Grilled Ribs

We love the savory and smoky flavors of this Grilled Ribs Recipe. The combination of the homemade seasoning blend and BBQ Sauce allows the flavors to intensify. This Main Dish Recipe is a crowd favorite and perfect to cook on the grill anytime of the year.

We love making ribs in many different ways. If you love pork ribs, then you must try Crockpot Dr. Pepper Ribs and Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs.

Why We Love Grilled Ribs

Grilling Ribs is my favorite way to cook ribs. The ribs cook with a caramelize texture, mouthwatering and a juicy center.

You will love how easy these baby back ribs are to grill and our favorite summertime meat to grill.

Ingredients

• Baby Back Ribs – These are the best ribs to grill. But you can use what you prefer
• Olive Oil – Use oil of your choice
• Barbecue Sauce – Feel free to use store bought or make Homemade Barbecue Sauce with ketchup
• Brown Sugar – Learn How to Make Brown Sugar
• Salt – You can substitute with Kosher Salt
• Paprika – See Best Paprika Substitute if you are out.
• Garlic Powder – If you are out, see The Best Garlic Powder Substitute
• Onion Powder – Feel free to use minced onion
• Cumin – See Best Substitute for Cumin if you are out
• Chili Powder – See The Best Chili Powder Substitute if you are out

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

Additions Ideas

Feel free to change the marinade or spices to what you prefer for a delicious variations.

• Add 1 Tablespoon of Mustard
• Add ¼ Teaspoon of Smoked Paprika
• Add 1 Tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar
• Add ¼ Teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper

How to Make Grilled Ribs

• Step 1 – Preheat a gas grill over low heat to approximately 300 degrees F.  If your grill has multiple burners, after the grill is preheated, turn off one of the burners to make an indirect heat zone.  You can also cook on charcoal grill.
• Step 2 – Remove the thin membrane on the back of the ribs by inserting a butter knife under the membrane and lifting it up. Grab the membrane with a paper towel to get a good grip and pull it off the ribs.
• Step 3 – Let the ribs rest at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before placing them on the grill.  
• Step 4 – Place the rack of ribs on a large piece of foil in a sheet pan.

Step 5 – In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, tablespoon garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and chili powder to create the seasoning mix.

Step 6 – Rub the oil all over the ribs, then generously apply the dry rub mix to both sides of the ribs, pressing it into the meat.

Step 7 – Place the foil wrapped ribs on the grill over the burner that is turned off, cover and allow for them to cook for approximately 1-2 hours (the time will vary based on the heat of your grill and the thickness of your ribs) until the ribs reach an internal temperature of 180-190 degrees F for the most tender ribs. Make sure that the grill maintains a temperature of 300 degrees Fahrenheit.   

Step 8 – Carefully remove the ribs from the foil packet and place them directly on the grill making sure that the heat remains on low. Baste both sides of the ribs with barbecue sauce and grill for 2-3 minutes per side to caramelize the sauce. 

• Step 9 – Remove the ribs from the grill, loosely cover with foil and allow the ribs to rest for 15-20 minutes. 
• Step 10 – Slice the grilled baby back ribs into 1 or 2 bone sections, serve warm with more barbecue sauce if preferred and enjoy!  

Expert Tips

• Cooking Ribs – The actual cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your ribs and your desired level of tenderness. After they have cooked for an hour, check them with an instant-read meat thermometer until the ribs have reached the correct internal temperature.  
• Sealing Ribs – Seal the foil around the ribs to make a tent for the ribs.  You do not want the foil to touch the ribs but instead, loosely cover them to keep the moisture in while cooking.  

What is the Secret to Grilling Ribs?

The secret to grilling ribs is cooking the ribs over indirect heat on the grill and to cook slow. This allows the connective tissue to break down which helps to create fall off bone ribs and so juicy.

Grilling Ribs takes time but it is so worth for the best Ribs you have ever tasted.

What to Serve with Grilled Ribs?

Grilled Ribs makes a delicious main dish recipe for many occasion. Serve these delicious side dish recipes to complete you meal.

• Baked Mac and Cheese
• Traditional Potato Salad Recipe
• Microwave Baked Potatoes
• Grilled Broccoli
• Teriyaki Vegetables
• Coleslaw Recipe

For even more side dish recipes, see Simple Sides for Ribs.