How to Cook Country Style Ribs on a Pit Boss Pellet Smoker?

By Avi Green October 04, 2023

Are you ready to impress your friends and family with your grilling skills? Knowing how to cook country style ribs on a Pit Boss pellet smoker isn't just about throwing some meat on the grill; it's about creating a culinary experience. Country style ribs, with their rich flavor and tenderness, can be transcendent when prepared correctly on a pellet smoker. This guide will take you through every step you need to know for success.

Pellet smoking has revolutionized the way we think about grilling. With precision temperature control and the ability to infuse flavor from different wood pellets, you can achieve delicious results with minimal effort. In this article, we will delve into tips, techniques, marinades, and troubleshooting to ensure your ribs come out perfectly every time.

Understanding Country Style Ribs

Before diving into the cooking process, let's examine what country style ribs are. Unlike traditional ribs, these are cut from the shoulder of the pig and can be quite meaty. They tend to be more tender and less fatty, which makes them ideal for cooking at low temperatures on a smoker.

Choosing the Right Pellets

When it comes to smoking ribs, the type of wood you use can significantly affect the flavor. Popular choices include:

Hickory Adds a robust flavor that pairs well with pork.
Cherry Offers a sweet and mild flavor, perfect for a sweeter rib.
Alder Provides delicate notes that wont overpower the meat.

For an in-depth exploration of how various flavors can change your grilling experience, check out this amazing resource.

Preparing Country Style Ribs

To achieve the best flavor and texture, proper preparation is crucial.

Marinating for Flavor

One of the keys to incredibly tender ribs is marinating them in advance. A simple marinade can include:

Olive oil
Apple cider vinegar
Brown sugar
Garlic powder
Smoked paprika
Salt and pepper

Let your ribs marinate for at least four hours, preferably overnight, to fully absorb the flavors.

Seasoning Tips

In addition to marinating, applying a dry rub can enhance the flavor profile of your ribs. A simple dry rub can include:

Brown sugar
Cumin
Chili powder
Garlic powder
Salt and pepper

Make sure to apply the rub generously and allow it to set for at least an hour before cooking. The flavors will infuse into the meat beautifully.

Setting Up the Pit Boss Pellet Smoker

Getting your Pit Boss pellet smoker ready for a rib party involves a few straightforward steps. First, ensure you fill the hopper with your desired wood pellets. After that, its essential to set up the temperature. For country style ribs, aim for a temperature range of 225F to 250F for gentle smoking.

Adding Smoke Flavor

When your smoker reaches the desired temperature, its time to place the ribs on the grill grates. Make sure to keep the ribs bone-side down for optimal results. This position allows for better smoke penetration and juiciness.

Cooking Time and Temperature

The cooking time for country style ribs on a Pit Boss pellet smoker is typically around 2 to 3 hours. Be sure to monitor the temperature consistently:

Wrap in foil after 2 hours for added tenderness.
Check for a safe internal temperature of 145F.

For a more detailed guide on cooking times, you can refer to this excellent post.

Finishing Touches

In the final moments of cooking, consider glazing your ribs with your favorite BBQ sauce. Applying the sauce around 30 minutes before removing them will help create a nice caramelization. Just avoid glazing too early as it can burn due to the sugars in the sauce.

Resting the Ribs

Once your ribs have reached the perfect temperature and have a nice glaze, remove them from the smoker and wrap them in foil. Allow them to rest for about 15 to 20 minutes. Resting lets the juices redistribute, creating more tender and juicy ribs.

Serving Your Masterpiece

After the resting period, its time to slice the ribs and serve them hot. You can serve them with classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread for a complete meal. For those wondering how to pair wine with smoked meats, check out this insightful guide.

Cleaning Your Smoker

After an enjoyable meal, cleaning your Pit Boss smoker is essential for its longevity and performance. Allow it to cool, then scrape off any residue from the grates and clean out the ash from the firepot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best wood for smoking country style ribs?

The best woods for smoking country style ribs include hickory, apple, and cherry. Each offers a unique flavor profile that enhances the taste of the meat.