These Easy Greek Ribs are tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor! Coated in a delicious mix of herbs, they’re baked to perfection and finished on the grill for that yummy char.
I can’t resist the smell of these ribs sizzling away! Perfect for a family dinner, and I love serving them with a big Greek salad. What a treat for everyone—delicious and fun to eat! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Back Ribs: These are juicy and tender, making them perfect for this recipe. If you can’t find baby back ribs, spare ribs are a good substitute and tend to be a bit meatier.
Olive Oil: A must for flavor and moisture! If you’re looking for a lighter option, avocado oil or even vegetable oil works fine.
Garlic: Fresh is the way to go for bold flavor! If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can substitute; just use about 1 teaspoon for every clove.
Dried Oregano and Thyme: Both are key to achieving that Greek flavor. If you have fresh herbs on hand, use them! Fresh herbs can typically be used in double the amount.
Paprika and Cumin: These spices add warmth to the dish. If you’re after a smokier taste, try smoked paprika. If cumin isn’t available, you could use coriander for a different twist.
Brown Sugar: It balances the spices and helps with caramelization on the grill. Feel free to use honey or maple syrup for a different sweetener!
Lemon Juice: Fresh is best for acidity! In a pinch, bottled lemon juice can work, but fresh lemons deliver a brighter flavor.
Tzatziki Sauce: This cool yogurt dip pairs perfectly with the ribs. If you want a lighter option, try serving with a simple cucumber salad instead!
How Do I Achieve Tender and Flavorful Ribs?
Getting those ribs truly tender comes down to the baking step. You want to allow the ribs to cook slowly at a low temperature to break down the connective tissue. Follow these simple steps:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) for even cooking.
- Cover the ribs tightly with foil. This traps moisture and keeps them from drying out.
- Schedule around 2.5 to 3 hours of baking time. Check for tenderness; they should be easy to pull apart with a fork.
- Letting the ribs rest for a few minutes after baking helps the juices redistribute, ensuring they stay moist on the grill.
Once grilled, the ribs should be golden and slightly crispy on the outside while remaining juicy inside. Happy grilling!
Easy Greek Ribs Recipe (Baked Then Grilled)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ribs:
- 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 4 pounds)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 2 lemons
For Serving:
- Tzatziki sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of preparation time and 2.5 to 3 hours of baking time in the oven, followed by grilling for about 15 minutes. Overall, you’ll spend a few hours making this tasty dish, but the hands-on time is minimal, making it easy to prepare!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low and slow method will help the ribs become tender.
2. Prepare the Spice Mixture:
In a medium bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, cumin, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Use a fork or a whisk to combine everything well until it’s a uniform paste.
3. Season the Ribs:
Takes the spice mixture and rub it all over the ribs. Be sure to cover every inch, as this will give the ribs great flavor. You can use your hands to really work it into the meat!
4. Bake the Ribs:
Place the seasoned ribs on a baking sheet lined with foil for easy cleanup. Cover the ribs tightly with another piece of foil. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 2.5 to 3 hours until they’re very tender and almost falling off the bone.
5. Preheat the Grill:
When the ribs are almost done baking, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will give you nice grill marks and caramelization on the ribs.
6. Grill the Ribs:
Carefully remove the ribs from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, place the ribs on the grill, meat side down. Grill for about 5-7 minutes, then flip and grill the other side for another 5-7 minutes. You want them to be beautifully browned and caramelized.
7. Add Lemon Juice:
In the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush the ribs with lemon juice. This will give them a zesty flavor that complements the spices perfectly.
8. Let Them Rest:
Once you’re happy with the grill marks, remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This will help keep them juicy when you cut into portions.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Cut the ribs into portions and serve with tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious Greek-inspired ribs!
Can I Use Other Types of Ribs?
Absolutely! While baby back ribs are recommended for their tenderness, you can also use spare ribs. Just keep in mind that spare ribs may require a bit more cooking time to become tender, so adjust your baking time accordingly by adding about 30 minutes.
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil on hand, you can use other oils like vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil. Each will offer a slightly different flavor profile, but they will all work well for this recipe!
How Can I Store Leftover Ribs?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating, and you can warm them up on the grill or in the oven!
Can I Make the Spice Mixture Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the spice mixture a day or two in advance! Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature until you’re ready to use it. This way, you can save some time when you’re ready to bake the ribs!
