These fall-off-the-bone ribs are grilled to perfection! Coated in a tasty rub and slathered with sauce, they are fun to eat and packed with flavor.
Who doesn’t love ribs that practically beg to come off the bone? I like to serve mine with coleslaw and corn on the side—it’s a true barbecue feast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Baby Back Ribs: These ribs are tender and flavorful. If you can’t find baby back ribs, St. Louis-style ribs are a great alternative. They’re a bit meatier and still cook beautifully on the grill.
BBQ Rub: Use your favorite store-bought BBQ rub or make your own. If you need a spice alternative, try a combination of paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, and pepper. It’s a simple mix that packs a punch!
BBQ Sauce: Homemade BBQ sauce is wonderful if you have the time! Otherwise, opt for a store-bought version you love. If you’re watching sugar intake, look for a sugar-free sauce or make a vinegar-based sauce for a lighter option.
Apple Juice: This is for adding moisture, but you can also use apple cider vinegar mixed with some water for a tangy twist. Some folks swear by using beer as a spritz for a richer flavor.
Olive Oil: Any neutral oil will work for rubbing the ribs. Canola or vegetable oil are good choices too. I personally love using avocado oil for its mild taste and high smoke point.
How Do You Remove the Membrane from Ribs?
Removing the membrane is crucial for tender ribs. It allows seasonings to penetrate better and helps with cooking. Start by sliding a butter knife under the membrane on one end to loosen it. Once you have a grip, use a paper towel to grasp it and pull it off. It should come off in one piece if you’re steady!
What’s the Best Method for Cooking Ribs on the Grill?
Low and slow is the name of the game for tender ribs. Keep your grill temperature consistent between 225°F and 250°F. If your grill has two zones, use one side for direct heat and the other for indirect heat. This way, the ribs cook evenly without burning.
- Place the ribs bone-side down on the cooler side of the grill.
- Close the lid to maintain temperature and moisture.
- Spritzying the ribs with apple juice every hour keeps them juicy and enhances the flavor.
- In the last half hour of cooking, coat the ribs with BBQ sauce for that sticky goodness!
Fall Off The Bone Ribs On The Grill
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Ribs:
- 2 racks of pork baby back ribs
- 1/4 cup of your favorite BBQ rub
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Cooking:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Apple juice (for moisture)
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped parsley
- Additional BBQ sauce for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 30 minutes of prep time and 2.5 to 3 hours of cooking time. You’ll start by getting the ribs ready and seasoning them, then let them cook low and slow on the grill while you enjoy the wonderful BBQ aroma filling your backyard!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Ribs:
Begin by removing the membrane from the back of each rack of ribs. To do this, slide a knife under the membrane at one end. Once you have a good grip, use a paper towel to pull it off completely. This helps the ribs to absorb flavor better!
2. Seasoning the Ribs:
Next, rub olive oil over both sides of the ribs. Generously coat them with your BBQ rub, covering every inch. Let the ribs sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes so the rub can really stick and flavor the meat.
3. Preheating the Grill:
Now it’s time to fire up the grill! Preheat it to a low heat, around 225°F to 250°F. If your grill has a two-zone setup, get one side hot for direct cooking and leave the other side cooler for indirect cooking.
4. Cooking the Ribs:
Place the ribs bone-side down on the cooler side of the grill. Close the lid and let them cook slowly for about 2.5 to 3 hours. Keep the grill temperature low for that fall-off-the-bone goodness!
5. Adding Moisture:
To help keep your ribs juicy during cooking, spritz them with apple juice every hour. This step really helps to create tender and delicious ribs!
6. Saucing the Ribs:
In the final 30 minutes of cooking, brush some BBQ sauce over the ribs. This will get sticky and caramelized, adding a fantastic flavor.
7. Checking for Doneness:
How do you know when they’re ready? The meat should pull back from the bones, and the ribs should be tender enough to pull apart with ease. You can also check the internal temperature; it should be around 190°F to 203°F for perfect tenderness!
8. Resting and Serving:
Once your ribs are cooked, take them off the grill and let them rest for about 10 to 15 minutes. This helps the juices settle back in. After resting, cut them into sections and serve with extra BBQ sauce and garnishes if you like. Enjoy those fall-off-the-bone ribs!
### FAQ Section
Can I Use a Different Type of Ribs?
Absolutely! While baby back ribs are great for this recipe, you can also use spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs. Just keep in mind that they may require a slightly longer cooking time due to their larger size and different fat content.
What If I Don’t Have BBQ Rub?
No worries! You can easily make your own BBQ rub by combining salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of brown sugar or cayenne pepper for heat. Just mix to taste and use it to season your ribs!
How Do I Store Leftover Ribs?
Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and place them in a preheated oven at 250°F until warmed through, or pop them in the microwave for a quick option.
Can I Cook Ribs in the Oven Instead of the Grill?
Yes, you can! To cook in the oven, season the ribs as per the recipe, wrap them tightly in foil, and place them on a baking sheet. Bake at 225°F for about 3 hours, then unwrap and brush with BBQ sauce, broiling for a few minutes to caramelize the sauce.
