These delicious grilled country style pork ribs are tender, juicy, and simple to prepare with this recipe. Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill and enjoy the smoky, delicious taste of BBQ.
One of the best cuts for grilling enthusiasts is country style pork ribs. They are meaty, flavorful, and perfect for soaking up marinades and rubs.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just craving a hearty meal, this recipe for grilled country style pork ribs will hit the spot. The next time you are grilling, give this delicious pork recipe a try.
Tips for Grilled Country Style Pork Ribs Success
Let’s make sure that your ribs turn out perfectly every time.
Marinate for Flavor. The best way to ensure you have the best ribs with juicy and tender meat is to use a marinade. The longer you marinate the ribs, the more flavorful they will be. Overnight marination yields the best results.
Indirect Heat is Key. Cooking the ribs over indirect heat prevents them from drying out and allows for even cooking.
Use a Meat Thermometer. To make sure that the ribs are perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F.
Resting Time. Letting the ribs rest after grilling keeps them juicy and flavorful.
Make sure that they are done. The best method to tell if pork ribs are done is to use a meat thermometer. Check for an internal temperature of 145°F for safe eating. It’s better if the temperature is 190-203°F for optimal tenderness.
Look for a golden-brown color and clear juices when cut. Test the texture by bending the ribs (they should crack on the surface) or using a toothpick (it should slide in easily).
Additionally, the meat should pull back from the bones by 1/4 to 1/2 inch, and a bone should twist easily without much resistance.
Always let the ribs rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.
Grilled Country Style Pork Ribs Recipe: A BBQ Delight
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 6 Country Style Pork Ribs
- 1/4 Cup Olive Oil
- 1/4 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
- 3 Cloves Garlic minced
- 1 Tablespoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar
- 1 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 1/2 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper optional
- Your favorite BBQ sauce for basting
Instructions
- Marinate the Ribs. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, smoked paprika, brown sugar, black pepper, salt, onion powder, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.1/4 Cup Olive Oil, 1/4 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar, 2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce, 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce, 3 Cloves Garlic, 1 Tablespoon Smoked Paprika, 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar, 1 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper, 1 Teaspoon Salt, 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder, 1 Teaspoon Dried Thyme, 1/2 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- Place the country style pork ribs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the ribs, making sure they are well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.6 Country Style Pork Ribs
- Prepare the Grill. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 350-375°F). If using a charcoal grill, arrange the coals on one side to create a two-zone fire.
- Grill the Ribs. Remove the ribs from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Place the ribs on the grill over indirect heat. Close the lid and cook for 30-45 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Baste and Finish. During the last 10-15 minutes of grilling, brush the ribs generously with your favorite BBQ sauce. Move the ribs to direct heat for a few minutes on each side to caramelize the sauce and create a delicious crust.Your favorite BBQ sauce
- Rest and Serve. Remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy ribs.
Your Own Private Notes
Nutrition
Grilling Directions for Country-Style Pork Ribs on a Gas Grill vs. a Charcoal Grill
Gas Grill
Preheat the Grill. Set the gas grill to medium-high heat, about 350-375°F (175-190°C). Preheat for 10-15 minutes.
Create Indirect Heat Zones. Turn off one or two burners to create an indirect heat zone. Place a drip pan on the unlit side to catch any drippings.
Charcoal Grill
Prepare the Charcoal. Light the charcoal and let it burn until it is covered with a layer of white ash, about 20-30 minutes.
Create a Two-Zone Fire. Arrange the coals on one side of the grill to create a hot and cool zone. Place a drip pan on the cool side to catch any drippings.
Grilling the Ribs using the Grill
Prepare the Ribs. Remove the ribs from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Pat them dry with paper towels.
Grill the Ribs. Place the ribs on the grill over indirect heat. Close the lid and cook for 30-45 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Baste and Finish. During the last 10-15 minutes of grilling, brush the ribs generously with BBQ sauce. Move the ribs to direct heat for a few minutes on each side to caramelize the sauce.
Rest and Serve. Remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Creating a two-zone grilling area is key in perfectly grilled country-style pork ribs on either a gas or charcoal grill.
How to tell when pork ribs are done
Here is more detail to tell when your country-style ribs are tender, juicy, and ready to eat. These methods also work for regular pork ribs.
Check the Internal Temperature. The most reliable method is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, away from the bone. Pork ribs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). For fall-off-the-bone tenderness, you might prefer to cook them a bit longer until they reach 190-203°F (88-95°C).
Look for Visual Cues
The meat should be a nice, golden-brown color on the outside. If it’s still pink, it needs more time. When you cut into the ribs, the juices should run clear, not pink.
Check the Texture
It’s called the Bend Test. Pick up the ribs with tongs and give them a slight bounce. If they bend easily and the meat begins to crack on the surface, they are done.
Toothpick Test. Insert a toothpick or a small skewer into the meat between the bones. If it slides in and out with little resistance, the ribs are tender and ready.
Bone Test. As the ribs cook, the meat will shrink and pull back from the ends of the bones by about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. This is a good visual indicator that they are nearly done.
Bone Twist. If you can easily twist a bone in the middle of the rack without much resistance, the ribs are done.
General Grilling and Baking Time
While not as precise as the other methods, using cooking time is a good guide.
Outdoor Grill or Smoker. Generally, boneless country-style ribs take about 45-60 minutes on a grill set to medium-high heat.
Oven. If baking, it typically takes 2.5 to 3 hours at 300°F (150°C).
Final Tips
Always let the ribs rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in more flavorful and juicy ribs.
Remember that carryover cooking can increase the internal temperature by a few degrees even after you’ve removed the ribs from the heat.
Cook your pork ribs to perfection every time.
How to reheat pork ribs
Reheating pork ribs properly ensures they remain juicy and flavorful without becoming dry or tough. Here are a few methods to effectively reheat your pork ribs:
Oven Method
Preheat the Oven to 250-300°F (120-150°C). Place the ribs on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. Add a bit of moisture by brushing them with BBQ sauce, broth, or a splash of water. Cover the ribs with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F. If desired, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes to let the sauce caramelize.
Grill Method
Heat your grill to medium heat. Brush the ribs with BBQ sauce or a bit of oil to prevent them from drying out. Place the ribs on the grill and cook for about 5-10 minutes per side, turning frequently, until they are heated through and the sauce is caramelized.
Microwave Method
Place the ribs in a microwave-safe dish and add a bit of BBQ sauce or water to keep them moist. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap (leave a small vent for steam to escape). Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Check and turn the ribs, then continue heating in 1-2 minute increments until they are hot throughout.
Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Grilled Country-Style Pork Ribs
To complement the savory and smoky flavors of grilled country-style pork ribs, here are some of our best side dishes.
Classic Coleslaw. A crunchy, tangy coleslaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich ribs.
Corn on the Cob. Grill fresh corn on the cob alongside your ribs, then brush with butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper for a sweet and savory side.
Baked Beans. Slow-cooked baked beans with bacon, onions, and a hint of brown sugar add a hearty, sweet, and smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with ribs.
Potato Salad. A creamy potato salad with mustard, mayonnaise, hard-boiled eggs, and pickles offers a classic, comforting side dish.
Grilled Vegetables. A variety of grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus adds color, nutrition, and a delicious charred flavor.
Macaroni and Cheese. Creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese is a family favorite that complements the meaty ribs with its rich, indulgent taste.
Cornbread. Serve warm, buttery cornbread with a hint of sweetness to soak up any extra BBQ sauce from the ribs.
Green Beans. Sautéed or steamed green beans with garlic and lemon offer a light and healthy side that balances the meal.
Garden Salad. A simple garden salad with fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette is a refreshing way to start the meal.
My family loved this!