Country Pork Ribs
Country Pork Ribs offer tender, flavorful pork with a sweet and tangy orange glaze complemented by dried fruit. Perfect for gatherings or family dinners, this dish combines savory, fruity, and zesty notes, appealing to those who enjoy hearty, well-seasoned comfort food with a touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rub the pork chops with crushed garlic and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Place the pork in a roasting pan, rib side down, and roast in a 350°F oven.
- While the pork is roasting, put dried fruit in a saucepan, barely cover with water, and simmer covered for 35 minutes.
- After the pork has cooked for 1 hour, add the dried fruit and its cooking liquid to the pan and continue roasting for an additional 30 minutes.
- Make the glaze by combining unsweetened orange concentrate, dried onion flakes, and prepared mustard.
- Spread the glaze over the pork and roast for another 15 minutes, basting frequently.
- If the ribs don't appear nicely browned, bake a little longer until they have a pleasing color.
- Cut the ribs into serving size pieces and arrange along with the fruit on a platter.
- Serve with a green vegetable and salad to complete the meal.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, marinate the pork chops in a mixture of garlic, mustard, and salt for a few hours before roasting. If you can’t find dried mixed fruit, a combination of raisins and apricots works well. Adjust the sweetness of the glaze by adding honey or brown sugar if desired. Remember to baste the pork regularly for a moist, flavorful result.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the country pork ribs alongside a fresh green vegetable and a salad to complete the meal. They pair beautifully with Skillet Cabbage or Collards And Cornbread for a hearty, comforting spread. Consider adding a side of roasted potatoes or a grain like quinoa for a well-rounded dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover country pork ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture. Alternatively, you can use the microwave, heating in short intervals until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country Pork Ribs contains roughly 412 calories, with 11g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value), iron (38% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 606mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in pork chops instead of country ribs?
Yes, bone-in pork chops can be used in place of country ribs. Just ensure that they are of similar thickness to allow for even cooking. Adjust cooking times as necessary, checking for doneness with a meat thermometer.
Is it possible to make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the point of adding the glaze, then refrigerate it overnight. Just reheat in the oven while basting with the glaze before serving. This will enhance the flavors even further.
What should I do if the pork isn’t browning well?
If the pork isn’t browning as expected, increase the oven temperature to 400°F for the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. This will help achieve a nice caramelization on the surface without overcooking the meat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).