Smoked Country-Style Ribs Recipe

If you're on the hunt for comfort food for dinner, look no further. There's nothing better than great barbecue. And while your fingers might get a little messy while you're digging in, it's totally worth it. If you've never had country style ribs, you're missing out. These pork ribs are melt-in-your-mouth good. And luckily, food photographer Petar Marshall is sharing just how to make them at home.

These smoked country style pork ribs are smoked and cooked on a Traeger grill, offering incredible flavor. Smoking them low and slow makes for a tasty dish, and the addition of a doctored barbecue sauce only makes them better. Just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients are required to pull off these ribs, and you'll only need five minutes of prep time to boot. The hardest part is being patient while you wait for the ribs to be done. But once they are, that patience is certainly rewarded with delicious, homemade barbecue!

Ready to dive in on making this delicious recipe? First up, gather all of your ingredients. For this recipe, you'll need country-style pork ribs, Sweet Baby Ray's barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.

According to Marshall, you can certainly use any other barbecue sauce as the base. He likes to use Sweet Baby Ray's and doctor it up for another kick of flavor. And as for the ribs? "These large and in charge ribs are relatively lean, making them perfect for cooking low and slow," he explains. 

Once you have all of your ingredients gathered, it's time to get cooking! First up, preheat your Traeger or other smoker to 165 F. While you wait for the grill to warm up, season the pork ribs. Generously rub them with salt and pepper for great flavor. "You could also use garlic salt as a great option for an additional kick of flavor," says Marshall. Because you'll slather these ribs in sauce soon enough, however, minimal seasoning is needed.

With the grill warmed up to 165 degrees, it's time to put the ribs on. Using tongs, transfer the raw seasoned ribs to the grill. Close the lid and allow the ribs to smoke for one hour. "Letting the ribs sit for an hour at a low temperature brings great flavor into the mix," says Marshall. "Because it's all indirect, low heat, it truly transforms the meat." This method of cooking will lead to irresistibly tender ribs, loaded with smoky, rich, and deep flavor.

While the ribs are smoking, it's the perfect time to make the sauce for your ribs. Grab a bowl and add in the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Use a whisk to mix all of the sauce ingredients until well combined. "You can certainly use plain barbecue sauce," says Marshall. "I love the tangy kick that adding the apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce gives to the final flavor."

After the hour of smoke time has passed and your sauce is mixed and ready, it's time to finish these ribs! Turn the heat up to 450 F. Brush the sauce on the ribs, generously coating all sides. You'll have a bit left for dipping. Close the lid on the grill and allow the ribs to cook for an additional 30 minutes. Check to be sure the internal temperature reaches 145 F for the pork before pulling the ribs off. Once the ribs are done, serve them up on a platter with the remaining sauce on the side for dipping if desired. We think that French fries, onion rings, or potato salad are all great side options that will help pull together one delicious BBQ-themed dinner!