These fall-off-the-bone ribs are perfect for a backyard grill day! With a tangy, sweet sauce and juicy meat, they’ll have everyone licking their fingers. Yum!
Trust me, there’s nothing like the smell of ribs cooking on the grill. I always make extra because they disappear fast—just like my excuses for cooking them! 😂
Grilling these ribs is super easy! Just marinate, grill, and enjoy the tasty goodness. I love serving them with coleslaw for a fun meal that makes everyone happy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Back Ribs: These are the star of the show! You can use spare ribs, which are meatier and take longer to cook. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try turkey ribs.
Barbecue Sauce: Your favorite BBQ sauce adds flavor, but feel free to make your own. You can swap in mustard sauce or teriyaki sauce for a unique twist.
Spices: The mix of brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder builds a great rub. If you want a different flavor, smoked paprika can add a rich smoky taste. For a spicier kick, adjust the cayenne pepper to your liking!
Wood Chips: Hickory and applewood provide delicious flavors. Try mesquite for a stronger taste or cherry wood for a sweeter note. Just make sure to soak them to prevent burning.
How Do I Ensure My Ribs Are Tender?
Tender ribs come down to low and slow cooking. Here are some tips to get them just right:
- Remove the membrane from the ribs: This makes for a more tender bite. Use a paper towel for grip if it’s slippery.
- Keep the grill temperature consistent between 225°F to 250°F. Use a meat thermometer to monitor heat.
- Spritzing with apple cider vinegar helps maintain moisture. Aim to spritz the ribs every hour while cooking.
- Look for the meat pulling back from the bones to know they’re done. They’ll bend easily when picked up with tongs.
How to Make Fall Off The Bone Ribs On The Grill
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ribs:
- 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 3-4 pounds total)
- 1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Wood chips for smoking (e.g., hickory or applewood)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This rib recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 3 to 4 hours for cooking on the grill. With a bit of patience and some love, you’ll end up with delicious ribs that just fall off the bone!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Ribs:
First things first, let’s get those ribs ready! Start by removing the membrane from the back of each rack of ribs. This helps the rub soak in better. Once that’s done, pat the ribs dry with some paper towels to remove extra moisture.
2. Making the Rub:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if you like a bit of heat). This mixture will be your flavorful rub. Now, rub this mixture all over both sides of the ribs, making sure they’re well-coated. Get in there and use your hands to really work it in!
3. Preheating the Grill:
Next up, let’s get that grill warmed! Preheat your grill to a low temperature, around 225°F to 250°F. If you’re using a charcoal grill, create a two-zone fire so you can cook indirectly. For gas grills, turn on one side of the burners and leave the other side off.
4. Adding Smoke:
If you’re using wood chips to add that smoky flavor, soak them in water for about 30 minutes. Once they’re soaked, drain them and toss them on the grill for some nice smoke. Now, place the ribs on the cooler side of the grill, away from direct heat.
5. Cooking the Ribs:
Close the lid of your grill, and cook the ribs for about 3 to 4 hours. It’s important to maintain a consistent low temperature. Every hour, spritz the ribs with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water to keep them moist. This little step makes a big difference!
6. Saucing the Ribs:
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, it’s time to add that barbecue sauce! Brush a generous amount over the ribs, then close the lid and let them cook. This will help the sauce get nice and sticky—delicious!
7. Checking for Tenderness:
After a few hours, you’ll want to check if the ribs are done. They’re ready when they’re tender, and the meat has pulled back from the bones. A good tip is to pick them up with tongs; they should feel flexible and almost ready to fall apart.
8. Resting and Serving:
Once the ribs are done, carefully remove them from the grill and let them rest for about 10 minutes. This helps keep all those juicy flavors in. After resting, slice the ribs and serve them with some additional barbecue sauce on the side. Enjoy your fall-off-the-bone ribs!
Can I Use Spare Ribs Instead of Baby Back Ribs?
Absolutely! Spare ribs will work well in this recipe, but keep in mind that they have a bit more fat and might take a bit longer to cook, around 4 to 5 hours. Adjust your cooking time accordingly to ensure they become tender and fall off the bone!
How Can I Get My Ribs Extra Tender?
For even more tender ribs, try wrapping them in foil during the last hour of cooking. This will create a steam effect that helps break down the connective tissue, making them super tender. Just make sure to remove the foil for the last 30 minutes to caramelize the barbecue sauce!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Ribs?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 250°F until warmed through, or use a microwave on a lower setting to avoid drying them out.
Can I Make a Dry Rub Instead of Using Sauce?
Yes, if you prefer a dry rub, you can skip the barbecue sauce altogether. Simply coat the ribs with the spice rub and cook them as instructed. This will give you a flavorful rib that still has a fantastic crust without the added sauce!
