For perfectly tender and flavour-packed BBQ pork belly, we recommend starting by seasoning the meat generously, whether with a dry rub or marinade. Then cook it low and slow over indirect heat, allowing the fat to gradually render and the meat to become beautifully soft. Once it’s cooked through, move the pork belly over direct heat for a final sear, crisping up the fat until golden and crackly. This balance of slow cooking and a hot finish gives you rich, smoky flavour with irresistible texture. For a full step-by-step guide, including prep tips and cooking times, check out our article: How to Perfect BBQ Pork Belly.

The main difference lies in the cut and size. Baby back ribs come from the upper part of the ribcage, near the spine. Making them shorter, leaner, and more curved, which is great for quicker cooking and a slightly lighter bite. St. Louis ribs, on the other hand, are cut from the belly area and are flatter, longer, and meatier with more marbling. This extra fat content makes them ideal for low and slow BBQ, as it keeps the ribs juicy and full of bold, smoky flavour.

If you’re after a rich, satisfying rib experience, St. Louis ribs are a top choice. Want to learn more? Explore our full rib comparison guide and dig into the flavour profile of St. Louis ribs.

Preparation is key for juicy, tender, and flavour-packed pork ribs on the BBQ. We suggest starting by removing the silver membrane from the back of the ribs, this thin layer can become tough and chewy if left on. You should also pat the ribs dry and then apply your chosen seasoning or dry rub generously, making sure to coat both sides for full flavour. Let the ribs rest for at least 30 minutes, or even better, refrigerate them for a few hours or overnight to allow the seasoning to penetrate the meat. Before grilling, bring the ribs to room temperature and preheat your BBQ. These small steps make a big difference in texture and taste. For a full guide, check out our blog on how to prepare pork ribs before putting them on the grill.

Pork is incredibly versatile on the BBQ, and several cuts stand out for their flavour, tenderness, and ability to handle bold marinades or rubs. Some of the best include: 

• BBQ pork belly: a rich, succulent, and ideal for slow cooking until the fat renders and the outside crisps up. 
• Pork belly burnt ends: a flavour-packed treat with caramelised edges and melt-in-your-mouth texture. 
• Pork kebabs: bite-sized pork pieces that cook quickly and absorb marinades beautifully, perfect for grilling over direct heat.
• BBQ pork ribs: both baby back ribs and St. Louis style ribs are BBQ staples. Baby backs are leaner and tender, while St. Louis ribs are meatier and more forgiving on the grill.

Each of these cuts offers a delicious mix of fat, flavour, and texture, which makes them ideal for cooking low and slow or getting that chargrilled finish. Whether you’re smoking, grilling, or roasting over coals, these cuts deliver big on BBQ satisfaction.

As BBQ pork is very versatile, it pairs well with a wide range of rubs and marinades, especially those that balance sweet, smoky, and savoury notes. A classic dry rub perfect for ribs or pork belly could include brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of chili for heat. The sugar helps create a caramelised crust when grilled, locking in flavour and moisture. For a marinade, you might go with hoisin, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger—as featured in our grilled pork kebabs guide. These Asian-inspired flavours give a sticky, umami-rich glaze that works especially well with kebabs or pork chops.

Whether you’re smoking pork belly burnt ends, grilling ribs, or skewering kebabs, choosing the right rub or marinade elevates the final dish. For more flavour combinations and inspiration, don’t miss our guide to the best rubs and seasonings for summer BBQs.

At The Village Butchers, you can easily buy BBQ pork online and have it delivered directly to your door, fast, fresh, and easy. We offer a carefully curated range of BBQ-ready pork cuts, including succulent pork belly, tender pork ribs, flavour-packed kebabs, and juicy pork chops, all expertly butchered and prepped for the grill. Whether you’re planning a weekend BBQ, hosting friends, or simply stocking up for the season, our pork selection is ideal for slow smoking, searing, or flame-grilling. With nationwide delivery and top-quality British pork, it’s never been easier to bring the butcher’s counter to your doorstep. Want to know more about the benefits of online butchers? Read our guide on why buying from an online butcher makes all the difference. Browse our full range and shop BBQ pork now to get grilling with confidence.