Get ready for some mouth-watering ribs that are so tender they practically fall off the bone! These juicy, flavorful ribs are cooked to perfection on the grill, making them the ideal dish for any BBQ.
Grilling these ribs is a fun way to enjoy time outdoors. Just picture yourself wow-ing friends and family with this easy recipe. I love serving mine with coleslaw and corn on the cob for a tasty meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Spare Ribs: These are my favorite for tenderness and flavor. If you prefer leaner meat, try baby back ribs. They’re a bit more expensive, but they cook faster!
Brown Sugar: This adds a lovely sweetness and helps with caramelization. If you’re out of brown sugar, you can use white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses or honey.
Spices: Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper are key to creating a flavorful rub. If you like it milder, skip the cayenne. Smoked paprika can also add a nice twist!
Barbecue Sauce: Pick your favorite brand, but homemade works wonders too! If you want a healthier option, you can use a sugar-free version or even make a simple sauce from ketchup and vinegar.
Wood Chips: For extra smoky flavor, hickory and applewood are great options. If you don’t have these, try any fruitwood or even leave them out; the ribs will still be delicious!
What’s the Best Way to Remove the Membrane from Ribs?
Removing the membrane from the back of the ribs is essential for better tenderness! Here’s an easy way to do it:
- Start at one end of the rack, using a butter knife or your fingers to gently lift the membrane.
- Once you’ve got a corner up, grab a paper towel for a better grip and pull it off in one swift motion.
Take your time with this step; it makes a big difference in how the ribs cook and absorb the flavors!
How Can I Achieve the Perfect Glaze When Grilling Ribs?
Basting with barbecue sauce creates a tasty glaze. To get the best results, follow these tips:
- Start basting after 2 hours of cooking to build layers of flavor and keep the ribs moist.
- Use a brush to apply the sauce every 20 minutes for an even coating.
- Avoid basting too soon, or you might wipe off some of that flavor-packed rub!
Patience is key—let that delicious sauce caramelize to perfection!
How to Make Fall Off The Bone Ribs On The Grill
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Ribs:
- 2 racks of pork spare ribs
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of paprika
- 2 tbsp of garlic powder
- 2 tbsp of onion powder
- 1 tbsp of black pepper
- 1 tbsp of cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 2 tbsp of salt
- 1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce (plus extra for glazing)
- 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar (for moisture)
- Optional: wood chips for smoking (such as hickory or applewood)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 2.5 to 3 hours of cooking time on the grill. You’ll want to allow an additional 30 minutes for resting and flavor absorption. So, all in all, you’re looking at around 3 to 3.5 hours for delicious, fall-off-the-bone ribs.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ribs:
Start by taking the ribs and removing the membrane from the back. This helps them cook more tender. Rinse the ribs under cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels. Getting them dry will help the rub stick better.
2. Make the Rub:
In a medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if you want some heat), and salt. This colorful blend will be your dry rub. It’s so tasty!
3. Apply the Rub:
Generously sprinkle the rub all over the ribs, making sure to cover every surface. It’s important for flavor! Let the ribs sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat.
4. Prepare the Grill:
While the ribs are resting, fire up your grill and preheat it to medium heat (around 250°F to 300°F). If you’re using wood chips for that smoky flavor, soak them in water for 30 minutes and then put them in a smoker box or wrap them in foil. Place this on the grill.
5. Cook the Ribs:
Place the ribs on the grill, bone-side down. Close the lid and let them cook for about 2.5 to 3 hours. Keep an eye on the temperature, maintaining it around 250°F. If you have a two-zone grill, keep the ribs on the indirect heat side.
6. Baste with Sauce:
After about 2 hours of cooking, start basting the ribs with barbecue sauce every 20 minutes. This will create a beautiful glaze and enhance the flavor!
7. Check for Tenderness:
To tell if the ribs are done, check for tenderness. They should pull back a bit from the bones and feel soft. You can gently tug on the bones or use a meat thermometer; the ideal internal temperature is between 190°F to 203°F for that fall-off-the-bone goodness.
8. Rest Before Serving:
Once they are done, take the ribs off the grill and let them rest for about 10 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps retain all those delicious juices.
9. Serve:
Slice between the bones and place the ribs on a platter. Serve them with extra barbecue sauce on the side. Enjoy your amazing, tender grilled ribs!
Feel free to get creative with your rub or sauce to make it your own! Happy grilling!
Can I Use Different Types of Ribs for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe is for pork spare ribs, you can use baby back ribs or beef ribs instead. Just note that cooking times may vary slightly; baby back ribs usually cook a bit faster than spare ribs, so start checking for doneness around the 2-hour mark.
What If I Don’t Have All the Ingredients for the Dry Rub?
No problem! You can substitute spices based on what you have on hand. For instance, if you don’t have cayenne pepper, you can use chili powder for some heat, or simply leave it out for milder ribs. Adjust the brown sugar and paprika to maintain the sweetness and color!
Can I Cook These Ribs in the Oven Instead?
Yes! If grilling isn’t an option, you can cook the ribs in the oven. Preheat your oven to 275°F and wrap the ribs tightly in foil. Bake for about 2.5 to 3 hours. After cooking, remove the foil, baste with barbecue sauce, and broil for a few minutes for that caramelized finish!
How to Store Leftover Ribs?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and bake at 250°F until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture!
