Grill like a pitmaster: how to gas grill country style ribs that rival the best smokehouses

Fire up your gas grill and prepare to tantalize your taste buds with succulent country-style ribs. This detailed guide will walk you through the steps to achieve perfectly grilled ribs that will steal the show at any gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2 racks of country-style pork ribs
• 1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 1/4 cup of honey
• 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment Required:

• Gas grill
• Meat thermometer
• Grill brush
• Aluminum foil

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ribs:

Remove the ribs from the refrigerator and pat them dry with paper towels. Season liberally with salt and pepper on all sides.

2. Create the Marinade:

In a small bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Brush the marinade evenly over the ribs, ensuring they are fully coated.

3. Wrap in Aluminum Foil:

Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil, sealing the edges to prevent the marinade from dripping out. Let the ribs marinate for at least 3 hours, or up to overnight.

4. Preheat the Grill:

Prepare your gas grill for indirect heat by turning on one side of the grill to medium-high heat and leaving the other side off.

5. Place the Ribs on the Grill:

Remove the ribs from the foil and place them on the indirect heat side of the grill. Close the lid and cook for 1 hour.

6. Baste the Ribs:

After 1 hour, remove the ribs from the grill and baste them with the remaining marinade. Return the ribs to the grill and continue cooking for another hour.

7. Check for Doneness:

Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the ribs. The internal temperature should reach 195°F for fall-off-the-bone ribs.

8. Remove and Serve:

Once the ribs are cooked through, remove them from the grill and let them rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for Grilling Country Style Ribs:

• For a more intense flavor, marinate the ribs overnight.
• If you don’t have aluminum foil, you can wrap the ribs in parchment paper.
• Keep the grill at a consistent temperature to prevent burning or undercooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ribs are cooked to perfection.
• Experiment with different barbecue sauces to find your favorite flavor combination.

Variations:

• Dry Rubbed Ribs: Season the ribs with a mixture of spices and herbs instead of using a marinade.
• Glazed Ribs: After grilling, brush the ribs with a sticky glaze made from honey, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
• Smoked Ribs: Add wood chips to your gas grill to infuse the ribs with a smoky flavor.

The Final Touch:

Slice the ribs into individual pieces and serve with your favorite sides. Consider mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or corn on the cob for a complete and satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between country-style ribs and baby back ribs?
Country-style ribs are cut from the shoulder of the pig, while baby back ribs are cut from the loin.

2. How long should I marinate the ribs?
The longer the ribs marinate, the more flavorful they will be. You can marinate them for a few hours or up to overnight.

3. Can I use other types of meat besides pork?
Yes, you can use beef or lamb ribs to make country-style ribs.

4. What is the best way to reheat country-style ribs?
To reheat grilled country-style ribs, wrap them in aluminum foil and place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 30 minutes.

5. Can I freeze country-style ribs?
Yes, you can freeze country-style ribs for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or freezer paper before freezing.