BBQ Country-Style Ribs: The Ultimate Tender and Flavorful Recipe

There’s nothing quite like enjoying a plate of juicy,

BBQ country-style ribs

—crusted on the outside, irresistibly tender on the inside, and bursting with sweet, smoky, tangy flavors. This comprehensive guide covers everything from selecting the perfect ribs and crafting a robust marinade, to grilling tips, serving ideas, common questions, and expert BBQ tricks. Whether you’re a grilling enthusiast or a home cook seeking an easy dinner, this recipe delivers unforgettable results every time.

Table of Contents

• Recipe Overview
• Ingredients
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• Tips for Best BBQ Ribs
• Storage and Reheating
• Serving Suggestions
• Recipe Variations
• Frequently Asked Questions

Recipe Overview

Country-style ribs are known for their rich marbling and meaty texture, making them the ideal cut for a hearty BBQ meal. This recipe combines a tangy marinade with a slow grill or oven roast, ensuring each rib is saturated with flavor and exceptionally moist. The steps are approachable for beginners, while seasoned grillers will appreciate the depth of flavor and texture produced by these techniques.

Ingredients

The secret to perfect BBQ ribs lies in balancing acids, sweetness, spice, and umami-rich sauces. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 pounds country-style pork ribs
• ½ cup Burgundy wine (can substitute with dry red wine or apple juice)
• ¼ cup barbecue sauce (plus additional for basting)
• ¼ cup cider vinegar
• ¼ cup hot pepper sauce (such as Louisiana-style or Frank’s RedHot)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (optional, but recommended for seasoning)

Key Ingredients Breakdown

Ingredient	Role in Recipe
Burgundy Wine	Adds richness and helps tenderize the meat
Barbecue Sauce	Base for marinade and basting, imparts signature BBQ flavor
Cider Vinegar	Balances sweetness, helps with tenderizing
Hot Pepper Sauce	Adds heat and tang
Worcestershire Sauce	Deepens umami and complexity
Yellow Mustard	Lends acidity and spice

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together the Burgundy wine, barbecue sauce, cider vinegar, hot pepper sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and yellow mustard until thoroughly combined.

2. Marinate the Ribs

• Arrange the country-style pork ribs in a large baking dish or shallow pan.
• Pour the marinade over the ribs, turning to coat all sides completely.
• In a small bowl, mix the onion powder and garlic powder. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the ribs.
• Cover and let the ribs marinate at room temperature for about 2 hours, turning the ribs halfway through to ensure even flavor absorption.
• Tip: For even deeper flavor, marinate the ribs in the refrigerator overnight. If you do, allow them to return to room temperature before grilling.

3. Preheat the Grill

• Set up your grill for indirect heat. Preheat to medium-low (about 325°F to 350°F).
• Lightly oil the grill grate to prevent sticking.

4. Grill the Ribs

• Place the marinated ribs on the grill, away from direct flames.
• Cover the grill and cook over indirect heat for 45 minutes, turning the ribs once halfway through.
• Baste the ribs liberally with additional barbecue sauce. Continue cooking, turning and basting frequently, for an additional 15 minutes or until the meat is tender and has a beautiful caramelized glaze.
• The ribs are done when their internal temperature reaches at least 145°F, but for maximum tenderness, aim for 185°F to 190°F.

5. Rest and Serve

• Remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest, covered loosely with foil, for 5–10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
• Slice and serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side.

Tips for Best BBQ Ribs

• Choose meaty ribs: Look for country-style ribs with plenty of meat and good marbling.
• Marinate thoroughly: Don’t rush the marinating step; it’s the key to flavor and tenderness.
• Indirect heat is crucial: Cooking over indirect heat prevents scorching and ensures even cooking.
• Baste often: Frequent basting builds a delicious, sticky exterior crust.
• Rest before serving: Allowing the ribs to rest ensures juiciness and easier slicing.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Cool leftover ribs completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Wrap ribs tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: To reheat, wrap the ribs in foil and bake at 300°F until heated through (about 20 minutes). Add a splash of extra barbecue sauce to retain moisture.

Serving Suggestions

BBQ country-style ribs are the star of any gathering, but they’re even better with classic sides. Here are some perfect pairings:

• Creamy coleslaw
• Grilled corn on the cob
• Buttery cornbread
• Potato salad or baked potatoes
• Baked beans or smoky green beans
• Pickles and sliced onions for a zesty finish

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Sriracha Ribs: Add 2 tablespoons Sriracha to the marinade for extra heat.
• Maple-Glazed: Swap half the barbecue sauce for real maple syrup for a sweet, sticky finish.
• Oven-Roasted Version: Place marinated ribs in a baking dish, cover with foil, and roast at 350°F for 90 minutes. Uncover, baste with sauce, and bake 15–20 minutes more until glazed and tender.
• Slow Cooker Adaptation: Layer ribs in a slow cooker, pour over marinade, and cook on low for 7–9 hours for extra tenderness. Finish under the broiler for a caramelized top.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are country-style ribs?

A: Country-style ribs are thicker, meatier pork ribs cut from the blade end of the loin near the shoulder. They contain more fat and connective tissue, making them especially juicy and tender after slow cooking or grilling.

Q: Can I use boneless country-style ribs?

A: Absolutely! Boneless ribs cook similarly but may finish a bit faster. Watch for doneness and adjust grilling time accordingly.

Q: Can I bake these ribs instead of grilling?

A: Yes, these ribs are easy to bake. Place them in a large roasting pan, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for about 90 minutes, then uncover, baste, and bake uncovered for another 15–20 minutes.

Q: How do I keep country-style ribs moist?

A: Marinating and slow, indirect heat are essential. Basting with sauce and letting ribs rest before slicing also helps lock in juices.

Q: Can I make these ahead for a party?

A: Yes! Marinate and cook the ribs in advance, then reheat them on the grill or in the oven, basting with extra sauce just before serving for that fresh-off-the-grill taste.

Pro Tips for Next-Level BBQ

• Wood smoke: For extra flavor, add a handful of soaked wood chips (like hickory or applewood) to your grill.
• Homemade BBQ sauce: Personalize your ribs by creating your own barbecue sauce blend with honey, molasses, or chipotle.
• Finishing glaze: Brush the ribs with a final layer of sauce in the last 5 minutes of grilling for a lacquered shine.
• Rest time: Always let ribs rest—this step ensures the juices remain inside the meat, not on the cutting board.

Nutritional Information

Nutrition will vary depending on the exact ingredients and serving size, but a typical portion (about 8 ounces of cooked ribs) contains approximately:

Nutrient	Approximate Amount
Calories	420
Protein	35g
Fat	29g
Carbohydrates	12g
Sodium	820mg

Conclusion

With this

BBQ country-style ribs

recipe, you can confidently serve up a feast that pleases all appetites—from backyard BBQs to cozy family dinners. By choosing quality ingredients, mastering the marinade, and grilling with patience, each rib will deliver fantastic flavor and fall-off-the-bone tenderness. Save this recipe for your next cookout and enjoy the compliments from your guests!