Country Fried Ribs with Zesty Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

Step 1
Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Place a wire rack over a shallow baking pan and pour 1 cup water into the pan.

Step 2
Season ribs with salt and pepper. Place ribs onto the prepared rack, meaty side up.

Step 3
Roast in the preheated oven until you can gently tear the meat between the bones or an instant-read thermometer inserted into the meat reads 180 degrees F (83 degrees C), 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool completely.

Step 4
When ribs are cooled, cut into individual ribs.

Step 5
Place flour in a shallow bowl. Place beaten eggs in a small bowl. Pulse crackers in a food processor until finely crushed; you should get about 2 cups crumbs. Mix together crumbs, 1 tablespoon coarse black pepper, granulated garlic, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt in a second shallow bowl.

Step 6
Dredge ribs in flour, dip in eggs, then press in crumb mixture to coat. Set aside.

Step 7
Heat oil in a deep 9-inch skillet to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place ribs meat-side down into hot oil; ribs should be about 3/4 covered with oil. Working in batches, fry ribs in hot oil until crispy and golden brown, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Drain ribs on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 8
While ribs are still hot, sprinkle with Cajun seasoning.

Step 9
Make dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, chives, cheese, Cajun seasoning, vinegar, and garlic in a bowl until well combined.

Step 10
Serve ribs with dressing.