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Smoky BBQ Ribs on the Grill Recipe

Smoky BBQ Ribs on the Grill Recipe


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4.6 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Smoky BBQ ribs sizzle with mouthwatering flavor, promising a delectable journey through classic American grilling traditions. Tender meat falls off the bone, inviting hungry guests to savor each perfectly charred, saucy bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 racks baby back ribs (about 45 lbs or 1.82.3 kg)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
  • ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Membrane Removal: Delicately strip away the silvery membrane from the rib’s backside, ensuring a clean surface by gently patting the meat with paper towels to eliminate excess moisture.
  2. Seasoning Blend: Craft a robust spice mixture combining brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Massage this aromatic rub comprehensively across both rib surfaces, creating a flavorful coating.
  3. Thermal Preparation: Configure the grill for indirect heating, stabilizing the temperature around 300°F. Encase the seasoned ribs securely in aluminum foil, allowing them to acclimate while the cooking surface reaches optimal temperature.
  4. Slow Cooking Method: Position the foil-wrapped ribs on the cooler grill section, implementing a low and slow approach. Maintain consistent heat for approximately 2-2.5 hours, allowing the meat to tenderize and develop rich, complex flavors.
  5. Caramelization Stage: Carefully unwrap the ribs and transfer them directly onto medium-heat grates. Generously brush with barbecue sauce, rotating periodically to achieve an enticing caramelized exterior with subtle charred edges.
  6. Resting & Presentation: Allow the ribs to rest momentarily, then slice between bone sections. Plate with additional sauce alongside, creating a mouthwatering barbecue experience.

Notes

  • Carefully strip the thin back membrane using a paper towel for grip, ensuring tender meat and better seasoning absorption.
  • Maintain consistent low heat around 300F, preventing meat from drying out and achieving perfect tenderness through slow cooking.
  • Wrap ribs in foil during initial grilling to lock in juices, creating a steaming effect that keeps meat incredibly succulent and prevents burning.
  • Apply BBQ sauce during final grilling stage, allowing sugars to create beautiful char without burning, rotating ribs frequently for even, glossy coating.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg