To cook country style ribs in the oven quickly while still achieving good flavor and tenderness, follow these steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). This higher temperature speeds up cooking compared to the traditional low-and-slow method
- Sear the ribs first. Brown the ribs in a hot skillet with a little oil for about 8-10 minutes, turning to get a good sear on all sides. This step adds flavor and helps seal in juices
- Place ribs in a baking pan. Arrange the seared ribs in a single layer in a baking dish or rimmed pan. You can cover them with BBQ sauce if desired
- Roast in the oven for about 20 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F for safe pork consumption. This method cooks the ribs faster but results in a texture more like baked chicken breast rather than fall-apart tender ribs
- Optional finishing. For more flavor, you can brush with additional BBQ sauce and broil for a few minutes to caramelize the sauce
Notes:
- Cooking country style ribs quickly sacrifices some tenderness and juiciness compared to slow baking at 275-325°F for 2-3 hours
- If you want very tender ribs, the traditional low-and-slow method (275-325°F for 2+ hours covered with foil) is recommended but takes longer
- Always check the internal temperature to ensure food safety; pork should reach 145°F internally
In summary, for a fast oven method: sear the ribs, roast at 350°F for about 20 minutes until cooked through, and optionally broil with BBQ sauce for extra flavor
