Country Rib Sandwiches
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Boneless country-style pork ribs are one of those hidden gems at the grocery store—especially during the summer months when they often go on sale for a great price. I recently adapted a recipe for Country Rib Sandwiches from a Taste of Home issue, and it’s quickly become a go-to in my kitchen. The beauty of this dish is how effortless it is: the ribs cook low and slow in the crock pot, soaking up all that smoky, savory flavor without heating up your house. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a backyard BBQ, but with none of the fuss.
The ribs turn out tender and juicy, perfect for piling onto sandwich buns and topping with your favorite fixings. For a quick and refreshing side, I love serving them with my Shockingly Simple Coleslaw or Pineapple Coleslaw—both recipes are on my site and come together in minutes. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something summery and satisfying, this recipe delivers that classic BBQ flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients for Country Rib Sandwiches
- ONION
- BONELESS COUNTRY STYLE RIBS
- KETCHUP
- PLUM SAUCE
- CHILI SAUCE
- BROWN SUGAR
- CELERY SEED
- GARLIC POWDER
- LIQUID SMOKE
- GROUND ALLSPICE
- KAISER ROLLS
Instructions for Country Rib Sandwiches
Layer the base: Start by placing sliced onion in the bottom of a 3-quart slow cooker. Lay the boneless country-style pork ribs on top of the onions—this helps infuse the meat with flavor as it cooks.
Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, plum sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, celery seed, garlic powder, a pinch of allspice, and Liquid Smoke (if using). This sweet and tangy barbecue sauce blend gives the ribs that irresistible BBQ flavor without firing up the grill.
Cook low and slow: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the ribs. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and easy to shred.
Shred and finish: Remove the ribs from the slow cooker and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded meat to the slow cooker, stir to coat in the sauce, and cover again. Let it cook for another 15 minutes to warm through and soak up all that delicious flavor.
Serve and enjoy: Spoon the saucy shredded pork onto sandwich rolls and top with a little additional sauce if desired. This recipe makes about 8 hearty sandwiches—perfect for summer gatherings, game day, or an easy weeknight dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in country-style ribs instead of boneless?
Yes, but boneless ribs are easier to shred and serve in sandwiches. If using bone-in, just be sure to remove the bones after cooking and before shredding the meat.
What is plum sauce, and can I substitute it?
Plum sauce is a sweet and tangy condiment often used in Asian cooking. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with hoisin sauce or a mix of apricot preserves and a splash of vinegar for a similar flavor profile.
Do I need to use Liquid Smoke?
Liquid Smoke adds a subtle smoky flavor that mimics outdoor grilling. It’s optional, but if you enjoy that BBQ depth, it’s a great addition. A little goes a long way!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely, you can cook and shred the meat a day in advance, then reheat it in the slow cooker or on the stovetop before serving. It’s perfect for prepping ahead for parties or busy weeknights.
What kind of rolls work best for serving?
Soft sandwich buns, brioche rolls, or even hoagie-style buns work well. Choose something sturdy enough to hold the saucy meat without falling apart.
Can I freeze the shredded pork?
Yes! Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not particularly. The chili sauce adds a mild kick, but it’s more tangy than hot. If you want more heat, you can stir in a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes.
What sides go well with these sandwiches?
They pair beautifully with coleslaw (like your Shockingly Simple or Pineapple version), baked beans, corn on the cob, or potato salad. It’s a great base for a casual summer meal.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
Country Rib Sandwiches
Real Mom Kitchen
Ingredients
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 pounds boneless country-style pork ribs
- ¾ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup plum sauce
- ¼ cup chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Liquid Smoke
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- 8 kaiser rolls split
- additional chili sauce
Instructions
- Place onion in a 3-qt. slow cooker; top with ribs. Combine the ketchup, plum sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, celery seed, garlic powder, Liquid Smoke if desired and allspice; pour over ribs.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until meat is tender. Shred meat with two forks and return to the slow cooker. Cover and cook 15 minutes longer or until heated through. Serve on rolls with additional chili sauce on each sandwich. Yield: 8 servings.
