Are you craving tender, juicy, smoky ribs that'll make your mouth water? Look no further! This country style ribs recipe, perfect for your smoker, delivers fall-off-the-bone deliciousness without all the fuss. Forget complicated techniques; this recipe is surprisingly easy, even for beginner smokers. It's the perfect healthy meal, a quick dinner idea, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lbs country-style pork ribs
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ rub (recipe below, or store-bought)
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup apple juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Homemade BBQ Rub Recipe (Optional):
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup paprika (sweet or smoked)
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Ribs
Pat the ribs dry with paper towels. This helps the rub adhere better.
Step 2: Apply the Rub
Generously coat the ribs on all sides with your chosen BBQ rub, ensuring they're fully covered.
Step 3: Prepare the Mop Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, apple juice, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This creates a flavorful mop sauce that will keep the ribs moist during smoking.
Step 4: Smoking Time
Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). Place the ribs on the smoker grates. Maintain a consistent temperature throughout the smoking process.
Step 5: Mopping and Monitoring
Every hour, mop the ribs generously with the apple cider vinegar-based mop sauce. This keeps them tender and adds extra flavor. Continue smoking for approximately 4-6 hours, or until the ribs are fork-tender and easily pull apart. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; they should reach an internal temperature of 190-200°F (88-93°C).
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once cooked, remove the ribs from the smoker and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender meat.
Tips for Delicious Country Style Ribs:
- Don't overcrowd the smoker: Ensure adequate space between the ribs for even smoking.
- Use quality wood: Hickory, applewood, or pecan wood chips are excellent choices for smoking ribs.
- Monitor the temperature: Maintaining a consistent temperature is crucial for achieving tender and juicy ribs.
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the ribs and your smoker. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked through.
Variations:
- Spicy Ribs: Add more cayenne pepper to the rub or mop sauce for an extra kick.
- Sweet and Savory Ribs: Increase the brown sugar in the rub or mop sauce for a sweeter flavor profile.
- Different Wood Chips: Experiment with different wood chips to explore unique smoky flavors.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This easy recipe for country style ribs is perfect for a weekend barbecue, a family gathering, or a delicious weeknight dinner. Enjoy the incredible flavors of these fall-off-the-bone ribs, made with simple ingredients and a whole lot of love. They're guaranteed to become a new family favorite!