Country-style pork ribs are very meaty, but they can dry out quickly while they’re cooking. By soaking them in a brine first, you can keep them very moist and flavorful.
Brining is the process of soaking meat in a saltwater solution, which helps season the meat while also keeping it incredibly juicy When done right, brined country style pork ribs become succulent and packed with flavor.
This complete guide will teach you how to properly brine country style pork ribs, along with tips for brining success. Let’s get started!
Why Brine Country Style Pork Ribs?
Brining provides two major benefits for country style pork ribs:
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Seasons the meat: The brine’s salt, sugar, and spices get deep into the meat to add layers of flavor. This amplifies the taste of the ribs.
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Retains moisture – Salt helps the meat retain moisture during cooking by dissolving some proteins Sugar also improves tenderness This keeps the ribs incredibly juicy.
Brining is especially useful for ribs since they are prone to drying out during grilling or smoking. It’s an easy way to guarantee tender, flavorful ribs every time.
A Simple Brine for Beginners
If you’re new to brining, starting with a basic brine recipe is the best way to begin
Ingredients:
- 4 cups water
- 1⁄4 cup kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves
- 2-3 lbs country style pork ribs
Instructions:
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Combine all ingredients except ribs in a saucepan. Heat until salt and sugar dissolve.
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Remove brine from heat and let cool completely.
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Place ribs in a container and pour cooled brine over to cover.
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Refrigerate 8-12 hours, flipping ribs occasionally.
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Remove ribs from brine, rinse, pat dry and cook.
This easy brine adds mild seasoning flavor and keeps the ribs super moist. Feel free to experiment with spices like garlic, chili powder or cumin.
Tips for Successful Pork Rib Brining
Follow these tips when brining country style pork ribs:
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Use a non-reactive container like plastic, glass or stainless steel. Avoid reactive metals.
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Ensure ribs are fully submerged in brine. Weigh them down if needed.
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Brine in the fridge at 40°F or below to prevent bacteria growth.
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Brine at least 8 hours, up to 24 hours maximum.
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Rinse ribs after brining and pat dry to prevent burning from excess salt.
Fun Flavorful Brines to Try
While basic brines are foolproof, you can also experiment with creative flavors. Here are some tasty brine ideas for pork ribs:
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Apple cider – Use apple cider instead of water, along with cinnamon and cloves.
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Citrus – Add citrus juices, zest, garlic and thyme for a tangy brine.
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Asian – Soy sauce, ginger, chili paste, sesame oil and garlic make a tasty Asian brine.
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Beer – Dark beer, garlic, onion and bay leaves gives a deliciously robust flavor.
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Cola – Try cola, brown sugar, chili powder and cumin for sweet and spicy ribs.
Feel free to mix and match different brine ingredients to find your favorite flavored ribs!
How Long to Brine Country Style Ribs
The ideal brining time for country style pork ribs is 8-12 hours. This gives enough time for the brine to fully penetrate the meat.
For a more intense brine flavor, soak for 12-24 hours. Check ribs occasionally and flip to brine evenly.
Keep ribs chilled at 40°F or less during brining to prevent bacteria growth.
Cooking Brined Country Style Ribs
After brining, there are many great cooking options for tender, juicy country style pork ribs:
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Grilling – High heat helps render fat and caramelize sauce glazes.
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Smoking – Low, indirect heat infuses smoke flavor over 2-4 hours.
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Braising – Braise in broth, beer or cola for ultra moist ribs.
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Roasting – Roast at 350°F on a rack until tender and browned.
Brining guarantees moist, seasoned ribs no matter which cooking method you choose. Just be sure not to overcook, as ribs can dry out quickly. Use a meat thermometer and remove them from heat at 145°F for the juiciest results.
Achieving Perfectly Brined Ribs Every Time
Now that you know the secrets to brining success, you can look forward to flavorful and incredibly juicy country style pork ribs off your smoker or grill.
By following the proper brining times, temperatures and methods in this guide, you’ll be able to infuse your ribs with seasoned moisture and flavor.
Your patience will be rewarded with tender, succulent country style pork ribs your whole family will request again and again. Brining makes all the difference!
For more mouthwatering pork recipes and cooking tips, explore the rest of our site.
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FAQ
Can you brine country style ribs overnight?
Should pork ribs be brined?
Do you rinse ribs after brining?
How long should you dry brine pork ribs?
How do you brine pork ribs?
Here is a simplified step-by-step guide to brining your pork ribs: Prepare the Brine Solution: In a large pot, combine the water, kosher salt, and brown sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the salt and sugar have completely dissolved.
Should you brine ribs for BBQ?
The benefits of brine for ribs for BBQ are manifold. Firstly, brining yields a more tender and juicy cut of meat. This is an essential quality for BBQ, where the high and sustained heat can easily dry out the meat. The second benefit is flavor enhancement.
How do you make a smoked rib brine?
To create a smoked rib brine, combine 4 parts water with one part brown sugar. Add plenty of Kosher salt, black pepper, and any seasonings you want to infuse into the meat such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika. Soak the ribs (membranes removed) in the mixture overnight. Then pat dry before smoking as usual.
How do you brine pork tenderloin?
This is a standard brine for ribs, pork tenderloin, or pork chops. Use 2 cups of water, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Be sure the brine covers the ribs. Refrigerate for 1-4 hours, then rinse well under running water before proceeding. Also, leave the salt out of any rub or seasoning.