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Smoky Chipotle Country Pork ribs

Smoky Chipotle Country Pork Ribs

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Tex-Mex
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Baking dish or roasting pan A ceramic or metal dish large enough to lay out the ribs in a single layer.
  • Blender or food processor To blend the chipotle glaze ingredients until smooth.
  • Aluminum foil Essential for trapping moisture during the first part of roasting.
  • Tongs or spatula For flipping and moving the ribs.
  • Meat thermometer (optional) To ensure the internal temperature hits around 190°F for ultra-tender ribs.

Ingredients
  

For the Chipotle Rub & Glaze

  • 3 lbs boneless country style pork ribs bone-in ribs also work, just adjust cooking time
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce plus 2 tbsp adobo sauce
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup optional for a sweet glaze

For Serving (optional but recommended)

  • Fresh lime wedges
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Pickled red onions
  • Warm tortillas or cornbread

Instructions
 

Preheat and Prep

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F. This low-and-slow method is key for tender results when making oven baked country style pork ribs. Line a baking dish or roasting pan with foil for easy cleanup.

Make the Chipotle Glaze

  1. In a blender or food processor, combine chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, paprika, brown sugar, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and lime juice. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust for heat—add more chipotle for spice or honey for sweetness.

Coat the Ribs

  1. Place the boneless country style pork ribs (or bone in country style pork ribs oven style if you're using those) in the baking dish. Pour over the chipotle mixture and rub it evenly across the ribs with your hands or a brush. Make sure every piece is well coated.

Cover and Roast

  1. Cover the pan tightly with foil and roast in the oven for 2 hours. This is where the magic happens—the ribs slowly braise in their own juices and the flavorful chipotle sauce.

Uncover and Caramelize

  1. After 2 hours, remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 425°F. Brush the ribs with any remaining glaze in the pan. Roast uncovered for another 15 minutes to caramelize the edges and crisp up the outside.

Rest and Serve

  1. Let the ribs rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, and pickled red onions for a burst of brightness.