Are you looking for a new way to cook country style pork ribs? Look no further than your trusty pellet grill!
With its ability to infuse deep smoke flavor and maintain a consistent temperature, a pellet grill is the perfect tool for cooking these juicy and flavorful ribs. But where do you start?
With so many different methods and recipes out there, it can be overwhelming. In this article, we’ll break down the basics of cooking country style pork ribs on a pellet grill, including temperature, time, and seasoning.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, you’ll be able to create mouthwatering ribs that will have your family and friends begging for more. So fire up your pellet grill and let’s get cooking!
How To Cook Country Style Pork Ribs On Pellet Grill?
Step 1: Preheat Your Pellet Grill
Before you start cooking, preheat your pellet grill to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use any type of wood pellets you prefer, but apple, cherry, or oak wood are great options for adding flavor to your ribs.
Step 2: Prepare Your Ribs
While your pellet grill is heating up, prepare your country style pork ribs. Wipe them down with a paper towel and remove any bone fragments. Drizzle the ribs with olive oil and season on all sides with your favorite BBQ rub or sauce.
Step 3: Smoke Your Ribs
Once your pellet grill has reached the desired temperature, place your seasoned ribs directly on the grill grates. Close the lid and let them smoke for about 4 hours or until the internal temperature of the ribs reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 4: Braise and Finish Smoking
After smoking for 4 hours, remove the ribs from the grill and place them in a disposable aluminum pan or a cast iron skillet. Add onions, BBQ sauce, and apple juice to the pan or skillet. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and return to the pellet grill for another 2-3 hours or until the internal temperature of the ribs reaches 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once your ribs have reached the desired internal temperature, remove them from the pellet grill and let them rest for about 15 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
Serve your country style pork ribs with extra BBQ sauce or braising liquid on top. They pair perfectly with smoked mashed potatoes or your favorite side dish.
Choosing The Right Cut Of Country Style Pork Ribs
Choosing the right cut of country style pork ribs is crucial for achieving the best results when cooking on a pellet grill. Country style pork ribs are not technically ribs, but rather pork chops cut from the shoulder area of the pig. They are meatier and less fatty than traditional ribs, and therefore require a different cooking method.
When selecting country style pork ribs, look for slabs with good meat coverage over the bones and no large areas of surface fat. Avoid slabs where the meat has been cut too close to the bone, as these exposed bones may fall out during cooking. It’s best to avoid buying ribs that are frozen or have been previously frozen, if possible. However, if you have no choice but to buy frozen ribs, make sure to inspect them carefully for any signs of freezer burn or discoloration.
It’s important to note that every slab of country style pork ribs is unique, so experiment with different sizes and cuts to find what works best for you. Some people prefer smaller slabs, around 2 pounds each, while others prefer larger slabs. Regardless of size, make sure to brine your country style pork ribs before cooking low and slow on your pellet grill for the most tender and flavorful results.
Preparing The Ribs For The Pellet Grill
Before you start cooking your country style pork ribs on a pellet grill, it’s important to prepare them properly. Start by wiping down the ribs with a paper towel to remove any bone fragments or debris.
Next, drizzle the ribs with olive oil and season them on all sides with your favorite BBQ rub or sauce. This will help to infuse the ribs with flavor and create a delicious crust on the outside.
Once your ribs are seasoned, it’s time to get them onto the pellet grill. Place them directly on the grill grates and close the lid. Set your pellet grill to smoke at 250 degrees Fahrenheit and let the ribs smoke for about 4 hours or until the internal temperature of the ribs reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
After 4 hours of smoking, remove the ribs from the grill and place them in a disposable aluminum pan or a cast iron skillet. Add onions, BBQ sauce, and apple juice to the pan or skillet. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and return to the pellet grill for another 2-3 hours or until the internal temperature of the ribs reaches 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once your ribs have reached the desired internal temperature, remove them from the pellet grill and let them rest for about 15 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to prepare and cook delicious country style pork ribs on a pellet grill that are sure to impress your family and friends.
Setting The Temperature And Time For Perfectly Cooked Ribs
To achieve perfectly cooked country style pork ribs on a pellet grill, it’s important to set the right temperature and time. While there are various methods and opinions on the ideal cooking temperature and time, we’ve gathered some expert tips to guide you.
Firstly, preheat your pellet grill to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is ideal for slow cooking the ribs and allowing them to absorb the smoky flavor from the wood pellets. Apple, cherry, or oak wood pellets are great options for adding a delicious flavor to your ribs.
Next, place your seasoned ribs directly on the grill grates and let them smoke for about 4 hours. During this time, the internal temperature of the ribs should reach around 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This is an important step as it allows the meat to cook slowly and evenly while absorbing the smoky flavor from the wood pellets.
After smoking for 4 hours, remove the ribs from the grill and place them in a disposable aluminum pan or a cast iron skillet. Add onions, BBQ sauce, and apple juice to the pan or skillet. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and return to the pellet grill for another 2-3 hours or until the internal temperature of the ribs reaches 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
It’s important to note that every pellet grill is different, so it’s crucial to monitor the temperature of your grill throughout the cooking process. If your grill doesn’t have a built-in thermometer, invest in a meat thermometer to ensure that you’re cooking your ribs at the right temperature.
Once your ribs have reached the desired internal temperature of 200 degrees Fahrenheit, remove them from the pellet grill and let them rest for about 15 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
Adding Flavor With Seasonings And Sauces
Adding flavor to your country style pork ribs can take them from good to great. There are many ways to season and sauce your ribs, but here are a few options to consider:
Dry Rubs:
Dry rubs are a great way to add flavor to your ribs without adding too much moisture. You can use a store-bought rub or make your own by combining ingredients like paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Rub the mixture onto your ribs before smoking for a delicious crust.
Marinades:
Marinating your ribs before smoking can infuse them with extra flavor. You can use a variety of liquids as a base, such as apple juice, beer, or even soda. Combine your liquid with spices and herbs like garlic, onion, and thyme for added depth of flavor.
BBQ Sauce:
BBQ sauce is a classic way to add flavor to your ribs. You can use a store-bought sauce or make your own by combining ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices like paprika and chili powder. Brush the sauce onto your ribs during the last hour of cooking for a sweet and tangy finish.
Braising Liquid:
Braising your ribs in a flavorful liquid can add moisture and depth of flavor. You can use apple juice, beer, or even Coca-Cola as a base. Add onions and garlic for extra flavor and let the ribs cook in the liquid for an hour or two before finishing them off on the grill.
No matter how you choose to season and sauce your country style pork ribs, be sure to let them rest before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and create a more delicious final product.
Tips And Tricks For Mastering Country Style Pork Ribs On A Pellet Grill
Cooking country style pork ribs on a pellet grill can be a delicious and easy way to get that smoky flavor and tender texture. Here are some tips and tricks to help you master the process:
1. Remove the membrane: Make sure to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs before seasoning and smoking. This will help the rub and smoke penetrate the meat more evenly, resulting in a more flavorful final product.
2. Use a meat thermometer: It’s important to use a meat thermometer to ensure that your ribs are cooked to the proper internal temperature. For country style pork ribs, aim for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before braising and 200 degrees Fahrenheit after braising.
3. Spritz regularly: Spritzing your ribs with apple juice or another liquid every 30 minutes or so can help keep them moist and add extra flavor.
4. Wrap for tenderness: Wrapping your ribs in foil or placing them in a covered pan with liquid can help them become more tender and juicy. This is especially important for country style pork ribs, which can be tougher than other cuts.
5. Rest before serving: Letting your ribs rest for at least 15 minutes before serving will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to cook up delicious and tender country style pork ribs on your pellet grill every time. Happy grilling!