Country style ribs are a fantastic cut of pork that’s meaty, juicy, and perfect for grilling. Unlike traditional ribs, country style ribs come from the shoulder area, offering a great mix of lean and fatty meat that becomes tender and flavorful when cooked right. If you’ve been wondering how do you cook country style ribs on the grill, you’re in the right place! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know for mouthwatering grilled country style ribs.
What Are Country Style Ribs?
Country style ribs are not actually ribs in the traditional sense-they are cut from the pork shoulder and can be either bone-in or boneless. They are meatier and thicker than baby back or spare ribs, making them perfect for slow cooking methods like grilling low and slow or smoking. Because of their fat content and thickness, they require patience and the right technique to get tender and juicy results.
Preparing Your Country Style Ribs for the Grill
Before you fire up the grill, preparation is key:
– Choose your ribs carefully: Look for fresh, thick country style ribs, preferably boneless for easier grilling and eating.
– Remove silver skin: If present, peel off the thin silver skin on the back of the ribs to allow seasonings to penetrate better.
– Season generously: Use your favorite dry rub or marinade. Common seasonings include smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and brown sugar. You can also coat them with Worcestershire sauce or mustard to help the rub stick.
– Marinate or rest: Let the ribs sit with the seasoning for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for a few hours to overnight for deeper flavor.
How to Grill Country Style Ribs: Step-by-Step
1. Set Up Your Grill for Indirect Cooking
Country style ribs need to be cooked low and slow to become tender. Set your grill to medium-low heat, around 275°F to 300°F. If using charcoal, arrange the coals on one side to create a two-zone fire. For gas grills, turn on only one or two burners to create a cooler indirect zone.
2. Sear the Ribs (Optional but Recommended)
Place the ribs over direct heat for 3-5 minutes per side to get a nice golden brown crust and some char. This step locks in flavor and adds texture.
3. Slow Cook Over Indirect Heat
Move the ribs to the cooler side of the grill. Close the lid and cook for 2 to 3 hours, flipping every 30 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. This slow cooking breaks down the connective tissue and fat, making the ribs tender.
4. Monitor Internal Temperature
Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. The ribs should reach an internal temperature of about 160°F to 170°F for safe eating, but for ultimate tenderness, aim for 195°F to 205°F. This higher temperature melts the collagen, making the meat juicy and fork-tender.
5. Glaze with BBQ Sauce
In the last 15-30 minutes of cooking, brush your favorite BBQ sauce or glaze onto the ribs. Return them to the grill over indirect heat to caramelize the sauce without burning it.
6. Rest Before Serving
Once done, tent the ribs with foil and let them rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute for moist, flavorful meat.
Tips for Perfect Grilled Country Style Ribs
– Patience is key: Don’t rush the cooking. Low and slow is the secret to tender ribs.
– Use a reliable thermometer: Internal temperature is the best indicator of doneness, not just cooking time.
– Experiment with rubs and sauces: Sweet, spicy, smoky, or tangy BBQ sauces all work well. You can also try a dry rub only for a crusty, savory finish.
– Keep the grill lid closed: This maintains steady heat and smoke, enhancing flavor.
– Consider wrapping in foil: For extra tenderness, you can wrap ribs in foil partway through cooking with a bit of liquid like apple juice or cider vinegar.
Simple Country Style Ribs Dry Rub Recipe
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tbsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
Mix and rub all over the ribs before grilling.
Serving Suggestions
Country style ribs pair wonderfully with classic BBQ sides like coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, or grilled vegetables. A cold beer or a refreshing iced tea rounds out the meal perfectly.
Country style ribs are a delicious, hearty option for your next grill session. With a bit of preparation, patience, and the right technique, you can enjoy tender, juicy ribs bursting with smoky, savory flavor right at home. Happy grilling!
Tender, juicy country style ribs are well worth the wait and effort. Enjoy your BBQ feast!