Grilled BBQ Ribs Recipe
Few things in life are as satisfying as Grilled BBQ Ribs—tender, smoky, and slathered in a sticky, finger-licking-good sauce. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just craving fall-off-the-bone goodness, this recipe guarantees juicy, flavorful ribs every time. Fire up the grill, grab some napkins, and let’s get started!
Why Grilled BBQ Ribs?
Slow-grilling ribs brings out deep, smoky flavors while keeping the meat tender and juicy. The low-and-slow method combined with a caramelized BBQ glaze creates the perfect balance of tenderness and char. It’s the ultimate comfort food for any grill lover!
Grilling ribs can be a bit of a process, but the right tools make it foolproof. A basting brush helps coat the ribs in BBQ sauce for that perfect sticky glaze. And of course, a meat thermometer is key to nailing the perfect doneness!
Grilled BBQ Ribs Recipe
Ingredients
For the Ribs:
- 2 racks of baby back or St. Louis-style ribs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Dry Rub:
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne (optional, for heat)
For the BBQ Glaze:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
1. Prep the Ribs
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for extra tenderness.
- Pat the ribs dry and rub them with olive oil.
- Mix all dry rub ingredients in a bowl and coat the ribs generously on both sides. Let them sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour for deeper flavor.
2. Preheat the Grill
- Set up your grill for two-zone cooking (one side high heat, one side low heat). Preheat to 275°F for slow grilling.
3. Grill the Ribs (Low & Slow)
- Place the ribs bone-side down on the cooler side of the grill. Cover and cook for 2-3 hours, flipping every 30 minutes.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick between the bones—if it slides in easily, your ribs are tender and ready for saucing.
4. Glaze and Caramelize
- In a small saucepan, mix the BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Warm over low heat.
- Brush the ribs with the BBQ glaze and move them to direct heat for 5-10 minutes, flipping and basting until the sauce is caramelized and sticky.
5. Rest and Serve
- Remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with extra BBQ sauce and your favorite sides—corn on the cob, coleslaw, or baked beans!
There’s nothing better than sinking your teeth into tender, smoky Grilled BBQ Ribs with that perfect caramelized crust.
FAQs
1. Can I use spare ribs instead of baby back ribs?
- Yes! Spare ribs take a bit longer to cook but turn out just as delicious.
2. How do I know when my ribs are done?
- The meat should pull back from the bones slightly, and a thermometer should read 195-203°F for fall-off-the-bone tenderness.
3. Can I make these ribs in advance?
- Absolutely! Cook them low and slow, then reheat on the grill with sauce before serving.
4. What’s the best BBQ sauce for ribs?
- Use your favorite! Sweet and smoky sauces work great, but a spicy or tangy sauce adds an extra kick.
5. How do I keep my ribs from drying out?
- Cooking low and slow and using indirect heat prevents dryness. You can also spritz the ribs with apple juice or broth during grilling for added moisture.
Ready to grill the best ribs of your life?
Try this Grilled BBQ Ribs Recipe and taste the smoky perfection for yourself! Don’t forget to share your BBQ creations with us @CookingWithBraize.