These fall-off-the-bone ribs are a real treat! Grilled to perfection, they’re juicy, smoky, and full of yummy flavors that make your mouth water.
Honestly, there’s nothing quite like that first bite when the meat pulls right off the bone. I usually serve them with a side of coleslaw, and trust me, it’s always a hit at BBQs!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Baby Back Ribs: This is the star of the dish! If you can’t find baby back ribs, spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs can be a good substitute. Just remember, cooking times may vary slightly with different cuts.
Olive Oil: Olive oil helps the seasoning stick to the ribs. You can swap it with canola or vegetable oil if you prefer a more neutral flavor.
Spices: The spice mix gives the ribs a great flavor. Feel free to adjust the amounts based on your preferences. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works too, but the smoky flavor won’t be there.
Barbecue Sauce: Your choice here matters! I love a tangy sauce, but honey or spicy sauces work too. For a homemade alternative, mix ketchup, vinegar, and brown sugar for a quick fix.
Wood Chips: If you want that extra smoky flavor, hickory or applewood chips are the best. If they’re unavailable, don’t worry! The ribs will still turn out delicious without them.
How Do You Remove the Membrane from Ribs?
Removing the membrane from the back of the ribs is crucial for tenderness. It allows the spices to penetrate and helps the ribs cook evenly. Here’s how:
- Start at one end of the ribs; look for the thin, shiny layer.
- Use a paper towel to grab the edge of the membrane and pull it away. It may tear, so just keep pulling until it’s off.
- Make sure to remove it all for the best flavor and texture.
How Can You Achieve Perfect Grill Temperature?
Maintaining the right grill temperature is key for tender ribs. Here’s how to keep it steady:
- For gas grills, preheat half of the grill to medium heat (about 300°F) and leave the other side off for indirect grilling.
- If using charcoal, let the coals heat and position them on one side to create a cooler side for the ribs.
- Use a grill thermometer to check the temperature, aiming for 250°F to 300°F during cooking.
How Do You Know the Ribs are Done?
Checking for tenderness is simple! After about 3 hours, use tongs to try pulling the meat. It should easily pull away from the bone. If it feels tough, give it more time. Additionally, the ribs should have a beautiful glaze from basting with the barbecue sauce.
How to Make Fall Off The Bone Ribs On The Grill
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ribs:
- 2 racks of pork baby back ribs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Dry Rub Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
For Grilling:
- 2 cups barbecue sauce (your choice)
- Wood chips for smoking (optional, such as hickory or applewood)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prep the ribs and about 3 hours to grill them. You’ll spend a few minutes mixing and applying the seasoning and the rest of the time grilling and basting. All together, set aside around 3 hours and 20 minutes for the best results!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Ribs:
Start by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs. This helps the seasoning penetrate better and makes the ribs more tender. Once that’s done, pat the ribs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Season the Ribs:
In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, and optional cayenne pepper for a little kick. Rub this spice mixture all over the ribs—make sure to cover all sides! After that, drizzle the olive oil on the ribs and rub it in well to help the spices stick.
3. Preheat the Grill:
If you’re using a gas grill, preheat one side to medium heat, around 300°F. If you have a charcoal grill, get the coals hot and place them on one side to prepare for indirect grilling. This way, the ribs cook slowly without burning.
4. Add Wood Chips (Optional):
If you like a smoky flavor to your ribs, soak wood chips in water for about 30 minutes. Afterwards, place the chips in a smoker box or sprinkle them directly on the hot coals to create delicious smoke.
5. Grill the Ribs:
Place the ribs on the cooler side of the grill (the indirect heat side). Cover and cook them for about 2.5 to 3 hours, keeping the grill temperature around 250°F to 300°F. This low and slow method helps make the meat tender and juicy.
6. Baste with Barbecue Sauce:
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, start basting the ribs with your favorite barbecue sauce every 10 minutes. This will give them a beautiful glaze and add extra flavor!
7. Check for Tenderness:
After about 3 hours, check if the ribs are tender. The meat should pull away from the bones easily. If they need more time, let them cook a little longer.
8. Rest the Ribs:
Once they’re tender, carefully remove the ribs from the grill. Let them rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps keep all the delicious juices inside!
9. Serve:
Slice the ribs between the bones and serve them with extra barbecue sauce on the side. Enjoy your tasty, fall-off-the-bone ribs!
Can I Use Other Types of Ribs?
Absolutely! You can use spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs in this recipe; just remember they might require a slightly longer cooking time due to their size. Adjust the cook time to ensure they are tender and cooked through.
What If I Don’t Have Barbecue Sauce?
No problem! You can make a quick homemade barbecue sauce by mixing together ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and some spices like garlic and onion powder. Just simmer it on the stove for about 10 minutes to combine the flavors.
How Can I 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 warm them in a low oven (about 250°F) or on a grill until heated through, so they stay tender and juicy.
Can I Make These Ribs in the Oven Instead?
Yes, you can! After seasoning the ribs, wrap them in foil and bake at 275°F for about 2.5 to 3 hours. In the last 30 minutes, uncover the ribs, baste with barbecue sauce, and switch on the broiler for a few minutes to caramelize the sauce.
