Smoked Country-Style Ribs with Texas Peach BBQ Glaze

Nothing says barbecue like tender, juicy, fall-apart country-style ribs, and this recipe takes them to the next level! Using my Z Grills pellet grill with cherry pellets, I smoked 3 pounds of boneless country-style ribs to perfection at 250°F. The sweet and smoky flavor from the cherry wood, paired with a homemade honey BBQ rub and a Texas peach BBQ glaze, makes this dish a crowd-pleaser for any backyard cookout. Follow along for my step-by-step guide to creating these mouthwatering ribs!

Ingredients

• 3 pounds boneless country-style pork ribs

• Honey BBQ rub 

• 1 bottle Texas peach BBQ sauce (12 oz)

• 1 cup apple juice

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 2-4 tablespoons honey

• Cherry wood pellets for the smoker

Equipment

• Z Grills pellet grill

• Aluminum half pan

• Aluminum foil

• Meat thermometer

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Ribs

1. Pat the 3 pounds of boneless country-style ribs dry with paper towels.

2. Generously coat the ribs with your honey BBQ rub, ensuring all sides are covered.

3. Place the ribs on a tray and let them sit at room temperature for 20 minutes to allow the rub to "sweat" and adhere to the meat.

Step 2: Set Up the Smoker

1. Fill your Z Grills pellet grill hopper with cherry wood pellets for a sweet, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with pork.

2. Preheat the grill to 250°F, ensuring a steady temperature before placing the ribs on the grates.

Step 3: Smoke the Ribs

1. Place the ribs directly on the grill grates and close the lid.

2. Smoke at 250°F for 2 hours and 15 minutes, allowing the cherry pellets to infuse the meat with rich flavor and develop a beautiful bark.

Step 4: Braise with Texas Peach BBQ Glaze

1. In an aluminum half pan, combine 1 bottle of Texas peach BBQ sauce, 1 cup apple juice, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 2-4 tablespoons of honey (adjust honey to your preferred sweetness).

2. Carefully transfer the smoked ribs to the pan, nestling them into the sauce mixture.

3. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to trap the steam and keep the ribs moist.

4. Return the pan to the smoker and continue cooking at 250°F for an additional 75 minutes, or until the ribs reach an internal temperature of 205°F.

Step 5: Glaze and Rest

1. Remove the ribs from the pan and place them back on the grill grates.

2. Brush lightly with some of the glaze from the pan and let them smoke for an additional 10 minutes to set the glaze and create a sticky, caramelized finish.

3. Remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for 10 minutes to lock in the juices.

Serving Suggestions

Slice the ribs or serve them whole, drizzled with extra Texas peach BBQ glaze for a sweet and tangy kick. Pair with classic BBQ sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread for the ultimate feast. These ribs are perfect for game day, family dinners, or any occasion that calls for bold, smoky flavors!

Tips for Success

• Cherry Pellets: The sweet, fruity smoke from cherry pellets complements the pork and the peach BBQ sauce beautifully. If you don’t have cherry, hickory or apple pellets work well too.

• Internal Temperature: Aim for 205°F for that perfect tender texture. Use a reliable meat thermometer to check doneness.

• Make It Your Own: Adjust the honey in the glaze to balance the sweetness to your taste, or add a pinch of cayenne to the rub for a spicy twist.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of the honey BBQ rub and cherry pellet smoke gives these ribs a deep, complex flavor, while the Texas peach BBQ glaze adds a sweet and tangy finish. Braising in the foil pan ensures the ribs stay juicy and tender, and the final glaze-up on the grill creates a irresistible caramelized crust. Your Z Grills pellet grill makes it easy to maintain consistent heat, so you can focus on enjoying the process and the delicious results.

Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out! Share your BBQ creations with me in the comments or tag me on social media. Happy smoking!