BBQ Ribs  grill

By: onica merry.  Published: 6 February 2025

Grilled barbecue ribs are tender, smoky, and coated with a delicious caramelized sauce. Slow-cooked over indirect heat, they offer juicy meat with a flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth texture that's perfect for any barbecue. 

Barbecue Ribs on the Grill – Recipe & Tips

Description:

Barbecue ribs are a classic favorite, delivering juicy, fall-off-the-bone meat with a smoky, caramelized crust. Cooking ribs on a grill requires patience, but the results are well worth it. The key to perfect barbecue ribs is a low and slow cooking process, allowing the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender.

Start by selecting quality pork ribs—either baby back ribs for a leaner cut or spare ribs for a meatier option. Prepare the ribs by removing the membrane for better texture. A flavorful dry rub, consisting of brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, is essential for seasoning. Let the ribs marinate for at least an hour or overnight for deeper flavor.

When grilling, set up indirect heat at a temperature of 225-250°F. This ensures slow cooking without burning the ribs. Use wood chips, such as hickory or applewood, to enhance the smoky aroma. Cook the ribs for about 3-4 hours, spritzing with apple juice or a vinegar-based solution to keep them moist. In the final 30 minutes, brush on your favorite barbecue sauce, allowing it to caramelize.

Once done, let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with classic sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans for a perfect barbecue meal.

Grilled Barbecue Ribs Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3-4 hours
Total Time: 4+ hours
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

• 2 racks of pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite)

• Wood chips (hickory, applewood, or mesquite)

For the Dry Rub:

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 1 tbsp smoked paprika

• 1 tbsp salt

• 1 tbsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp garlic powder

• 1 tbsp onion powder

• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

For Spritzing (optional):

• ½ cup apple juice or apple cider vinegar

• ½ cup water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ribs

• Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for better tenderness.

• Pat dry and rub both sides with olive oil.

• Mix all dry rub ingredients and generously coat the ribs. Let them rest for at least 1 hour or overnight for maximum flavor.

2. Set Up the Grill

• Preheat the grill to 225-250°F using indirect heat. If using charcoal, place coals on one side and the ribs on the other.

• Add wood chips for a smoky flavor.

3. Cook the Ribs

• Place ribs on the grill over indirect heat, bone side down. Close the lid and cook for 3-4 hours.

• Every hour, spritz with apple juice or vinegar to keep them moist.

4. Sauce & Caramelize

• In the last 30 minutes, brush barbecue sauce over the ribs. Let the sauce thicken and caramelize.

5. Rest & Serve

• Remove from the grill and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

• Serve with extra sauce and classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread.

Tips for the Best Grilled Ribs:
✅ Cook low and slow for tender meat.
✅ Use a meat thermometer; ribs are done at 190-205°F.
✅ Let ribs rest before cutting for juicier bites.

Enjoy your perfectly grilled barbecue ribs! 🍖🔥

Questions & Answers

Q: How long do you cook ribs on a grill?
A: Cook ribs at 225-250°F for about 3-4 hours, using indirect heat for even cooking.

Q: Should ribs be boiled before grilling?
A: No, boiling can strip the meat of flavor. Instead, use a slow grilling method for the best texture.

Q: What’s the best way to keep ribs moist on the grill?
A: Spritz the ribs with apple juice, vinegar, or a mix of both every hour to retain moisture.

Q: How do you know when ribs are done?
A: The meat should pull away from the bone easily, and an internal temperature of 190-205°F ensures tenderness.