Sweet and Sour Country Style Ribs: A Flavorful Feast for Any Occasion

Country-style ribs are a cut of pork that’s often overlooked, but they’re packed with flavor and incredibly versatile. They’re not actually ribs in the traditional sense; they’re cut from the blade end of the pork shoulder, resulting in meaty, flavorful strips that are perfect for slow cooking. This recipe elevates country-style ribs to a whole new level with a sweet and sour sauce that’s both tangy and savory, creating a truly unforgettable dish. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, preparing a family dinner, or simply craving a comforting meal, these sweet and sour country-style ribs are sure to be a hit.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Flavor Explosion:** The sweet and sour sauce perfectly complements the rich, savory flavor of the pork ribs. It’s a delightful combination that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Tender and Juicy:** Slow cooking ensures that the ribs become incredibly tender and juicy, practically falling off the bone.
* **Easy to Make:** Despite its impressive flavor, this recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare. The oven does most of the work.
* **Versatile:** These ribs are delicious served with a variety of sides, making them perfect for any occasion.
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** Everyone loves ribs, and this sweet and sour version is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Country-Style Ribs:** About 3-4 pounds, preferably bone-in for maximum flavor.
* **Soy Sauce:** 1/2 cup. Adds a savory, umami flavor to the sauce.
* **Brown Sugar:** 1/2 cup, packed. Provides sweetness and helps to thicken the sauce.
* **Apple Cider Vinegar:** 1/4 cup. Adds tanginess and balances the sweetness.
* **Ketchup:** 1/4 cup. Contributes to the sauce’s sweetness and richness.
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** 2 tablespoons. Enhances the savory flavor of the sauce.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves, minced. Adds a pungent, aromatic flavor.
* **Ginger:** 1 tablespoon, minced (or 1 teaspoon ginger powder). Adds a warm, spicy note.
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped. Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
* **Pineapple Chunks:** 1 cup, canned or fresh. Provides sweetness and a tropical twist. (Optional, but highly recommended)
* **Green Bell Pepper:** 1, chopped. Adds color and a slightly bitter flavor. (Optional)
* **Cornstarch:** 1 tablespoon. Used to thicken the sauce if needed.
* **Water:** 1 tablespoon (mixed with cornstarch, if using).
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Sesame Seeds and Chopped Green Onions:** For garnish (optional).

## Equipment

* Large Bowl
* Large Skillet or Dutch Oven (oven-safe)
* Measuring Cups and Spoons
* Cutting Board
* Knife
* Whisk

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to make these delectable sweet and sour country-style ribs:

**Step 1: Prepare the Ribs**

* Rinse the country-style ribs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to remove any excess moisture and allows them to brown better.
* Season the ribs generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it’s crucial for developing the overall flavor of the dish.

**Step 2: Sear the Ribs (Optional but Recommended)**

* This step adds a beautiful crust and enhances the flavor of the ribs. It can be skipped if you’re short on time, but it’s well worth the effort.
* Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is large enough to accommodate the ribs in a single layer; otherwise, sear them in batches.
* Carefully place the ribs in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them. Sear them for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are nicely browned. The browning process, known as the Maillard reaction, creates complex flavors that add depth to the dish.
* Remove the seared ribs from the skillet and set them aside.

**Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics**

* In the same skillet (or Dutch oven), add the chopped onion and cook over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

**Step 4: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce**

* In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Make sure the brown sugar is fully dissolved.
* Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the sautéed onions, garlic, and ginger in the skillet. Stir well to combine.

**Step 5: Combine and Bake**

* Arrange the seared ribs (or unseared ribs, if you skipped the searing step) in the skillet or Dutch oven, nestling them into the sauce. Make sure the ribs are mostly submerged in the sauce; if necessary, add a little water or broth to cover them partially.
* Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, then cover the skillet or Dutch oven with a lid or tightly with aluminum foil. If using aluminum foil, make sure it’s securely sealed to prevent steam from escaping.
* Transfer the skillet or Dutch oven to a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C). Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the ribs are incredibly tender and easily pull apart. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the ribs, so check for tenderness after 2.5 hours.
* During the last 30 minutes of cooking, you can add the optional pineapple chunks and chopped green bell pepper to the skillet. This will allow them to soften and infuse their flavors into the sauce.

**Step 6: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)**

* If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can thicken it during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. This creates a slurry that will help to thicken the sauce without leaving any lumps.
* Remove the ribs from the oven and transfer them to a plate. Place the skillet or Dutch oven on the stovetop over medium heat.
* Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce and bring it to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir constantly to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

**Step 7: Serve and Enjoy**

* Return the ribs to the skillet and toss them in the thickened sauce to coat them evenly. Alternatively, you can serve the ribs on a platter and spoon the sauce over them.
* Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
* Serve the sweet and sour country-style ribs hot with your favorite sides.

## Tips for the Best Sweet and Sour Country Style Ribs

* **Choose High-Quality Ribs:** Look for country-style ribs that are well-marbled with fat. This fat will render during cooking, adding flavor and moisture to the ribs. Bone-in ribs tend to be more flavorful than boneless ribs.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** When searing the ribs, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the pan and prevent the ribs from browning properly. Sear the ribs in batches if necessary.
* **Low and Slow is Key:** The key to tender, juicy ribs is to cook them low and slow. This allows the collagen in the meat to break down, resulting in incredibly tender ribs.
* **Adjust the Sweetness and Sourness to Your Liking:** Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar and apple cider vinegar in the sauce to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more brown sugar. If you prefer a more tart sauce, add more apple cider vinegar.
* **Add a Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes:** For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
* **Let the Ribs Rest:** After cooking, let the ribs rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender rib.

## Serving Suggestions

These sweet and sour country-style ribs are delicious served with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Rice:** Steamed white rice, brown rice, or fried rice.
* **Noodles:** Egg noodles, lo mein noodles, or rice noodles.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes or sweet potato mash.
* **Coleslaw:** Classic coleslaw or Asian-inspired coleslaw.
* **Green Beans:** Steamed or sautéed green beans.
* **Corn on the Cob:** Grilled or boiled corn on the cob.
* **Mac and Cheese:** Creamy mac and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad or a more elaborate salad with fruit and nuts.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts.

## Variations

* **Spicy Sweet and Sour Ribs:** Add a tablespoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Honey Garlic Sweet and Sour Ribs:** Substitute the brown sugar with honey and add a tablespoon of minced garlic to the sauce.
* **Pineapple Sweet and Sour Ribs:** Add more pineapple chunks to the sauce for a more pronounced pineapple flavor.
* **Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Ribs:** You can also make these ribs in a slow cooker. Simply combine all of the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.

## Make Ahead

You can prepare the sweet and sour sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to cook the ribs, simply pour the sauce over the ribs and bake as directed. You can also cook the ribs ahead of time and reheat them before serving. Store the cooked ribs in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

## Storage

Store leftover sweet and sour country-style ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until heated through.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 450-550 per serving (depending on portion size and ingredients used)
* Fat: 25-35g
* Saturated Fat: 8-12g
* Cholesterol: 100-120mg
* Sodium: 800-1000mg
* Carbohydrates: 25-35g
* Fiber: 1-2g
* Sugar: 20-30g
* Protein: 30-40g

## Sweet and Sour Country Style Ribs Recipe

**Prep Time:** 20 minutes

**Cook Time:** 2.5-3 hours

**Serves:** 4-6

**Ingredients:**

* 3-4 pounds country-style ribs
* 1/2 cup soy sauce
* 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
* 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
* 1/4 cup ketchup
* 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon minced ginger (or 1 teaspoon ginger powder)
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh, optional)
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped (optional)
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)
* 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening sauce)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Rinse the ribs and pat them dry. Season with salt and pepper.
3. *Optional:* Sear the ribs in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
4. In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce.
6. Pour the sauce over the sautéed onions, garlic, and ginger in the skillet.
7. Arrange the ribs in the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover with a lid or tightly with aluminum foil.
8. Bake for 2.5-3 hours, or until the ribs are very tender.
9. *Optional:* During the last 30 minutes, add pineapple chunks and green bell pepper.
10. *Optional:* To thicken the sauce, remove the ribs, transfer the skillet to the stovetop, whisk cornstarch and water, stir into the sauce, and simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
11. Return the ribs to the skillet and coat with the sauce.
12. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, if desired.
13. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Enjoy this fantastic Sweet and Sour Country Style Ribs recipe! This recipe brings together the best of sweet and savory flavors in a comforting, easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. Happy cooking!