BEST Grilled Ribs (Ribs on the Grill)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Grilled ribs are the ultimate BBQ dish, featuring tender, juicy meat with a smoky, flavorful char. These ribs are cooked low and slow on the grill to ensure they’re perfectly cooked and fall-off-the-bone tender. The combination of a savory dry rub and your favorite BBQ sauce gives them the perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and smokiness. This recipe is perfect for a summer cookout or any special occasion!

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dry Rub: brown sugar
paprika
garlic powder
onion powder
chili powder
cumin
salt
black pepper
cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

For the Ribs: baby back ribs (or spare ribs)
olive oil
BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)

directions

1. Prepare the Ribs: Remove the silver skin (the thin membrane) from the back of the ribs. This will ensure the ribs cook evenly and are more tender.

Pat the ribs dry with paper towels and rub them lightly with olive oil.

2. Apply the Dry Rub: Mix all of the dry rub ingredients in a small bowl. Generously rub the spice mixture all over the ribs, pressing it into the meat to coat evenly. Let the ribs sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to marinate, or refrigerate them for a few hours (or overnight) for even more flavor.

3. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-low heat (around 250°F to 300°F). If using charcoal, set up a two-zone fire for indirect cooking. If using a gas grill, turn on one burner and leave the other off.

4. Grill the Ribs: Place the ribs bone-side down on the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat). Close the lid and let the ribs cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, maintaining a temperature of around 250°F.

5. Baste with BBQ Sauce: After 1.5 to 2 hours, check the ribs for tenderness. If they’re nearly done, brush both sides of the ribs with BBQ sauce and return them to the grill over direct heat for 5-10 minutes, flipping occasionally to caramelize the sauce without burning it.

6. Check for Doneness: The ribs should be tender and the meat should pull away from the bone easily. You can test by gently tugging on a bone to see if it comes away with little resistance.

7. Rest and Serve: Remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute for maximum flavor.

Slice the ribs between the bones and serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 4 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Grilling time: 2-2.5 hours
Resting time: 5-10 minutes
Total time: about 3 hours (including resting)

Variations

Add a bit of brown mustard to the dry rub for extra tang.
Try a different BBQ sauce—spicy, sweet, or tangy to suit your taste.
For a smoky flavor, add wood chips (soaked in water) to the grill for a smoky infusion.
Use a glaze of honey or apple cider vinegar for a sweet finish in the last few minutes of grilling.

storage/reheating

Store leftover grilled ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat the ribs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or on the grill over indirect heat for about 5 minutes.
You can also freeze cooked ribs for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.

FAQs

Can I use spare ribs instead of baby back ribs?
Yes, spare ribs are larger and fattier, but they are just as delicious when grilled. Adjust the cooking time for spare ribs, as they may need a little longer to cook.

Can I cook the ribs on a gas grill?
Absolutely! Just set up your grill for indirect cooking by turning on only one burner, keeping the other side cool. You can also use a grill-safe thermometer to maintain the temperature.

How do I know when the ribs are done?
The ribs are done when the meat is tender, and the bones are slightly exposed. You can test by gently pulling a bone to see if it comes away easily or by using a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of about 190°F.

What if I don’t want to use BBQ sauce?
You can enjoy the ribs with just the dry rub for a spicier, smokier flavor. Alternatively, you could use a mustard-based sauce or chimichurri for a different twist.

Can I make the ribs ahead of time?
You can cook the ribs ahead and then reheat them on the grill or in the oven. Just be sure to reheat them gently so they stay tender.

Can I use a smoker for these ribs?
Yes, using a smoker will add an extra smoky flavor. Just follow the same process and cook them low and slow, adding wood chips for extra flavor.

Conclusion

BEST Grilled Ribs are the perfect balance of smoky, savory, and sweet, all cooked to tender perfection. With a simple dry rub, a bit of time on the grill, and your favorite BBQ sauce, you can create mouthwatering ribs that will steal the show at your next BBQ. Perfect for summer cookouts, these ribs are always a crowd favorite!

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