At Chicago Steak Company, we offer more than just steak; we have selections for virtually any meat preference, whether you love burgers and hot dogs or shellfish. Pork roasts are also high on our list of must-try proteins, especially when you know all the tips and tricks to cook them to their highest potential.
That’s exactly what this guide is for. In this article, learn more about boneless pork rib roast, a tender and flavorful cut that’s fit for a family meal. We’ll break down several cooking methods, preparation instructions, and more.
What is Boneless Pork Rib Roast
Pork rib roast comes from the loin area of a pig, which sits just above the ribs. A traditional bone-in pork rib roast includes rib bones still attached. If you opt for a boneless pork rib roast, you’ll get just the loin portion with no bones attached.
This portion of the pig is an underexercised area, so it can be relatively fatty, which yields excellent flavor and moisture when cooking. There are several ways to flavor and cook a boneless pork rib roast, making it a versatile protein for dinners.
Choose the Right Pork Rib Roast
Like steak, quality pork can help your dish stand out.
The first thing you’ll want to look for in your roast is marbling. This looks like thin white strips, which are strips of fat running through the roast. There should be plenty of marbling rather than thick chunks of fat inside the meat, which can be tough to break down when cooking.
Next, look at coloring. Healthy rib roast should be a light pink color. You can gently poke your fingertips into the meat to feel its firmness. A good pork rib roast should be relatively firm with a slight bounceback from your touch.
Finally, remember to check the labels and dates. A use-by date is important to watch for, as maximum freshness is generally best before the date. If you plan to cook the roast the same day, this shouldn’t matter, but if the roast is for a future dinner, make sure the use-by date accommodates your meal plan.
Preparing the Rib Roast
There isn’t much to do to prepare a boneless pork rib roast for the oven.
First, remove excess fat along the outside of the roast. And my excess, we mean chunks of fat that won’t generally have time to cook down, not the thin strip of fat that usually covers a pork rib roast. You’ll want to keep that in place, as it will add flavor and moisture to the roast when cooking.
Aside from that, focus on seasoning the rib roast. We like to use a combination of several strong seasonings, like sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Add plenty of seasoning to the outside of the meat. The seasoning layer will form into a crust when oven-cooking, grilling, smoking, or air-frying the rib roast, adding lots of flavor and a pleasant crunch. If you’re slow-cooking the rib roast, all you need to season your roast is some salt and pepper.
Tips and Tricks for Boneless Pork Rib Roast
The biggest tip to remember when cooking boneless pork rib roast is to give it plenty of time to cook. Rushing rib roast can lead to a chewy roast that lacks the flavor you were looking for. The marbling within pork rib roast needs time to render down, which happens during slower cooking processes using low heat.
If you find that the outside of your roast is getting too crisp for your liking when oven-cooking, air-frying, smoking, or grilling, wrap it in aluminum foil before continuing the cooking process. This prevents scorching on the outside while locking in heat to continue cooking the inside of the roast.
Flavor Suggestions
You don’t need to stick with the spices we’ve mentioned to create your pork rib roast. Marinades and glazes can add a wide variety of different flavors to your roast. In fact, many pre-portioned pork roasts you can find in the store use various flavor profiles, like apple teriyaki or lemon and herb, for something a little different.
Fruity flavors almost always work well with pork, so they’re good options for your roast. A citrus glaze or blueberry-balsamic sauce could be delicious upgrades, for example.
If you want more savory flavors, go with a rosemary garlic butter to drizzle over the top or make a savory herb gravy to serve with the roast.
Recipe Variations
Do you like getting creative in the kitchen? If so, boneless pork rib roast was meant for you. There are numerous ways to switch up a recipe and make it your own. A few ideas:
- Mustard balsamic roasted pork: This recipe is for pork tenderloin, which is very similar to a boneless pork rib roast in terms of its cooking and preparation needs. Swap out the tenderloin with your rib roast to create this tasty dish. Just be sure to monitor the temperature and cooking time, as boneless pork rib roast is usually larger than a tenderloin, so it’ll likely need more time to cook.
- Wine and garlic roast: Ideal for the slow cooker, you can make a pork rib roast using your favorite red wine. Combine chicken broth, red wine, minced garlic, and onion to create the liquid for the slow cooker. Cook on high for 4-6 hours for a tender, mouthwatering roast.
- Orange garlic marinated pork roast: Instead of seasoning the roast before cooking, marinate it. Combine orange juice, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and garlic for the marinade. Marinate the roast in the fridge for several hours or overnight. You can also inject the marinade into the meat just before cooking for extra flavor.
Methods of Cooking Boneless Pork Rib Roast
The following cooking methods are options you have for cooking boneless pork rib roast.
Oven Cooked Boneless Pork Rib Roast
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the pork rib roast in a roasting pan with a wire rack inside, and season the roast with your choice of herbs and spices. Allow to cook until the roast reaches 145°F. Then, remove from the oven and cover the roast loosely with aluminum foil. Allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Smoked Boneless Pork Rib Roast
Preheat the smoker to 250°F while you season your rib roast on all sides. Place the rib roast on a wire rack inside a foil pan and transfer it into the smoker. Smoke for about one hour until the outside becomes crisp. Then, spritz the roast every 30-45 minutes with water or apple cider vinegar until the roast reaches 145°F. Rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Grilled Boneless Pork Rib Roast
Preheat the grill to high heat as you season the rib roast on all sides. Move the roast to the grill with the fat side facing up. Grill over high heat for 5-6 minutes on each side until the outside begins to brown and crisp. Then, lower the heat or move the roast to indirect heat to continue cooking until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Then, rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Slow Cooker Boneless Pork Rib Roast
Season the pork roast with your favorite spice mixture or pork rub. Heat a skillet to high heat with a drizzle of oil. Sear the roast on all sides until lightly browned and crisp. Then, transfer the roast to the slow cooker. Pour about one cup of chicken broth over the roast, along with one tablespoon of minced garlic and a few sprigs of fresh rosemary and thyme. Cook on low for 4-5 hours. Slice and serve.
Air Fryer Boneless Pork Rib Roast
Brush a light layer of olive oil onto the rib roast before coating the roast with your choice of herbs and spices or a pork rub. Cook the roast in the air fryer at 350°F for 20 minutes. Flip the roast to the other side and cook for another 15-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Rest the roast at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
What Should I Serve with a Pork Rib Roast?
Pork rib roast pairs well with several types of side dishes. Here are a few for inspiration:
- Vegetables: Veggies add lots of nutrients to a dish, and almost any of them work with pork, including roasted asparagus, honey-glazed carrots, sauteed Brussels sprouts, or corn on the cob.
- Potatoes: Mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, scalloped potatoes, and roasted potatoes are all potential options for a pork rib roast side dish.
- Salads: Try a pasta or potato salad, a fresh and light cucumber salad, or a hearty bacon and ranch salad with your pork rib roast.
- Pasta: Lemon parmesan pasta, creamy garlic noodles, tortellini, or classic buttered noodles can be an excellent addition to your boneless pork rib roast.
Find Your Next Roast Here
Check out our selection of roasts available for online ordering to kick off your culinary journey in your own kitchen. We also have hundreds of helpful articles at Steak University to teach you everything you ever wanted to know about cooking steak, pork, and other meats. Enjoy!
