Are you ready to take your grilling game to the next level?
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish that will impress your family and friends, then boneless country style pork ribs are the way to go.
These juicy and flavorful ribs are perfect for smoking, and with a few simple steps, you can achieve mouth-watering results every time.
Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a beginner, this guide will show you how to smoke boneless country style pork ribs like a pro.
So grab your smoker, fire up the grill, and let’s get started!
How To Smoke Boneless Country Style Pork Ribs?
Step 1: Preheat Your Smoker
The first step to smoking boneless country style pork ribs is to preheat your smoker. Set the temperature to 225°F and let it heat up for about 20 minutes.
While your smoker is heating up, rinse the pork ribs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help remove any bone fragments or debris that may be on the meat.
Step 2: Season Your Ribs
Once your ribs are dry, it’s time to season them. Give each rib a good dusting of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. You can also experiment with different rubs or seasonings to find your favorite flavor profile.
Step 3: Smoke Your Ribs
Place the seasoned ribs directly on the grill grates and smoke them for about 3-4 hours at 225°F. You can use any type of wood you prefer, such as apple, cherry, or oak, to add extra flavor to your ribs.
During the smoking process, you can spritz the ribs with apple juice every hour to keep them moist and add extra flavor.
Step 4: Braise and Finish Smoking
After the initial smoking period, it’s time to braise and finish smoking your ribs. Place the ribs in a disposable aluminum pan or cast iron skillet with onions, BBQ sauce, and apple juice. Cover the pan tightly with foil and return it to the smoker for another 2-3 hours at 225°F.
This braising process will help tenderize the meat and infuse it with even more flavor.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once your ribs have reached an internal temperature of 195°F, remove them from the smoker and let them rest for about 10-15 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and make it even more tender.
Serve your smoked boneless country style pork ribs with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, mac and cheese, or corn on the cob. And don’t forget to drizzle some extra BBQ sauce on top for added flavor!
Choosing The Right Cut Of Pork Ribs
When it comes to smoking pork ribs, choosing the right cut is crucial to achieving the best flavor and tenderness. While there are several types of pork ribs available, some cuts are better suited for smoking than others.
One popular cut is the St. Louis cut ribs, which are basically spare ribs that have been trimmed up a little more. These ribs are longer than baby back ribs and shorter than full spare ribs, making them a great option for those who want a neat and tidy presentation. The meat on St. Louis cut ribs is pretty much the same as that of spare ribs, minus the cartilage and gristle found at the bottom of spares.
Spare ribs are possibly the most popular cut of pork ribs and are often the default choice for many recipes and cookouts. They’re straighter and flatter than baby back ribs due to their proximity to the ends of the ribs. Spareribs come from further down the ribcage, at the end of baby backs, closer to the belly. There’s more meat sitting between the bones than on them, with more marbling in the meat. The combination of this with fat and connective tissue means that there should be more flavor in spares.
Rib tips are considered by many to be the most tender part of the pig with a lot of fat and marbling. They’re trimmed from spare ribs when creating the St. Louis cut. Rib tips run 8 to 12” long, and 1 to 3” wide, making them a great option for those who want a lot of flavor in a small package.
While boneless country style pork ribs aren’t technically ribs, they’re still a great option for smoking. These cuts come from the shoulder area of the pig and are often sold in thick slabs. They’re typically meatier than other rib cuts, making them a great option for those who want a lot of meat without having to deal with bones.
Ultimately, choosing the right cut of pork ribs comes down to personal preference. Experiment with different cuts and find out which one you like best. Remember that every slab is unique, so even if you buy several slabs of similar size and weight, each one may be different in terms of tenderness. That’s part of the fun and variability of smoking!
Preparing The Ribs For Smoking
Before smoking your boneless country style pork ribs, it’s important to properly prepare them. Start by removing any excess fat and trimming off any loose or sloppy bits from the ribs.
Next, remove the membrane on the bone side of the ribs using a paper towel. This can be slippery, so be careful when doing so. Once the membrane is removed, pat the ribs dry with a paper towel.
Coat both sides of the ribs with a thin layer of Dijon mustard. This will help the dry rub adhere to the meat and add some extra flavor.
Mix together your desired dry rub ingredients, such as black or white pepper, kosher salt, Hungarian paprika, onion powder, celery salt, and garlic powder. Apply the dry rub to both sides of the ribs and let them sit for at least 30 minutes before smoking.
For best results, start smoking your ribs as cold as possible to allow them to absorb smoke and develop a nice bark. You can refrigerate the ribs for 30 minutes or even freeze them for 10 minutes before smoking.
Once your smoker is preheated to 225°F, place the seasoned ribs directly on the grill grates and smoke them for about 3-4 hours. Remember to spritz them with apple juice every hour to keep them moist and add extra flavor.
After smoking, braise and finish smoking your ribs in an aluminum pan or cast iron skillet with onions, BBQ sauce, and apple juice for another 2-3 hours at 225°F. Once they reach an internal temperature of 195°F, remove them from the smoker and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Preparing The Smoker And Wood Chips
Before you start smoking your boneless country style pork ribs, it’s important to prepare your smoker and wood chips. Here are the steps you should follow:
Step 1: Clean Your Smoker
Make sure your smoker is clean and ready to go before you start. Remove any leftover ash or debris from previous smoking sessions, and wipe down the interior with a damp cloth.
Step 2: Soak Your Wood Chips (Optional)
Soaking your wood chips can help them last longer and produce more smoke. If you choose to soak your wood chips, place them in a bowl of water for at least 30 minutes before using them.
Note: Soaking wood chips is not necessary, and some experts argue that it can actually delay the smoking process. Experiment with both soaked and dry wood chips to see which method works best for you.
Step 3: Add Your Wood Chips
Once your smoker is clean and preheated, it’s time to add your wood chips. If you’re using a smoker box, fill it with your desired amount of wood chips (usually 1-2 cups). If you’re not using a smoker box, you can create a foil pouch for your wood chips and poke several holes in it to allow smoke to escape.
Place the wood chips directly on the heat source (such as the charcoal or heating element) in your smoker. Close the lid and wait for the smoke to start flowing.
Step 4: Adjust Your Vents
To control the temperature and airflow in your smoker, adjust the vents as needed. Opening the vents will increase airflow and raise the temperature, while closing them will decrease airflow and lower the temperature.
Step 5: Monitor Your Smoking Process
Once your smoker is set up and smoking, it’s time to add your seasoned pork ribs to the grill grates. Keep an eye on the temperature and smoke output throughout the smoking process, adjusting vents and adding more wood chips as needed.
Remember to spritz your ribs with apple juice every hour to keep them moist and flavorful.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to smoking delicious boneless country style pork ribs in your own backyard!
Smoking The Boneless Country Style Pork Ribs
Smoking boneless country style pork ribs is a delicious way to enjoy tender, flavorful meat. The first step is to preheat your smoker to 225°F and prepare the ribs by rinsing them under cold water and patting them dry. Season the ribs with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, or experiment with different rubs and seasonings.
Place the seasoned ribs directly on the grill grates and smoke them for about 3-4 hours at 225°F. You can use any type of wood you prefer, such as apple, cherry, or oak, to add extra flavor to your ribs. During the smoking process, spritz the ribs with apple juice every hour to keep them moist and add extra flavor.
After the initial smoking period, it’s time to braise and finish smoking your ribs. Place the ribs in a disposable aluminum pan or cast iron skillet with onions, BBQ sauce, and apple juice. Cover the pan tightly with foil and return it to the smoker for another 2-3 hours at 225°F. This braising process will help tenderize the meat and infuse it with even more flavor.
Once your ribs have reached an internal temperature of 195°F, remove them from the smoker and let them rest for about 10-15 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and make it even more tender. Serve your smoked boneless country style pork ribs with your favorite sides and drizzle some extra BBQ sauce on top for added flavor. With these simple steps, you’ll be able to smoke boneless country style pork ribs that are sure to impress your guests!
Checking For Doneness And Resting The Ribs
One of the most important steps in smoking boneless country style pork ribs is checking for doneness. To do this, you’ll need a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of one of the ribs, being careful not to touch bone. The internal temperature should read 195°F when the ribs are fully cooked.
Once your ribs have reached the desired temperature, it’s important to let them rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and make it even more tender.
To rest the ribs, simply remove them from the smoker and place them on a cutting board or platter. Cover them loosely with foil and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting into them. This will ensure that your smoked boneless country style pork ribs are juicy, tender, and full of flavor.
Serving And Enjoying Your Smoked Boneless Country Style Pork Ribs
Now that you’ve smoked your boneless country style pork ribs to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy them! Here are some tips for getting the most out of your delicious, smoky ribs:
1. Slice Them Right
When it comes to serving your ribs, it’s important to slice them correctly. Use a sharp knife to cut between the bones, making sure to get even portions of meat in each slice. You can also remove the membrane on the back of the ribs before smoking to make them easier to slice.
2. Add Some Sauce
While your ribs should already have a delicious smoky flavor, adding some BBQ sauce can take them to the next level. Brush some sauce onto the ribs before serving or serve it on the side for dipping.
3. Pair with Sides
Smoked boneless country style pork ribs go great with a variety of sides. Classic BBQ sides like coleslaw, mac and cheese, and baked beans are always a hit, but you can also mix it up with some grilled veggies or a fresh salad.
4. Enjoy with Friends and Family
Smoking meat is a labor of love, so it’s best enjoyed with the people you care about most. Invite friends and family over to share in your delicious creation and enjoy a fun and relaxing meal together.
By following these simple tips, you can turn your smoked boneless country style pork ribs into a meal that everyone will love!