The Best Tender Smoked Country Style Pork Ribs

The Best Tender Smoked Country Style Pork Ribs

Ah, summer is upon us. And here in the Midwest that can only mean one thing, grilling season has arrived!

And what better way to kick off this time of year than with a recipe that’s perfect for all your summertime celebrations: Tender Smoked Country Style Pork Ribs.

Great for a backyard cookout with the neighbors, a Father’s Day celebration, a 4th of July picnic, or any time you’re craving some smoked meat goodness.

Prepared on a propane smoker, this rib recipe is pure BBQ heaven and will leave your taste buds begging for more. So grab your grilling utensils, summon your appetite, and let’s get into it.

Here’s my recipe for the best juicy and tender smoked country style pork ribs.

Ingredients For The Best Tender Country Style Pork Ribs

The Ribs

• 6 lbs country style pork ribs (approximately 8-10 ribs)

The Dry Rub

• 3 and 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons white pepper
• 3/4 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons onion powder

The Apple Cider Mixture

• 1 part apple juice combined with 1 part apple cider vinegar (for this recipe I used 4 ounces of each)

The Sauce

• Your favorite BBQ sauce to taste (We love Sweet Baby Ray’s Original flavor BBQ sauce.)

How To Prepare Your Propane Smoker For Use

New to smoking ribs? Here are three helpful things to know about using a smoker before you get started.

1. Preparing Your Smoker

First, fill the metal water pan, and place it on the lowest rack directly above the heat source. The water serves two very important purposes. First, it keeps the temperature of your smoker stable.

As a bonus, the water helps ensure your country style pork ribs stay tender and moist while soaking up more of the smoked flavor.

Once the water pan is filled, check that your propane tank is working and properly connected to the smoker.

2. How To Choose The Best Wood Chips For Smoking Ribs

Now you’re ready to add wood chips to the smoker box. But what wood chips are the best for smoking ribs?

Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference. To infuse your smoked ribs with a more delicate and sweet flavor, choose wood chips made from pecan, cherry, or apple trees.

On the other hand, if you’re in the mood for a bolder, more intense smoke flavor, hickory, mesquite, and oak wood chips will take your ribs to smoky perfection.

3. Mastering The Art Of Preheating Your Smoker

First, open the smoker’s door and give the vents some fresh air, ensuring perfect circulation. Next, turn on the propane valve on the tank, and carefully light the burner.

Then shut the smoker’s door with anticipation and bask in the excitement as it preheats while you prep your ribs!

Preparing The Dry Rub

First, in a large glass bowl, add all the spices for the rib dry rub, and stir until the spice mixture is well combined.

Then it’s time to let the rub work its magic! Generously coat both sides of each country style pork rib with the dry rub. Don’t be shy. More seasoning means more flavor.

Once all the ribs are coated in the dry rub, put them in an airtight food storage container and chill in the fridge for at least 8 and up to 24 hours.

Side note: My husband and resident grill master, Kirk, insists that the longer the pork ribs marinate in the rub, the better they taste. And who am I to question him?

Instructions For Tender Smoked Country Style Pork Ribs

When you’re ready to smoke the ribs, prep your propane smoker by laying down a thin layer of pecan wood chips, and preheat the smoker to 225 – 250℉.

While the smoker preheats, mix equal parts of apple juice and apple cider vinegar in a spritzer bottle and set the mix aside. (You’ll come back to it later.)

Once the smoker is ready, place your marinated pork ribs directly on the metal cooking grates and smoke for about 3 hours. Keep flipping the ribs every 45 minutes to an hour, to make sure they cook evenly.

Now’s also the time to hit your ribs with some extra flavor. Each time you flip your country style ribs, spritz both sides of the smoked pork with the apple cider vinegar mix, which helps seal in the flavors and make them extra tender.

Side Note: Keep a watchful eye on your smoked BBQ masterpiece. If your smoker runs a little hotter than 225-250℉ the ribs may cook faster so check on them regularly.

After the ribs have been smoked for 3 hours, evenly divide them among three foil packets. Wrap them securely in the foil and then return the ribs to cook in the smoker for an additional 2 hours.

How To Sauce Your Smoked Ribs

Open up those foil-wrapped beauties and use a basting brush to coat both sides of each rib with a layer of your favorite BBQ sauce. (We love the original flavor of Sweet Baby Ray’s, but any sauce will do!)

Leave the ribs in the foil, but do not seal the packets this time. Then, return your tender smoked country style pork ribs to the smoker for a brief 30 minutes until the sauce becomes caramelized.

When done, remove your ribs from the smoker, and hit them with a bit more sauce. Then serve ’em up hot with your favorite summer side dishes and enjoy!

What To Serve With BBQ Ribs

Need some ideas about what to serve with your smoked pork? Here are 7 simple Midwest side dishes that pair perfectly with BBQ ribs.

• Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole
• Coleslaw
• Creamy Broccoli Salad
• Baked Beans
• Cucumber Pasta Salad
• Corn on the Cob
• Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

How To Store And Reheat Leftover Ribs

Store any leftovers in an airtight food storage container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

When you’re ready to dive into some delicious leftovers, just place the ribs on a baking sheet and reheat them in the oven at 350℉ until warmed through.

More Summer BBQ Recipes From Midwest Life And Style

If you enjoy this recipe for tender smoked country style pork ribs, you might also like these other summertime grilled favorites.

Steak and Vegetable Kabobs | Peach Glazed Pork Loin and Potatoes

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