Smoked Country-Style Ribs Recipe: How to Smoke Pork Ribs

Country-style pork ribs are a meaty cut of pork featuring narrow strips of rib bones. In contrast to other bone-in ribs, country-style ribs come from the tail end of the pork loin muscle rather than the pig’s ribcage. Butchers score the cut into rib form, which is where it gets its name. Due to having a larger meat-to-bone ratio than other rib types, these juicy ribs—typically sold in a boneless preparation—often require a fork and knife to eat.

This forgiving BBQ dish is a breeze to prepare, whether you’re a grilling master or test-driving your new smoker. Follow these steps to craft the best smoked country-style pork ribs possible.

1. 1. Experiment with seasonings. Smoke country-style pork ribs with the seasonings and sauces of your choice. Alter the dry rub with additional spices and herbs like cayenne, chili powder, and brown sugar. For some added pungency, cover the loin cut with yellow or spicy brown mustard before seasoning it. Spritz the meat with apple juice, apple cider vinegar, or beef broth throughout the smoking process to make it juicier. Swap the typical tomato-based BBQ sauce for a tangier Carolina-style mustard BBQ sauce.
2. 2. Switch up the wood chips. If you’re using a wood pellet grill to smoke the meat, experiment with different varieties of wood chips to achieve variations in smoky flavor. Fruitier woods (like applewood and cherrywood) will infuse the meat with a milder flavor. More intense options (like hickory, pecan, and mesquite) will result in a more distinct smoky taste. Learn more about smoking woods.
3. 3. Cook the meat mindfully. When overcooked, pork will become dry and chewy. To prevent overcooking, remove the ribs when their internal temperature reaches between 180–185 degrees Fahrenheit. During the resting period, the temperature will continue to rise slightly.
4. 4. Rest the meat. While it may be tempting to dig into your hot ribs immediately, the resting period is pivotal to promoting their overall juiciness. The juices will redistribute throughout the pork during this period, resulting in moist, flavorful meat.

This superbly tender BBQ dish complements a range of classic cookout side dishes. Some of the best sides for smoked country-style ribs include:

1. 1. Baked beans: Serve your country-style ribs with baked beans for the ultimate sweet-and-hearty combination of barbecue flavors.
2. 2. Coleslaw: This cool, creamy cookout mainstay pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of smoked country-style ribs.
3. 3. Corn: Serve your barbecued ribs with grilled corn for the perfect BBQ plate.
4. 4. Grilled vegetables: Add some color to your smoked meat plate with a range of grilled vegetables, like mushrooms, green beans, squash, onions, and tomatoes.
5. 5. Pickles: For a fresh, briny addition to this rich meat dish, add homemade pickles to your BBQ platter.
6. 6. Potato salad: This creamy side dish pairs well with just about any type of barbecued meat, including smoked ribs.
7. 7. Mac and cheese: For a hearty meal that both kids and adults will enjoy, serve your smoked ribs with a serving of mac and cheese.
8. 8. Salad: Offset the rich, smoky flavor of the smoked ribs with a summery green salad made with fresh seasonal vegetables.