There’s something incredibly satisfying about a dish that tastes like it simmered all day on a wood-burning stove—but only took a bit of love and a few hours in the oven. These balsamic glazed country pork ribs with caramelized onions are exactly that kind of meal. The sweetness of balsamic vinegar, the deep savoriness of slow-cooked onions, and the tender juiciness of country-style pork ribs come together in a dish that’s rustic, hearty, and downright crave-worthy. Whether you're making oven baked country style pork ribs for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a weekend gathering, this is a comforting recipe that always delivers.
Balsamic Glazed Country Pork Ribs with Caramelized Onions
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 2 hours hrs
Total Time 2 hours hrs 20 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Large skillet or cast iron pan Ideal for searing the ribs and caramelizing the onions.
Oven-safe baking dish or roasting pan A sturdy dish is crucial for slow-roasting the ribs. If you're using bone in country style pork ribs oven recipes, make sure your dish is deep enough to handle any juices.
Medium saucepan For simmering the balsamic glaze.
Aluminum foil Helps seal in moisture during baking.
Tongs and a whisk For handling the ribs and mixing the glaze.
For the Pork Ribs
- 3 pounds country style pork ribs boneless or bone-in
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for a bit of heat
For the Balsamic Glaze
- ¾ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 garlic cloves minced
For the Caramelized Onions
- 2 large yellow onions thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar for finishing
Preheat and Season
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. While it’s warming up, pat the country style pork ribs dry with a paper towel. Rub them with olive oil and season generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. If you like a little heat, sprinkle on those red pepper flakes.
Sear the Ribs
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the ribs for 2–3 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown. This step builds flavor and helps render some of the fat. Transfer the ribs to your oven-safe baking dish once seared.
Make the Caramelized Onions
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add a tablespoon each of olive oil and butter. Once melted, stir in the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft, golden, and sweet. Stir in the thyme and a splash of balsamic vinegar in the final few minutes to deepen their flavor.
Prepare the Balsamic Glaze
While the onions are caramelizing, combine the balsamic vinegar, honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and minced garlic in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it bubble gently for 10–12 minutes, or until it thickens into a pourable glaze that coats the back of a spoon.
Bake the Ribs
Spoon about half the balsamic glaze over the seared ribs. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and place in the oven. Roast for 1.5 hours, or until the ribs are fork-tender. Remove the foil during the last 15 minutes of baking and spoon over a bit more glaze to let it caramelize slightly.
Combine and Finish
Once the ribs are tender and glazed, remove them from the oven. Spoon the caramelized onions over the top and drizzle with any remaining glaze. For an extra finish, broil the ribs for 2–3 minutes if you want a stickier, more caramelized surface.
Optional: Grilled Finish
If you're after that smoky flavor, you can transfer the glazed ribs to a hot grill for a few minutes per side to char the glaze. This is a great option if you’re adapting the dish into grilled country style pork ribs.
Pairings
This balsamic-glazed pork dish is packed with flavor, so the best pairings are those that offer a little contrast in taste or texture:
Sides
- Garlic mashed potatoes: Creamy and mild, perfect for soaking up the extra glaze.
- Roasted Brussels sprouts: Their bitterness balances the sweet tang of the balsamic.
- Creamy polenta: A classic Southern pairing that elevates the rustic feel.
- Simple arugula salad: A peppery green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette cuts the richness of the dish.
Drinks
- Red wine: A medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir or Zinfandel complements the pork and balsamic glaze.
- Cider: A dry hard cider or even apple juice works beautifully with the sweet-savory profile.
- Iced tea: A Southern classic that balances heavier meat dishes.
FAQs
1. Can I use boneless pork ribs for this recipe?
Absolutely! This dish works well with boneless pork ribs, which are often cut from the pork shoulder. They cook down beautifully in the oven and absorb the glaze like a sponge. If you’re aiming for boneless country style pork ribs in oven, this recipe is ideal.
2. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this into a slow cooker country style pork ribs recipe. Sear the meat and prepare the glaze as directed, then add everything into your crockpot along with the caramelized onions. Cook on low for 6–8 hours. For a sticky finish, broil the ribs briefly after slow cooking.
3. What’s the difference between country-style ribs and spare ribs?
Country spare ribs are meatier and typically cut from the shoulder area, while traditional spare ribs are from the rib cage. Country ribs can be bone-in or boneless, and they're especially well-suited for oven or slow cooking methods.
4. Can I use beef country style ribs?
You can, though the flavor will be richer and slightly different. If using beef country style ribs, consider increasing the cook time and using beef broth in the glaze for depth. They’re tougher and might need a longer braise.
5. Is this the best method for cooking country ribs?
While there are many great pork rib recipes, this method stands out for its combination of deep caramelized flavor and ease. It's up there with the best ribs recipe oven lovers swear by. If you're after juicy, tender, and flavorful baked pork ribs, this is a strong contender.
