Learning how long to marinate country style ribs can have a huge impact on how they turn out in the end. You should know it if you simply love pork.
Pork is a must-have for the grilling season, and there are countless ways to prepare it, and that make it special.
But, you will surely enjoy it even more when you go with country-style ribs.
Country-style ribs are not the same as a “long rack of ribs”. They actually do not come from the ribs at all, and that is what often makes them confusing.
But, thankfully, you won’t face any confusion cooking them, so long as you know how to marinate country style ribs.
Country ribs get soft and flavored when marinated, and you should marinate for at least 10 minutes but you can always go for several hours if you need.
Unfolding the Mystery of Country-Style Ribs
The truth is that country-style ribs may sound weird to many people.
Typically, when we think of ribs, we picture a lengthy “rack” of ribs complete with rib bones.
Country-style ribs are different in that they are actually a different cut of meat.
Mostly, they are carved out of the pork shoulder or the blade end or the muscular section of the shoulder.
They are a lot cheaper than traditional ribs but are still quite tasty, especially when you marinate them properly.
Fact: Country-style ribs are also called pork shoulder steaks mainly because they are obtained from the chuck eye roll.
Ribs without Bone for the Ultimate Experience
Though they are called “country-style ribs,” these ribs do not look anything like traditional pork ribs.
In fact, it is unusual for them to be bone-in like traditional pork ribs from a smokehouse.
Despite this, they are nonetheless referred to as ribs since their taste and texture are quite close to that of traditional ribs.
If you go boneless, they are easier to cook on the barbecue than traditional bone-in ribs.
They aren’t messy because they lack fat marbling, at least it is not as heavy as with baby back ribs.
Enjoying the Flavorful Pork Ribs
If you have your DIY backyard smoker, you are pretty much ready for the fun.
No doubt, BBQ ribs taste great, but there is something fundamentally primal about tearing them off the bone and devouring them.
When cooked properly, the meat is so soft that it easily separates from the bone.
But whether you decide to bake, smoke, or grill pork ribs, remember that you have to put in some time and effort.
Fact: St. Louis-style spare ribs and even baby back ribs from the grill are delectable, but they can be a real pain to cook, making country ribs a more suitable choice for many.
Trying the Better Alternative to Pork Ribs
When you do not want to wait or deal with the hassle of cooking pork ribs, the best alternative is to go with country-style ribs.
As an alternative to regular ribs, country-style pork ribs are a delicious option because they are incredibly rich and soft.
This may very well become your favorite method of relishing pork because it is low-cost, simple, and delicious.
And you are going to make them even more delectable if you learn the art of marinating them properly.
Marinating Country Style Ribs
Marinades are emulsions of spices, seasonings, oil, and acids, such as vinegar or citrus juice used to flavor and tenderize meat.
The flesh becomes soft and flavored when ribs are marinated at home for several hours.
Using a rib marinade does not have to be difficult either.
For instance:
Mix Up a Rib Marinade
The first step is to always mix up a delicious rib marinade.
The idea is to use the right type of seasonings, such as:
- Herbs
- Spices
- Condiments like BBQ sauce
And then mix them with some oil or fat of your choice and finish by adding acids, such as vinegar.
Prepare the Ribs
Take a paper towel and use it to lightly pat the ribs. This will help remove any excess moisture. Now take a large baking dish and place the ribs in it.
Marinate
Whip up your favorite marinade and simply pour it over the ribs. Now quickly cover the dish and leave it in the refrigerator.
Let it sit there for a few hours and it will be ready to be cooked in whatever way you like.
How Long to Marinate Country Style Ribs?
As mentioned already, if you are in a hurry, you can marinate ribs for 10-15 minutes.
But, in many cases, it may require several hours, and some people even marinate country-style ribs overnight.
Cooking and Making the Best Pork Rib Marinade
How much attention you pay when preparing the pork rib marinade will greatly impact the end results.
Here is how you can cook the ribs quickly without compromising the flavor.
Marinate the Ribs
- Take a small bowl and some soy sauce, oil, and ketchup t it.
- No add some black pepper if you like.
- Mix well before applying to the pork ribs.
- Take a pan and place the ribs in it.
- Carefully pour your marinade over the ribs.
- Set aside for no less than 10 minutes, longer if you can.
Cook the Ribs
- Turn on your grill and heat it to 400F.
- Take the ribs and place them carefully on the grill.
- Let them cook for at least 5 minutes.
- Rotate the ribs after 5 minutes and keep cooking.
- Cook for another 5 minutes and you are done.
- Let them rest for a couple of minutes and serve.
It is important to ensure that you do not puncture the ribs while trying to turn them between cooking.
This would cause the juice to escape, leaving you with rubbery meat. Moreover, you may want to check the internal temperature of the ribs to ensure they are done.
Fact: Pork ribs are usually done and ready to be removed from the grill once the internal temperature reaches 145F.
Different Ways to Enjoy Marinated Ribs
Tender, finger-licking country style pork ribs that have been marinated are the crown jewel of any decent barbecue spread.
Pork ribs are versatile, as they can be smoked, grilled, braised, or even cooked in a slow cooker.
Some of the most common approaches to cooking marinated ribs are:
Baking
You can simply go with your oven when you do not have any specialized outdoor grilling equipment.
The idea is to cook your country ribs over high, dry heat.
- Just preheat the oven to 300F.
- Cover the ribs in aluminum foil, and bake them for a couple of hours.
- Then brush them with sauce and now bake them uncovered.
- Be sure to turn every half an hour for even cooking.
You may add even more flavor to your ribs by reserving some of the marinades and basting them while they cook.
Braising
If you want the meat on country ribs to be tender and juicy, you may braise them slow in liquid.
You can always prepare them by browning them in a heavy-bottomed pot over high heat or in a Dutch oven.
This is often followed by simmering them in liquid like red wine, vegetable stock, beef broth, or barbecue sauce over low heat.
Grilling
Grilling ribs over high heat creates a charred, caramelized exterior and is a standard way of preparation.
All you have to do is sprinkle the marinade and refrigerate the ribs overnight. Then grill them at 350F to 450F on your charcoal or gas grill.
Air-Frying
Do you want to enjoy country style ribs but do not have an oven or a grill? Do not worry because you can also air-fry them with ease.
Air-frying is a great way to get perfectly crisp and caramelized pork ribs without firing up the grill or turning on the oven.
Just be sure to stick to high heat when air-frying and always let some of the marinades drips off first.
Fact: Country ribs may also respond pretty well to smoking, which involves heating them under low, indirect heat from wood smoke.
Takeaway
Learning how long to marinate country ribs will help you enjoy them even more.
Generally, you can marinate them overnight, but when you are in a hurry, you can get good results by marinating them for 10-15 minutes.
But, keep in mind that marination is essential but how you cook will play a role as well.
And it ultimately depends on whether you love it baked, braised, grilled, or fried.
It is about your personal taste, but country ribs will come out great no matter what method you use.