If you’re looking for a delicious and easy meal to make, try cooking country style ribs in the crockpot. This slow-cooking method allows the ribs to become tender and juicy, while also infusing them with amazing flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a weekday dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.

Country style ribs are cut from the shoulder of the pig and are known for their meaty texture. They are often boneless or have small pieces of bone, which makes them perfect for slow cooking. The crockpot is a great tool for cooking country style ribs because it allows them to cook low and slow, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

To begin, gather the ingredients for the marinade. You’ll need soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, onion, and your choice of spices. The marinade will help to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. This step is optional, but highly recommended for the best results.

Once the marinade is prepared, place the country style ribs into the crockpot and pour the marinade over them. Make sure that the ribs are fully covered by the marinade for maximum flavor. Set the crockpot to low heat and let the ribs cook for 6-8 hours, or until they are tender and easily pull apart with a fork.

Tip: If you prefer a thicker sauce for your ribs, you can remove them from the crockpot and place them on a baking sheet. Brush them with the marinade and broil them in the oven for a few minutes until they are browned and caramelized.

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When the ribs are done cooking, remove them from the crockpot and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender rib. Serve the country style ribs with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes, and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.

Preparation and marinating

Before cooking country style ribs in the crockpot, it’s important to properly prepare and marinate them. This will enhance the flavor and tenderness of the ribs. Follow these steps for the best results:

1. Trim any excess fat from the ribs. This will help prevent them from becoming too greasy during the cooking process.

2. Rinse the ribs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.

3. In a small bowl, prepare the marinade. You can use a pre-made marinade or make your own. A simple marinade can consist of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, and black pepper.

4. Place the ribs in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the ribs, making sure they are evenly coated. If using a dish, cover it with plastic wrap. If using a plastic bag, seal it tightly.

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5. Place the ribs in the refrigerator and let them marinate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

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6. If you have time, flip the ribs halfway through the marinating process to ensure even distribution of the marinade.

7. When you are ready to cook the ribs, remove them from the marinade and discard any excess marinade.

8. Proceed with the cooking instructions for country style ribs in the crockpot.

Note: If you prefer, you can also sear the ribs in a hot skillet before placing them in the crockpot. This will give them a nice caramelized exterior.

Choosing the right ingredients

When making country style ribs in the crockpot, it’s important to use the right ingredients to ensure a delicious and flavorful meal. Here are the key ingredients you’ll need:

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Country style pork ribs: Start with high-quality country style pork ribs. These ribs come from the shoulder of the pig and are known for their meatiness and tenderness.

Seasonings: To enhance the flavor of the ribs, you’ll need a variety of seasonings. Some popular choices include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your personal taste.

Barbecue sauce: A good barbecue sauce is essential for adding a tangy and smoky flavor to the ribs. You can either use store-bought barbecue sauce or make your own homemade sauce.

Liquid: To keep the ribs moist and tender during the slow cooking process, you’ll need a liquid. Common options include beef or chicken broth, water, or apple juice. The choice of liquid will depend on your personal preference and the flavor profile you want to achieve.

Optional extras: If you’d like to add more depth of flavor to your country style ribs, consider including additional ingredients such as sliced onions, minced garlic, or Worcestershire sauce.

By selecting the right ingredients, you’ll be on your way to creating a mouthwatering and satisfying dish of country style ribs in the crockpot.

Seasoning the ribs

Before cooking the country style ribs in the crockpot, it’s important to season them well to enhance the flavor. Here is a simple seasoning blend that you can use:

Ingredients:

  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. This seasoning blend will add a delicious and savory taste to the country style ribs.

Prior to applying the seasoning, make sure to pat the ribs dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the seasoning stick better to the meat.

Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs, using your hands to rub it in and ensure it adheres well. Alternatively, you can use a brush or a spoon to evenly distribute the seasoning.

Once the ribs are well seasoned, you can proceed to the next step of cooking them in the crockpot.

Cooking the ribs in the crockpot

Using a crockpot to cook country style ribs is an easy and convenient way to achieve tender and flavorful meat. The slow cooking process allows the ribs to become incredibly moist and fall-off-the-bone delicious.

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To start, season the ribs generously with salt, pepper, and any other preferred seasonings. This will help to enhance the flavor of the meat as it cooks. You can also marinate the ribs in your favorite BBQ sauce overnight for an extra kick of flavor.

Next, place the seasoned ribs into the crockpot and add any desired vegetables, such as onions, carrots, or potatoes, to enhance the flavor of the dish. You can also add some minced garlic or herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional seasoning.

Set the crockpot to a low heat setting and cook the ribs for 6-8 hours, or until they are tender and easily pull apart with a fork. The longer cooking time will allow the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender and juicy.

Once the ribs are done cooking, you can remove them from the crockpot and brush them with additional BBQ sauce, if desired. This will add a delicious glaze to the ribs and give them an extra burst of flavor.

Serve the country style ribs hot and enjoy them with your favorite side dishes, such as coleslaw, cornbread, or mashed potatoes. They are perfect for a family dinner or a weekend barbecue with friends.

Tip: For a crispier texture, you can broil the ribs in the oven for a few minutes after they are done cooking in the crockpot. This will give them a delicious caramelized crust.

Overall, cooking country style ribs in the crockpot is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this classic comfort food. With minimal effort, you can achieve tender, flavorful ribs that will leave everyone wanting more.

Serving and Plating

Once your country style ribs are tender and cooked to perfection in the crockpot, it’s time to serve and plate them for a delicious meal. Follow these steps to create an appetizing presentation:

Garnish

First, consider adding a garnish to enhance the appearance of your dish. Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil can be chopped and sprinkled over the top of the ribs. This not only adds a pop of color but also adds a fresh and vibrant taste.

Sauce

Place your cooked country style ribs on a serving platter or individual plates. You can spoon some of the delicious cooking liquid from the crockpot over the ribs to keep them moist and flavorful. Alternatively, you can simmer the cooking liquid in a saucepan until it thickens and use it as a sauce to drizzle over the ribs.

Sides

Country style ribs pair well with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with mashed potatoes or creamy polenta to soak up the flavorful cooking liquid. You can also add some steamed vegetables like green beans or roasted carrots to provide a healthy and colorful addition to the plate.

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Plating

When it comes to plating the ribs, there are a few different options. You can place the ribs directly on the serving platter, arranging them in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Alternatively, you can divide the ribs onto individual plates, making sure to distribute them evenly.

Consider surrounding the ribs with the selected sides to create an appealing composition. You can also use a ring mold or a biscuit cutter to shape the mashed potatoes or polenta into neat portions and place them next to the ribs.

Adding a pop of color with a sprig of fresh herb or a sprinkle of chopped parsley on top of the ribs can complete the plating process. It adds a touch of elegance and highlights the flavors of the dish.

Remember, the presentation is just as important as the taste when it comes to serving country style ribs. Take your time to arrange everything in an appealing manner, and your guests will be impressed with both the look and taste of the meal.

Enjoy!

FAQ

What are country style ribs?

Country style ribs are meaty cuts of pork that come from the shoulder area of the pig. They are called ribs because they are cut in a similar shape to traditional ribs, but they actually do not contain any rib bones.

Can I use boneless country style ribs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless country style ribs for this recipe. They will cook in the crockpot just as well as bone-in ribs. Just keep in mind that boneless ribs may cook slightly faster, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What is the best seasoning for country style ribs?

The best seasoning for country style ribs depends on personal preference, but some popular options include BBQ rub, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and brown sugar. You can experiment with different combinations to find the flavour profile you enjoy the most.

Can I cook the country style ribs on high heat in the crockpot?

While it is possible to cook the country style ribs on high heat in the crockpot, it is generally recommended to cook them on low heat for a longer period of time. This will result in more tender and flavourful ribs. However, if you are short on time, you can cook them on high heat, but keep a close eye on them to prevent them from drying out.

How long should I cook the country style ribs in the crockpot?

The cooking time for country style ribs in the crockpot can vary depending on the size of the ribs and the desired level of tenderness. On average, they will need to cook for 6-8 hours on low heat or 3-4 hours on high heat. It’s best to check them with a meat thermometer to ensure they have reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.