Pork
One of the most underappreciated cuts at the meat counter are country-style pork ribs.
Country-Style Pork Ribs
What are they? The country-style rib is a rib that believes it’s a pork chop. Even though they resemble them, country-style ribs are not, technically speaking, ribs. They are cut from the shoulder/neck area (Boston butt, in most cases), they are well-marbled, succulent, batons of meat that are several 4 to 5 inches long and an inch on either side. There is almost no waste, and pound for pound, country-style ribs are a bargain—less than half the price of other pork ribs—making them an attractive option when you are cooking for a larger group.
One of the most attractive qualities of this cut is their incredible versatility. They can be barbecued low and slow, like a conventional baby back or spare rib; they can be direct grilled, making them good candidates for gas or charcoal grills; they can be smoked, then braised in a foil pouch or in a foil pan with a bit of liquid; or they can be baked using the indirect method. When cooked properly, the meat becomes very tender.
Here are a few of our favorite ways to cook a meal to please any pork lover:
*Smoke-roast the meat as you would baby backs or spare ribs, following your favorite recipe. One of ours is the almost fail-proof First Timer’s Ribs, which first appeared in Steven’s popular book, Best Ribs Ever
*Slice the ribs into cubes, marinate, if desired, and thread onto metal or bamboo skewers for kebabs. (Grill directly, or for more tender meat, indirectly.) Skewers of fruit or vegetables make a great accompaniment.
*Shred barbecued pork, preferably seasoned with your favorite rub or marinade, to make tacos, quesadillas, carnitas, or burritos.
*When the meat is nearly cooked, brush on an Asian-inspired barbecue sauce. (Asian sauces often contain sugar, so will need only a few minutes to “set” on the meat. Do not allow them to scorch.)
*Use country-style pork cubes instead of pork belly to make inexpensive burnt ends.
*Make a meaty pot of our Barbecue University Chili Verde.
*Take country-style pork ribs in a Mediterranean direction with this recipe: Country-Style Ribs with Oregano and Mint.
*This recipe combines juicy grilled country-style pork ribs with a zesty Chilean pepper sauce called père.
TIP: Country-style ribs are usually sold next to the pork chops in the supermarket meat department.
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