When it comes to choosing the best cut of pork for making delicious country style ribs, there are a few things to consider. The cut, preparation method, and cooking technique all play a role in producing tender, juicy ribs with great flavor.
Understanding Country Style Ribs
Country style ribs come from the upper side of the rib cage, near the pork shoulder. They contain both lean meat and fat, resulting in a tender and juicy texture when cooked properly. Country style ribs are meatier than spare ribs and baby back ribs since they contain part of the pork loin.
Bone-In vs Boneless Country Style Ribs
You can find country style ribs with or without the bone. Bone-in ribs have more flavor because the bone imparts flavor as the meat cooks. The bone also helps the meat retain moisture. Boneless country style ribs are easier to eat since there is no bone to navigate around. They also cook faster since there is no bone to slow down the cooking process.
Choosing Boneless or Bone-In
Choosing boneless or bone-in country style ribs comes down to personal preference:
- Bone-in ribs have more flavor but take longer to cook. The bone makes them harder to eat.
- Boneless ribs cook faster with more uniform cooking. They are easier to eat but may lose some flavor from the lack of bone.
Selecting the Best Cut of Pork for Country Style Ribs
The cut of pork that country style ribs come from can impact texture and flavor. Here are some of the best cuts to use:
Pork Shoulder
Country style ribs cut from the pork shoulder offer great marbling of fat and connective tissue. This produces tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs when cooked low and slow. Shoulder ribs have robust pork flavor.
Pork Loin
Ribs cut from the loin are leaner with less fat and connective tissue. They have a milder flavor than shoulder ribs. Loin ribs cook faster and result in a firm, but still juicy texture.
Blade End of Loin
The blade end of the pork loin has more marbling than the loin center. Country style ribs cut from the blade end have a good combination of rich flavor from the fat and quick cooking time.
Choosing a Cooking Method
Cooking technique also impacts the texture and flavor of country style ribs. Here are some top cooking methods:
Braising
Low and slow braising helps break down connective tissue in country style ribs. Bone-in shoulder ribs benefit the most from braising. The moist heat ensures tender and fall-off-the-bone ribs.
Grilling
Quick grilling over direct high heat works best for boneless loin ribs. The high heat sears the outside while keeping the inside juicy. Add glazes or sauces during the last few minutes of grilling.
Roasting
Boneless country style ribs cook up nicely using a roast cooking method. Roast them in the oven uncovered at a high temperature to get a crispy exterior. The bone-in cut also works well with roasting.
Conclusion
Country style pork ribs have a deliciously meaty texture when cooked properly. Select ribs with some marbling for the most flavor and tenderness. Quick cooking methods like grilling work best for the leaner boneless loin ribs. For the bone-in shoulder cut, use slower braising to break down the connective tissue. With the right cut and cooking method, country style pork ribs make a savory and satisfying meal.