Grilled Country Style Ribs

Bold seasoning, a sweet/heat flavor combination, and some time on the grill turn an inexpensive cut of meat into an irresistibly delicious meal. My brother Jim’s Grilled Country Style Ribs are unforgettable.

Over Labor Day weekend we took a trip up north for a quick end of summer vacation to a quaint and unbelievably beautiful area of Northern California. A place I visited every summer with my family growing up and have continued to visit each and every year with my own kids.

My brother, Jim, and my wonderful sister-in-law Gale, recently retired and wisely relocated to this incredible place in the mountains a few months ago. This was my first opportunity to visit their beautiful new home, nestled up high in the forest. They had us over for dinner and Jim, in true brother Jim style, grilled up some ribs that I knew I had to share with you.

Country style ribs are a meaty, flavorful, inexpensive cut which makes them a good choice when serving a group. For an alternate slow cooker or instant pot method, be sure to check out my BBQ Country Style Ribs.

Tell me about them ribs Jim! It can be hard to pin the man down on his recipes but I was on it this time.

Jim is the only male in a family of six. Yes, he has five sisters and somehow he survived. Growing up in a predominantly female household makes him a pretty special guy. He might argue that point but I’m sticking to it. He’s a great conversationalist, an amazing photographer, a comedian, and one of the best cooks I know. My husband still talks about spaghetti sauce Jim made for us years ago. What the heck was in that sauce Jim? I’ll force it out of him one of these days.

In addition to a package of country style ribs you’ll need some McCormick’s Montreal Steak Seasoning, garlic salt, Kinder’s Mild and Hot BBQ Sauce (or brand of your choice), and some sweet chili sauce. I found the Kinder’s easily right at my own neighborhood grocery store and I’m hooked! It’s incredible stuff. If you use another brand, try to find something with a little heat. The slightly sweet/heat combination is what really makes these ribs so special.

Jim seasoned the ribs with the steak seasoning and garlic salt and then marinated them in the sweet chili sauce. After marinating for a couple of hours, they were ready for the grill.

Jim cooked the ribs over indirect heat for about 45 minutes then moved them over direct heat and began basting them with a mixture of hot and mild Kinder’s BBQ Sauce while they finished cooking.

While the ribs cooked, we sat with sis-in-law, Gale, on the deck sipping cocktails made by my husband who we all believe was a bartender in another life. He took a look at my brother’s offerings and threw these together. A little gin, a little fruit juice, fresh lemon, fresh lime, a touch of Triple Sec and an apple wedge garnish. So fresh, just the right amount of sweetness, and so summery.

Here I am (left) with my sister Barb (right). She popped over for dinner from her place near by. She also lives in the area and it was so great to see her. My sister Marj was with us as well but was behind the camera for this shot. Tough beans Marj. Aaah, just kiddin’.

The sweet chili sauce in combination with the BBQ sauce creates a really beautiful and incredibly tasty caramelization.

Time to serve up!

Boy #4 was a happy camper. Ribs, potatoes, and corn on the cob. That just about covers it. Another excellent side dish choice is my Skillet Corn with Jalapeno.

The guys relaxing after the big meal. We fell in love with the new fireplace they just had done. What a gorgeous focal point for this great big room. I can only imagine how pretty it will be to look out those windows when the snow comes and there is a big, roaring fire in that fireplace.

If you get a chance to fire up the grill one more time this summer, give these a try!