These fall-off-the-bone ribs are just what you need for a fun grill day! They are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. A sweet and tangy sauce brings everything together!
Grilling these ribs is such a treat! I love to sit back with family, munching on these sticky goodies while soaking up the sun. Who knew ribs could make grilling even more fun? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Baby Back Ribs: These ribs are tender and perfect for grilling. If you can’t find baby back ribs, St. Louis-style ribs are a good alternative; they’re slightly meatier and still delicious!
BBQ Rub: You can use any store-bought BBQ rub you love. Or, make your own with basic spices. If you’re looking for less sugar, try a rub made with herbs and spices, skipping sweeteners altogether.
BBQ Sauce: A sweet and tangy sauce works best for this recipe. If you’re avoiding sugar, consider a sugar-free BBQ sauce or even a homemade version with tomatoes, vinegar, and spices.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a nice tang. If you don’t have it on hand, white or red wine vinegar can work as substitutes.
Wood Chips: While hickory is classic for ribs, applewood gives a milder, sweeter smoke. If you don’t have wood chips, you can skip smoking and still enjoy tasty ribs!
How Can I Remove the Membrane from Ribs Easily?
Removing the membrane from the back of the ribs is key for tenderness. It can be tricky, but here’s a simple way to do it:
- Slide a small knife under the tough membrane at one end of the ribs.
- Use a paper towel to grip and pull the membrane away from the meat. It should peel off easily.
This step helps the rub penetrate better and keeps the meat juicy. Don’t rush—it really makes a difference!
What’s the Best Way to Keep Ribs Moist During Cooking?
Keeping your ribs moist ensures they stay tender. Here’s how:
- Create a moisture spray by mixing apple cider vinegar, water, and Worcestershire sauce in a spray bottle.
- Every 30 minutes, spritz the ribs while they cook. This helps to maintain moisture and infuses extra flavor.
Staying consistent with the spritzing leads to juicy, fall-off-the-bone ribs that everyone will love!
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
- 1 cup of your favorite BBQ rub
- 1 cup of BBQ sauce (sweet and tangy preferred)
For the Spritz Mixture:
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: wood chips for smoking (hickory or applewood)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious rib recipe will take about 30 minutes for prep and about 3 to 4 hours for cooking. Don’t forget to factor in soaking time for wood chips, if you’re using them. You’ll have tender, juicy ribs that are sure to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to 225°F (107°C) for indirect cooking. If you plan to use wood chips for that lovely smoky flavor, go ahead and soak them in water for about 30 minutes while you prepare your ribs.
2. Get the Ribs Ready:
Take a sharp knife and slide it under the membrane on the back of the ribs. Gently pull it away using a paper towel for a good grip. This step helps the flavors soak in better and makes the ribs tender.
3. Mix Your Spice Rub:
In a small bowl, combine the BBQ rub with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This will be your delicious spice mixture! Mix it well with a spoon.
4. Season the Ribs:
Generously rub the spice mixture all over both sides of the ribs, making sure to massage it into the meat. Let the seasoned ribs sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes—it helps them absorb all those flavors.
5. Prepare the Spritz Mixture:
In a spray bottle, mix the apple cider vinegar, water, and Worcestershire sauce. This will keep your ribs nice and moist while they cook.
6. Grill the Ribs:
Place the ribs on the grill, bone side down. If you soaked wood chips, toss them onto the hot coals or in the smoker box. They’ll give your ribs a fantastic smoky flavor!
7. Cooking Time:
Let the ribs cook for about 3 to 4 hours. To keep them moist, spritz them with your vinegar mixture every 30 minutes. Just a little spray goes a long way!
8. Add BBQ Sauce:
During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush the ribs with your favorite BBQ sauce. This is when they’ll start to look extra yummy as the sauce caramelizes on the meat!
9. Rest the Ribs:
When the ribs are tender and the meat has pulled back from the bones, carefully remove them from the grill. Let them rest for about 10 minutes—this helps the juices settle in.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the ribs between the bones and serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side. Get ready for some fall-off-the-bone goodness! Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Ribs?
Absolutely! While this recipe is great for baby back ribs, you can also use spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly; spare ribs tend to take a bit longer due to their larger size and more connective tissue.
What If I Don’t Have BBQ Rub?
No worries! You can create your own BBQ rub using common spices. Combine 1 tablespoon each of brown sugar, paprika, and chili powder, along with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Adjust the flavors to your taste!
How to 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 place them in a 300°F (149°C) oven until warmed through, or reheat on the grill for a few minutes. You can also brush on a bit of BBQ sauce to keep them moist and flavorful!
Can I Make These Ribs in the Oven Instead?
Yes, you can! Simply wrap the seasoned ribs in foil and bake them at 275°F (135°C) for 2.5 to 3 hours. Remove from the foil, brush with BBQ sauce, and broil for a few minutes to caramelize the sauce before serving.
