Fall-off-the-bone ribs, smothered in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, are the ultimate summer delight for any grill enthusiast. These Grilled Ribs are guaranteed to become a must-have dish in your backyard cookouts!
Summer brings with it the pleasure of outdoor dining and the delightful sizzle of the grill. Personally, I can’t get enough of it! And when it comes to summer dinners, my absolute go-to choice is Grilled Ribs.
Preparing these ribs is a breeze, yet the flavor is reminiscent of a seasoned pitmaster’s expertise. Pair them with classic ambrosia, and you’ll have a backyard barbecue meal that will make your neighbors green with envy!
The Allure of Mouthwatering Ribs
Ribs have always held a special place in my heart, even as a kid. The sheer joy of indulging in a messy, hands-on meal drew me in. As an adult, my love for ribs has only grown. They not only satisfy my craving for finger-licking goodness but also offer a flavor that is simply irresistible.
When it comes to backyard barbecues, most people think of burgers, hot dogs, and maybe some grilled chicken. However, in my household, ribs are the star of the show during the summer. If you join us for dinner, you can almost guarantee that baby back ribs will be gracing the grill.
This particular grilled ribs recipe is a personal favorite. The meat is tender, the dry rub has a delightful hint of spice, and the homemade sweet-n-tangy barbecue sauce takes it to another level.
Preparing homemade ribs might seem intimidating to some, but fear not! Cooking ribs on the grill is a breeze, and the result is akin to devouring a plate of barbecue from your favorite restaurant. I challenge you to give these mouthwatering grilled ribs a try this summer. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Ingredients: A Dash of Perfection
- Ribs: This grilled ribs recipe is best prepared using 2 racks of pork ribs. However, feel free to opt for beef ribs if that’s more to your liking. They are equally delicious and just as easy to cook.
- Dry Rub: The key to succulent ribs lies in a fantastic dry rub. Over the years, I have experimented with various combinations of spices, both store-bought and homemade. The blend of cumin, paprika, cayenne, and brown sugar in this recipe is my all-time favorite. The sweetness and subtle spiciness seep beautifully into the meat.
- Sauce: Now that your ribs are perfectly seasoned, you need a luscious barbecue sauce to coat them with. You can always use your personal favorite, but let me recommend my sweet-n-tangy homemade barbecue sauce. It strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and spice. I always keep a batch in the fridge during the grilling season.
How to Cook Ribs on the Grill: A Step-by-Step Guide
Willing to take the plunge and embark on the easy journey of cooking ribs on the grill? I assure you, the process is simple, and the end result will leave you obsessed. You’ll need approximately 15 minutes for preparation and an hour for cooking, so plan your meal accordingly.
- Preheat your grill to low heat for about 15 minutes before placing the ribs on it. If using a charcoal grill, allow more time for it to heat up.
- While the grill heats up, let the ribs rest on the counter for around 15 minutes, ensuring they are not directly taken from the refrigerator to avoid shocking the meat.
- To prepare the dry rub, combine all the dry rub ingredients in a bowl and give them a good stir.
- After the ribs have slightly warmed up on the counter, remove them from the package. Flip them bone-side up and pull up a section of the membrane at one end of the rack. Gently pull until the entire membrane comes off. Discard the removed membrane and repeat the process for the second rack of ribs.
- Rub the dry rub onto all sides of the ribs. Any extra dry rub can be saved for future use. Pro tip: Use one hand to sprinkle the rub and the other hand to massage it onto the meat, preventing cross-contamination.
- Once the ribs are evenly coated and the grill is properly heated, place the ribs on the grates with the meat side down.
- Close the lid and let the ribs cook undisturbed for approximately 45 minutes. Avoid the urge to keep checking on them, as you want to retain the heat and allow the ribs to cook to perfection.
- After 45 minutes, brush the ribs with barbecue sauce, ensuring they are fully coated. Flip them over and repeat the process, creating a succulent, caramelized layer of sauce.
- Allow the ribs to cook bone-side down for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
- Once cooked, remove the ribs from the grill and loosely cover them with aluminum foil. Let them rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Slice the grilled ribs into smaller portions, consisting of 1 to 2 bones per serving, and serve with extra barbecue sauce.
How Long to Cook Ribs on the Grill?
The sweet spot for cooking ribs on the grill is approximately one hour. While many barbecue restaurants slow-cook ribs for several hours, such a time commitment may not be feasible for home cooking. Here’s my recommended method for grilling pork ribs: cook them for 45 minutes with just the dry rub, then generously brush them with barbecue sauce, flip them over, and grill for an additional 15 minutes.
In the case of beef ribs, adjust the initial cooking time by adding approximately 15 minutes. Beef ribs are typically larger than pork ribs, so a bit of extra time ensures they reach the perfect tenderness. If your ribs register an internal temperature between 200°F and 203°F, they are done, and you can proceed to the saucing step!
To Precook or Not to Precook
Another option when preparing grilled ribs is to bake them in the oven or slow cooker before finishing them up on the grill. This method guarantees tender meat with that coveted smoky char provided by the grill.
For this particular grilled ribs recipe, however, I find that the ribs turn out tender every time, even when cooked solely on the grill. I personally favor the flavor that arises from the full hour of grill cooking, but both methods yield scrumptious BBQ ribs.
Need More Grilling Inspiration?
If you’re craving additional grilling ideas to elevate your summer menu, why not try out some of these classic Real Housemoms recipes?
- Honey Mustard Chicken Kabobs
- Grilled Chicken Fajita Foil Packet
- Tequila Lime Grilled Chicken
- Grilled BBQ Pork Roast
- Grilled Honey Hot Wings
- And more delicious dinner recipes…
Tools to Perfect Your Grilled Ribs
Here are a couple of tools I recommend for achieving grilled ribs perfection:
- Gas Grill: Cooking with a gas grill provides consistent and even heat distribution, resulting in perfectly cooked meals.
- Food Prep Bowls: This set of small bowls is ideal for mixing up your dry rub or barbecue sauce.
This post was originally published on Ekilove on 07/07/2014.
Grilled Ribs are the epitome of a summer feast. With their tantalizing aroma and irresistible flavor, they will undoubtedly become a highlight of your outdoor gatherings. So fire up the grill, gather your loved ones, and indulge in the exquisite pleasure of savoring these mouthwatering ribs.
