Delicious Traeger Country Style Ribs Recipe with Brown Butter Apples

These country-style pork ribs are slow-braised till fall-apart tender, then placed on top of a bed of warm brown butter apples and kale. Drizzle it all with pan juices for a rich final touch.

Ingredients:

• 4 Whole country-style pork ribs, cleaned and fat trimmed
• Kosher salt (to taste)
• 2 Tablespoons butter, divided
• 1/2 Medium yellow onion, julienned
• 2 Sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 Dried bay leaves
• 1 1/2 Cups bone broth or chicken stock, plus more as needed
• 1 Tablespoon sherry vinegar
• 1 1/2 Teaspoons honey
• 1 Medium apple, cored and cubed
• 1 Medium Yukon Gold potato, scrubbed and cubed
• 1 Bunch kale, cut into 1/2 inch ribbons
• Pinch red pepper flakes
• 1/2 Cup croutons or broken up crostini

Steps:

1. Trim most of the fat cap from the pork ribs and season with salt. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
2. Preheat the Traeger to 450°F and cook the ribs, flipping halfway through, until deeply browned (15-20 minutes).
3. In an oven-safe skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter, add onion, thyme, and bay leaves, and sauté until fragrant.
4. Transfer the ribs to the skillet, add bone broth, sherry vinegar, and honey, and bring to a simmer.
5. Braise in the Traeger at 325°F until fork-tender (2.5 hours), adding broth as needed.
6. In a separate pan, brown the remaining butter, add apple and potato, and cook until lightly browned.
7. Combine the pork braising liquid with the apples, potatoes, and kale, cooking until the kale wilts.
8. Add the ribs back to the pan, sprinkle with croutons, and serve warm.

Country Style Pork Ribs and Brown Butter Apples

Barbecue enthusiasts and home cooks alike often seek recipes that blend tradition with a twist of sophistication. Traeger's Country Style Pork Ribs with Brown Butter Apples offers just that, combining the hearty comfort of slow-braised ribs with the refined flavors of caramelized apples and kale. This dish not only promises a succulent bite but also a memorable culinary experience.

The Art of Braising

Braising, a method that slowly breaks down the connective tissues in meat, is the key to achieving tender, flavorful pork ribs. Starting with a high-temperature sear on the Traeger grill locks in juices and imparts a rich, smoky flavor. This initial step is crucial, setting the stage for the slow, transformative cooking process that follows.

Building Layers of Flavor

The use of fresh thyme and bay leaves adds aromatic depth to the dish. When combined with the natural sweetness of sautéed onions, the braising liquid transforms into a savory base. Sherry vinegar introduces a subtle tang, balancing the sweetness from the honey and creating a complex profile that enhances the pork's richness.

A Seasonal Accompaniment

The brown butter apples and kale are more than just a side dish; they are integral to the recipe's success. Brown butter, with its nutty, toasty notes, perfectly complements the apples' sweetness and the kale's slight bitterness. This trio, cooked together until just tender, provides a vibrant, textural contrast to the melt-in-your-mouth pork ribs.

Bringing it All Together

As the braising liquid reduces, it concentrates the flavors, infusing every bite of the pork with a rich, savory essence. The final step of combining the braising liquid with the apples and kale ensures that no flavor is lost. Sprinkling croutons or crostini on top adds a delightful crunch, making each mouthful a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Conclusion

Traeger's Country Style Pork Ribs with Brown Butter Apples is more than a recipe; it's an invitation to savor the art of slow cooking. Whether you're hosting a family gathering or seeking to impress your dinner guests, this dish promises to be a showstopper. Embrace the process, and let the Traeger grill do the work, transforming simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.