These easy grilled country-style ribs are sure to make your backyard gatherings a hit! Juicy and tender, they are full of flavor and just the right amount of smokiness with every bite.
Grilling these ribs is a breeze! I just love slapping them on the grill and letting the magic happen. Perfect for a casual dinner or a fun cookout with friends. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Country Style Pork Ribs: These ribs are thick and meaty. If you can’t find them, you can use spare ribs or baby back ribs, but adjust the cooking time as they may require less time on the grill.
Olive Oil: A must for marinating! If you prefer a different flavor, avocado oil or vegetable oil works well too.
Soy Sauce: This adds umami to the dish. For a gluten-free option, try tamari or coconut aminos instead.
Apple Cider Vinegar: It balances the sweetness from brown sugar. You can substitute with rice vinegar for a milder flavor.
Brown Sugar: If you’re looking for a healthier option, maple syrup or honey can be used instead, but be mindful as it can caramelize quickly.
Smoked Paprika: This gives a lovely smoky taste without needing a smoker. If you can’t find it, regular paprika can work, but you might miss the smokiness.
How Can I Achieve the Perfect Grill Marks and Flavor?
The key to great grilled ribs is managing the heat and cooking time correctly. Here’s how you can do it:
- Start with a clean grill to prevent sticking. Preheat it properly to ensure a good sear on the meat.
- Maintain medium heat for even cooking. If you notice flare-ups, move the ribs to an indirect heat area.
- Turn the ribs regularly, every 5 to 7 minutes, to get nice grill marks and prevent burning.
- For extra flavor, baste with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes to achieve a sticky, caramelized glaze.
- Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps retain the juices.
With these tips, you’ll serve up perfect grilled ribs every time!
Easy Grilled Country Style Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 lbs country style pork ribs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for heat)
- BBQ sauce for basting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and requires a marinating time of 2 hours (or more for better flavor). Grilling will take about 25-30 minutes. So overall, you’re looking at around 2 hours and 40 minutes from start to finish, most of which is just letting those ribs soak up the marinade!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and chili powder. Mix everything together until well blended.
2. Marinate the Ribs:
Place the country style ribs into the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. If you have time, marinate them overnight for even more flavor!
3. Prepare the Grill:
When you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350°F). This is the perfect temperature to cook those ribs without burning them.
4. Grill the Ribs:
Take the ribs out of the marinade and pat them dry lightly with paper towels. This helps reduce flare-ups when they hit the grill. Place the ribs on the grill. Cook for about 25-30 minutes, turning them every 5-7 minutes to ensure even cooking and nice grill marks.
5. Optional – Baste with BBQ Sauce:
If you like, during the last 5 minutes of grilling, you can brush some BBQ sauce on the ribs for a tasty glaze. Just be careful not to burn the sauce!
6. Check for Doneness:
Make sure the ribs are cooked through with an internal temperature of at least 145°F. They should also have a lovely char on the outside.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This lets the juices redistribute. Serve hot with your favorite sides, and enjoy your delicious grilled country style ribs!
FAQ for Easy Grilled Country Style Ribs
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While country style ribs are great for grilling, you can substitute them with pork spare ribs or baby back ribs. Just adjust the cooking time, as other cuts may require less time on the grill to reach tenderness.
How Long Can I Marinate the Ribs?
You can marinate the ribs for a minimum of 2 hours, but for the best flavor, I recommend doing it overnight. Just make sure to store them in the fridge during this time!
What If I Don’t Have a Grill?
No worries! You can cook the ribs in the oven instead. Place them on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until tender. You can finish them on a hot skillet or under the broiler to get that nice char if desired.
How Do I Store Leftover Ribs?
Allow the ribs to cool completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave or warm them gently in the oven to keep them juicy!
