroni and Cheese – Ooey-gooey mac and cheese is a classic for a reason. Make it extra cheesy and rich.
Biscuits – Buttery baked biscuits are ideal for soaking up barbecue sauce.
Baked Potatoes – Large baked russet potatoes with butter, sour cream, cheese, and bacon are delicious and filling.
Creamed Corn – Sweet creamed corn made with fresh corn, cream, and seasonings complements the ribs.
Nutrition Facts for Boneless Country-Style Ribs
Here is the nutrition information for a 6 ounce serving of boneless country-style ribs, according to the USDA:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 235 |
| Fat | 13g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 75mg |
| Sodium | 65mg |
| Carbohydrates | 1g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugar | 0g |
| Protein | 25g |
As you can see, boneless country-style ribs are high in protein and relatively low in carbs. They contain a moderate amount of fat, about half of which is saturated. Be mindful of your portion size, as the calorie count can add up quickly for this rich and flavorful cut of pork.
Conclusion
Boneless country-style ribs can make for a delicious and easy pork dinner. The preparation is simpler than bones-in ribs, but they offer that same tender and juicy rib flavor. Their versatility allows you to grill, braise, bake, or slow cook them with amazing results every time. Season or sauce them boldly to complement the rich pork. Pair with classic barbecue sides and you have an amazing meal the whole family will love. While they are not the leanest cut, enjoyed in moderation, boneless country-style ribs are a tasty and satisfying choice.