Country style ribs and pork ribs are two popular cuts of pork that are often used for barbecue and grilling. While they share some similarities, there are a few key differences between country style ribs and pork ribs when it comes to their cut, texture, flavor, and preparation.
What Cut of Meat Do Country Style Ribs Come From?
Country style ribs come from the upper portion of the shoulder from the blade end of the loin. They contain parts of the shoulder blade bone as well as spinal bones. This gives them a curved shape.
The term “country style” refers to the fact that these ribs come from the upper part of the pig’s shoulder as opposed to the lower belly. Country style ribs are sometimes also referred to as pork shoulder ribs or pork shoulder blade ribs.
What Cut of Meat Do Pork Ribs Come From?
There are several different types of pork ribs that come from various parts of the pig:
- Baby back ribs – From the upper portion of the ribcage near the spine. They have the most tender meat.
- Spare ribs – From the belly side of the ribcage.
- St. Louis style ribs – From the spare ribs, but trimmed into a rectangular shape.
- Back ribs – Located near the spine right above the spare ribs.
In general, when people refer to pork ribs, they are typically talking about baby back ribs or spare ribs. These ribs come from the ribcage area of the pig unlike country style ribs which come from the shoulder.
The Texture of Country Style Ribs vs. Pork Ribs
The different cuts impact the texture of country style ribs compared to pork ribs:
- Country style ribs – Contain more connective tissue and fat cap which helps keep them moist during cooking. But they can be slightly tougher than pork ribs.
- Pork ribs – Pork ribs come from a less active part of the pig so they tend to be more tender and contain less connective tissue than country style ribs. Baby back ribs are especially tender.
So pork ribs generally have a more tender, fall-off-the-bone texture compared to the chewier texture of country style ribs.
The Flavor of Country Style Ribs vs. Pork Ribs
The different parts of the pig that the cuts come from also impact the flavor:
- Country style ribs – Have a slightly richer, beefier flavor given their high concentration of fat and connective tissue.
- Pork ribs – Tend to have a sweeter, more delicate flavor. They absorb marinades and rubs well.
Many people feel that country style ribs have a more pronounced pork-like flavor while pork ribs tend to have a lighter and more subtle flavor.
How to Cook Country Style Ribs vs. Pork Ribs
Because of the textural differences between the cuts, country style ribs and pork ribs may need to be handled a little differently during cooking:
- Country style ribs – Benefit from longer, slower cooking methods like braising and roasting. This helps break down the connective tissue.
- Pork ribs – Can be cooked more quickly using grilling, broiling, or baking since they are naturally more tender. Avoid overcooking.
Country style ribs can withstand wet cooking methods while pork ribs are best prepared using drier heat. Cook times will also vary, with country style ribs requiring more time to become tender.
Popular Ways to Cook Country Style Ribs
Here are some favorite ways to cook country style ribs:
- Braise – Braise the ribs in liquid like wine, beer, broth, or barbecue sauce until fall-off-the-bone tender.
- Roast – Roast seasoned country style ribs uncovered in the oven until cooked through and crispy.
- Smoke – Give the ribs a nice smoky flavor in a smoker or grill for a few hours.
- Stew – Add country style ribs to stews and let them cook low and slow to absorb all the flavors.
Popular Ways to Cook Pork Ribs
Some classic cooking methods for pork ribs include:
- Grill – Get nice char marks by grilling ribs on a hot grill, basting with barbecue sauce.
- Bake – Season ribs and bake uncovered in the oven until glazed and tender.
- Broil – Quickly broil ribs in the oven 4-5 inches from heat to caramelize the exterior.
- Smoke – Smoking baby back or spare ribs results in extremely tender, flavorful ribs.
Country Style Ribs vs. Pork Ribs: Nutrition
The nutrition profile of country style ribs compared to pork ribs:
| Nutrition Facts | Country Style Ribs | Pork Ribs |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 245 per 3 oz | 291 per 3 oz |
| Fat | 18g | 23g |
| Protein | 17g | 17g |
| Carbs | 0g | 0g |
As you can see, country style ribs and pork ribs have a similar protein content. However, pork ribs are higher in calories and fat since they contain slightly more marbling.
Both are very low carb options. Ribs in general make a great choice if you are monitoring carbs or following a low carb or keto diet.
Price Differences Between Country Style vs. Pork Ribs
Country style ribs tend to be more budget-friendly than some pork rib options. Here are some average prices:
- Country style ribs – $3-4/lb
- Pork spare ribs – $4-5/lb
- Baby back ribs – $6-8/lb
Country style ribs offer an affordable alternative while still providing plenty of flavor and juiciness. Baby back ribs tend to cost the most per pound due to their exceptionally tender meat.
Appearance of Country Style Ribs vs. Pork Ribs
Here is how country style ribs and pork ribs compare visually:
- Country style ribs – Have an uneven, curved shape with part of the shoulder bone still attached. They are longer than they are wide.
- Pork spare ribs – Rectangular racks with a straight bone running vertically through each rib section.
- Baby back ribs – Very short, usually only 4-6 ribs per rack. Narrower than spare ribs.
Country style ribs don’t form the tidy, full racks that pork spare ribs and baby backs do. Their appearance is more irregular due to the shoulder bone.
Taste Test between Country Style and Pork Ribs
The best way to compare the flavor of country style vs. pork ribs is to simply cook them up and taste test!
Try making country style ribs and spare ribs or baby backs using the same seasonings and cooking method. This will let the inherent flavors of the cuts come through.
You should notice that the country style ribs have a slightly stronger, gamier pork flavor while the pork ribs taste sweeter and more subtle.
The country style ribs likely will require a longer cooking time to get tender. And the pork ribs will probably have a juicier, more fall-off-the-bone texture.
Both can be extremely delicious depending on your preferences and the seasonings used to flavor them. It comes down to deciding whether you want a bolder or more delicate pork rib experience.
Common Recipes Using Country Style Ribs
Here are some popular ways country style ribs are used in recipes:
- BBQ country style ribs – Covered in a sticky, tangy barbecue sauce and roasted or smoked.
- Braised country style ribs – Slow cooked in an aromatic liquid until super tender.
- Beer braised country style ribs – Simmered in beer, onion, garlic, and spices for hearty flavor.
- Country style rib stew – Combined with veggies like potatoes, carrots, peas in a savory stew.
- Garlic parmesan country style ribs – Roasted with a crunchy garlic and parmesan coating.
The flavor and texture of country style ribs work well in all of these slow-cooked, braised dishes. The connective tissue helps them stand up to wet cooking methods.
Common Recipes Using Pork Ribs
Here are some ways pork ribs are commonly used:
- BBQ baby back ribs – Slathered with a sticky barbecue glaze and grilled until caramelized and charred.
- Asian style ribs – Marinated in an Asian sauce like hoisin, soy, and garlic, then baked.
- Dry rubbed ribs – Seasoned with a spice rub and smoked low and slow until tender.
- Ribs with barbecue sauce – Finished with a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Rib sandwiches/wraps – Chopped or pulled ribs piled onto buns or stuffed into tortillas.
Pork ribs work excellently in both dry and saucy applications thanks to their natural tenderness and ability to absorb flavors. Grilling, smoking, and baking are go-to cooking methods.
Should You Choose Country Style or Pork Ribs?
So which is better – country style ribs or pork ribs?
It depends on what you’re looking for! Here are a few factors to help decide which to use:
- If tenderness and fall-off-the-bone texture is top priority, go with pork ribs.
- If you want a stronger, porkier flavor, country style ribs are a better choice.
- For grill or oven recipes, pork ribs work well. For braised dishes or stews, choose country style.
- If you’re feeding a crowd, country style ribs give you more meat for your money.
- Watch your budget? Country style ribs are the cheaper option.
Both country style ribs and pork ribs can be amazing. Pick based on the flavor, texture, cooking method, and price that suits your needs.
Conclusion
While country style ribs and pork ribs have some similarities, there are a few distinct differences when it comes to their cuts of meat, texture, flavor, ideal cooking methods, appearance, and cost. Country style ribs come from the upper shoulder and have more connective tissue for a chewier texture and beefy taste. Pork ribs come from the ribcage and tend to be more naturally tender and sweet-tasting.
Country style ribs excel when braised or stewed while pork ribs are best prepared using dry heat like grilling or smoking. Both can make for delicious, flavorful meals! Just decide whether you want the more robust flavor of country style ribs or the delicate tenderness of pork ribs.