Slow-Grilled Western Ribs with Carolina-Style Barbecue Sauce

Western ribs are large, thick slices of meat cut from pork shoulder. They benefit from long, slow cooking—whether braised in the oven or cooked off-heat on the grill, as here. The meat is not as tender as a pork chop, so quick grilling over an open flame can result in a tough, chewy dinner. Marinating the ribs in a spice rub adds bold, smoky flavor that complements the vinegary tang of Carolina-style barbecue sauce.

Western Pork Ribs

As with any dish, of course, there are countless versions of recipes that all go by the same name, such as Carolina-Style Barbecue Sauce. Recipes vary between North and South Carolina, and also within the states, with eastern and western varieties and everything in between.

Two ingredients you can count on: vinegar and mustard. These make up the base of a Carolina sauce, as opposed to the tomato-molasses base of Memphis and Kansas City sauces. I’d likely be shown the state line for using Dijon mustard in place of the yellow mustard in traditional Carolina-style, but I prefer the extra tanginess of Dijon to blend with that of the cider vinegar.

Serves 4-5

Ingredients

For the Ribs

• 1 tbsp chile powder
• 1 tbsp garlic granules (or powder)
• 1 tbsp cayenne powder
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp cumin
• sea salt
• 3 lbs large western pork ribs (4-5 ribs)
• oil, for oiling grill rack

For the Sauce

• 1/2 cup cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 3 tbsp Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp dried red chile flakes
• sea salt
• freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

For the Ribs

1. Combine the first 6 ingredients (through salt) in a small bowl. Rub the spice mixture completely over the ribs, coating well. Cover and refrigerate 4 hours (or overnight).

Spice Rub for Ribs

Spice-Rubbed Pork Ribs

1. Prepare a grill for off-heat cooking and rub the rack with oil.  
2. Grill the ribs off-heat for 1 1/2 hours, turning several times throughout and letting the coals cool naturally. About 5 minutes before the ribs are done, brush each side with barbecue sauce (recipe follows).

Ribs Beginning to Grill

Ribs after 1 1/2 Hours

Ribs with Carolina-Style Barbecue Sauce

Remove and cool 3-4 minutes before serving. Pass the remaining sauce at the table.

For the Sauce 

1. Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat, cover, and cook slowly 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool to room temperature. 

Sauce Beginning to Cook

1. Pour into a small bowl or other container and cover. Refrigerate at least 2 hours to allow flavors to blend. Bring to room temperature before using.

Carolina-Style Barbecue Sauce