Juicy, Fall-Off-The-Bone Grilled Country Style Pork Ribs Using Your Gas Grill

As soon as I get a taste of warmer weather, I start craving the smoky flavors of food cooked over an open flame. And one of my all-time favorite things to grill up are meaty, juicy country style pork ribs. While grilling ribs can seem a little daunting, especially if you’re only using a gas grill, it’s actually pretty straightforward once you know the techniques.

In this complete guide, I’ll share with you everything you need to know to make crazy delicious grilled country style ribs on your gas grill every time. From choosing the right cut of ribs to flavoring them perfectly to monitoring temperature, you’ll gain the skills to impress your family and friends with these iconic ribs all barbecue season long.

What Makes Country Style Ribs So Special?

Country style ribs come from the pork shoulder, which is part of the front leg. This means they contain a good amount of fat and connective tissue. The fat keeps them moist and juicy during cooking, while the collagen melts into luscious gelatin.

They are meatier than other rib cuts like baby backs or spare ribs since they contain no bones. You just get to enjoy pure pork goodness!

While called “ribs”, they aren’t attached to any bones. They can come from either the shoulder or loin primal cut. Country style ribs from the shoulder have the most fat and collagen.

Picking the Best Ribs for Grilling

Choosing quality ribs is the first step to grilling success. Follow these tips at the store:

• Go for 1-inch thick ribs – thinner cuts risk drying out

• Select ribs with plenty of marbling – this intermuscular fat ensures juiciness

• Check for freshness – avoid any with dried out spots or old looking packaging

• Get individual ribs rather than a full roast – faster cook time

Buying the right ribs sets you up for mouthwatering results off the grill.

Preparing Ribs Before Grilling Day

Properly preparing the ribs at home ensures they cook evenly and absorb maximum flavors.

• Trim Excess Fat – Leave about 1⁄4 inch of fat cap. Trim any hard fat from the edges.

• Remove Membrane – Slide a knife under the thin, papery membrane and peel it off.

• Cut into Portions – For quick, even grilling, cut slabs into individual rib portions.

Now the ribs are ready for your favorite marinade, rub or brine.

Infusing Flavor with Marinades, Rubs and Brines

Adding flavor through a marinade, dry rub or brine is key for incredible ribs. Here are some options:

• Wet Marinade – Let ribs soak 1-12 hours. Use acidic ingredients like vinegar, citrus, wine.

• Dry Rub – Coat generously with spices, pressed into meat. Let sit 30-60 minutes.

• Brine – Soak 1-2 hours in a saltwater brine to boost juiciness.

Experiment with flavors like brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, garlic, oregano – the possibilities are endless.

Setting Up Your Gas Grill for Rib Grilling Success

Proper grill setup is crucial for perfectly cooked ribs without any burning or drying out.

• Preheat – Get the grill nice and hot, around 400-450°F. This gives a good sear.

• Clean Grates – Scrub the grates clean and brush with oil to prevent sticking.

• Use Indirect Heat – Cook over indirect heat, with no burner directly under ribs.

• Add Smoke – Try adding wood chips or pellets to the grill to get some smoky flavor.

Now the stage is set for some incredible country style ribs off the grill!

Step-By-Step Grilling Directions

Follow these steps closely when grilling for fall-off-the-bone tender, flavorsome ribs:

• Sear over Direct Heat – First sear ribs directly over the heat for 4-5 minutes per side. This caramelizes the outside.

• Finish over Indirect Heat – Move ribs to indirect heat, close the lid, and finish cooking, monitoring temperature.

• Flip and Rotate – Flip ribs every 5-10 minutes for even cooking on both sides. Also rotate for uniform exposure.

• Brush with Sauce – In the last 10-15 minutes, brush with your favorite BBQ sauce or glaze.

• Check Temperature – Cook until ribs reach 195°F internally. Use an instant read thermometer to check.

• Let Rest – Rest ribs 5 minutes before cutting so juices redistribute evenly.

Common Grilling Mistakes to Avoid

It takes practice to perfect ribs on the grill. Watch out for these common errors:

• Only using direct heat the whole time – leads to burning

• Neglecting to check internal temperature – leads to underdone ribs

• Cutting into ribs right off grill – causes juices to run out

• Basting too early with sugary sauces – leads to charring

• Pressing down on ribs with tongs – causes dry ribs

With a few attempts, you’ll have these techniques mastered in no time!

Delicious Grilled Country Style Rib Recipe

Try out this straightforward recipe:

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs country style pork ribs
• 1⁄4 cup olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1⁄2 tsp pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine olive oil, garlic, brown sugar, chili powder, salt and pepper to make a marinade.

2. Place ribs in a shallow dish, pour marinade over top and turn to coat. Cover and marinate 1-2 hours.

3. Preheat gas grill to 400°F. Clean and oil the grates.

4. Sear ribs over direct heat 4-5 minutes per side. Move to indirect heat, close lid and finish cooking until ribs reach 195°F internally.

5. Remove ribs from grill, tent with foil and let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Fantastic Side Dishes for Grilled Ribs

Complete your ribs with fixings like:

• Corn on the cob – grill it right alongside the ribs
• Potato salad – creamy coolness balances the ribs
• Coleslaw – crunchy, vinegary goodness
• Baked beans – sweet, sticky and savory
• Cornbread – soak up extra sauce with this Southern staple

The options are endless for mouthwatering accompaniments to highlight your juicy ribs.

Next Level Grilled Country Style Pork Ribs

With the tricks in this guide, you can transform basic ribs into sublime iterations bursting with finger-licking flavor. Once you master the basics, try kicking things up a notch:

• Use more elaborate rubs and marinades – play with unique spice blends and ingredients

• Smoke for 1-2 hours before grilling – adds serious smoky flavor

• Glaze the last few minutes – sweet and sticky with flavors like bourbon, maple, coffee

• Make your own BBQ sauce – customize sauce to match rub flavors

The possibilities are endless for putting your own creative spin on country style ribs off the grill. Dazzle your family and friends with your newfound rib grilling skills.