How to Cook Country-Style Ribs on the Grill: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to Cook Country Style Ribs on the Grill
Country-style ribs are a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a summer cookout. They are made from pork loin, which is a relatively lean cut of meat that is perfect for grilling. Country-style ribs are also relatively easy to cook, making them a great option for beginners.
In this article, we will show you how to cook country-style ribs on the grill. We will provide you with step-by-step instructions, as well as tips and tricks to help you make the best ribs possible. So fire up your grill and let’s get started!
| Step | Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
– 2 racks country-style pork ribs – 1 cup apple cider vinegar – 1/2 cup water – 1/4 cup brown sugar – 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – 1 teaspoon salt – 1 teaspoon black pepper |
1. In a large bowl, combine the vinegar, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. 2. Add the ribs to the bowl and turn to coat. 3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight. |
| 2 | – 1 tablespoon olive oil |
1. Preheat your grill to medium heat. 2. Brush the ribs with olive oil. 3. Grill the ribs for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through. |
| 3 | – 1/2 cup barbecue sauce |
1. Brush the ribs with barbecue sauce. 2. Grill the ribs for an additional 2-3 minutes per side, or until the sauce is caramelized. |
Choosing the Right Ribs
Country-style ribs are a type of pork rib that is cut from the loin, rather than the back. This makes them smaller and more tender than other types of ribs, and they are also less expensive.
When choosing country-style ribs, look for ribs that are:
- Marbled with fat. The fat will help to keep the ribs moist and flavorful.
- Firm and meaty. The ribs should not be mushy or tough.
- Free of blemishes. The ribs should not have any cuts or bruises.
You can prepare country-style ribs before grilling by:
- Rinsing them under cold water. This will remove any dirt or bacteria.
- Patting them dry with paper towels. This will help to prevent them from sticking to the grill.
- Applying a dry rub. This will add flavor to the ribs and help to create a crispy crust.
Grilling the Ribs
To grill country-style ribs, you will need:
- A charcoal or gas grill
- Wood chips (optional)
- A meat thermometer
- Aluminum foil
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill to medium heat. If using charcoal, build a fire and let it burn for 15-20 minutes before grilling. If using gas, preheat the grill to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. If desired, add wood chips to the grill. This will add flavor to the ribs.
3. Place the ribs on the grill, bone side down.
4. Grill the ribs for 3-4 hours, or until they are cooked through.
5. Baste the ribs with barbecue sauce every 30 minutes or so.
6. When the ribs are cooked through, wrap them in aluminum foil and place them back on the grill.
7. Grill the ribs for another 30 minutes, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
8. Remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips for Grilling Country-Style Ribs
- To prevent the ribs from drying out, baste them with barbecue sauce every 30 minutes or so.
- If you don’t have time to grill the ribs for 3-4 hours, you can cook them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the ribs for 2-3 hours, or until they are cooked through.
- You can also cook the ribs in a slow cooker. Place the ribs in a slow cooker, cover with barbecue sauce, and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
Country-style ribs are a delicious and easy-to-grill dish. By following these tips, you can cook perfect country-style ribs every time.
Applying a Rub or Marinade
Rubbing or marinating your ribs before grilling is a great way to add flavor and moisture. There are many different types of rubs and marinades available, so you can choose one that fits your taste and desired flavor profile.
Why use a rub or marinade?
Rubbing or marinating your ribs can help to:
- Add flavor: The spices and herbs in a rub or marinade can add a delicious flavor to your ribs.
- Moisten the meat: The liquid in a rub or marinade can help to keep the meat moist during cooking.
- tenderize the meat: The acids in a marinade can help to break down the meat fibers, making it more tender.
Different types of rubs and marinades
There are many different types of rubs and marinades available, so you can choose one that fits your taste and desired flavor profile. Some popular options include:
- Spicy rubs: These rubs typically contain a variety of spices, such as chili powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
- Sweet rubs: These rubs typically contain brown sugar, honey, or molasses.
- Herby rubs: These rubs typically contain fresh or dried herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, and oregano.
- Citrus marinades: These marinades typically contain lemon juice, lime juice, or orange juice.
- Wine marinades: These marinades typically contain red wine, white wine, or ros wine.
- Beer marinades: These marinades typically contain beer, such as ale, lager, or stout.
How to apply a rub or marinade
To apply a rub or marinade to your ribs, follow these steps:
1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Trim any excess fat from the ribs.
3. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels.
4. Rub the rub or marinade all over the ribs.
5. Cover the ribs with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
Troubleshooting
If your ribs are tough, there are a few things you can do:
- Cook them longer: Tough ribs are often the result of undercooking. If your ribs are still tough after cooking, try cooking them for a longer period of time.
- Use a lower heat: Cooking ribs at too high of a heat can also result in tough ribs. Try cooking them at a lower heat for a longer period of time.
- Use a moist cooking method: Cooking ribs in a moist cooking method, such as braising or smoking, can help to keep them moist and tender.
If your ribs are dry, there are a few things you can do:
- Moisten them with a sauce: If your ribs are starting to dry out during cooking, you can baste them with a sauce to help keep them moist.
- Wrap them in foil: Wrapping ribs in foil can help to keep them moist during cooking.
- Serve them with a side dish: A side dish of vegetables or rice can help to soak up any excess juices from the ribs.
If your ribs are overcooked, there are a few things you can do:
- Cut them into smaller pieces: Cutting the ribs into smaller pieces will help to make them more tender.
- Serve them with a sauce: A sauce can help to mask the taste of overcooked ribs.
- Make them into another dish: If the ribs are too overcooked to eat, you can use them to make another dish, such as pulled pork or rib soup.
How long do I cook country style ribs on the grill?
Country style ribs typically take about 2-3 hours to cook on the grill, depending on the thickness of the ribs and the temperature of the grill.
What temperature should I cook country style ribs on the grill?
Country style ribs should be cooked at a temperature of 300-350 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the best way to grill country style ribs?
There are a few different ways to grill country style ribs. The most common method is to cook them indirect heat. This means that the ribs are placed on the grill away from the direct heat source. The ribs are then cooked for several hours, until they are tender and juicy.
Another way to grill country style ribs is to cook them over direct heat. This method is faster than cooking them indirect heat, but it also requires more attention. The ribs are cooked over direct heat for a shorter period of time, until they are browned and crusty on the outside.
What are some tips for grilling country style ribs?
Here are a few tips for grilling country style ribs:
- Marinate the ribs in a flavorful marinade overnight. This will help to tenderize the meat and add flavor.
- Make sure to preheat the grill to the correct temperature before cooking the ribs.
- Baste the ribs with barbecue sauce or another flavorful sauce during cooking. This will help to keep the ribs moist and add flavor.
- Check the ribs for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. The ribs are done when the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the ribs will be more tender.
What are some common mistakes people make when grilling country style ribs?
Here are a few common mistakes people make when grilling country style ribs:
- Not marinating the ribs in advance. This will result in tough, dry ribs.
- Cooking the ribs at too high of a temperature. This will cause the ribs to dry out and become tough.
- Not basting the ribs during cooking. This will cause the ribs to dry out.
- Not checking the ribs for doneness. This will result in undercooked or overcooked ribs.
What are some side dishes that go well with country style ribs?
There are a variety of side dishes that go well with country style ribs. Some popular options include:
- Coleslaw
- Potato salad
- Mac and cheese
- Baked beans
- Corn on the cob
- Grilled vegetables
What are some drinks that go well with country style ribs?
There are a variety of drinks that go well with country style ribs. Some popular options include:
- Beer
- Wine
- Bourbon
- Margaritas
- Lemonade
- Sweet tea
In this blog post, we have discussed how to cook country-style ribs on the grill. We first covered the different types of country-style ribs and how to choose the best ones for grilling. Then, we discussed the different methods for grilling country-style ribs, including direct grilling, indirect grilling, and smoking. Finally, we provided tips for making the most flavorful and juicy country-style ribs.
We hope that this blog post has been helpful and that you will enjoy grilling your own country-style ribs soon. Here are a few key takeaways to remember:
- Country-style ribs are a type of pork rib that is cut from the loin. They are typically shorter and thinner than baby back ribs, and they have a lot of meat on them.
- When choosing country-style ribs, look for ribs that are pinkish-red in color and have a good amount of marbling. Avoid ribs that are dry or discolored.
- There are three main methods for grilling country-style ribs: direct grilling, indirect grilling, and smoking.
- Direct grilling is the quickest method, but it also produces the most intense heat. Indirect grilling is slower, but it produces more evenly cooked ribs. Smoking is the slowest method, but it produces the most flavorful ribs.
- To make the most flavorful and juicy country-style ribs, marinate them in a flavorful sauce or rub before grilling.
- Be sure to cook country-style ribs until they are cooked through, but not overcooked. The internal temperature of the ribs should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
With these tips in mind, you can grill up some delicious country-style ribs that your family and friends will love.
Author Profile
-
With over 30 years experience, Lucks Caterers is a second generation family owned and operated business. We are committed to maintaining our family tradition of outstanding quality, excellence and reliability.
Our European trained head chef develops beautiful and delicious foods to catch the eye and satisfy the palate. Lucks provides you with imaginative and affordable menu selections.
In 2024, we embarked on a new chapter in our journey as we expanded our horizons to share our wealth of knowledge and expertise with a broader audience. With a keen focus on event management and culinary arts, we launched an informative blog aimed at empowering individuals with the insights and inspiration they need to plan unforgettable events and elevate their culinary skills.
Thank you for considering Lucks Caterers as your partner in culinary excellence. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to collaborate with you and create unforgettable memories together.