These ribs are the ultimate treat for any barbecue lover! Cooked slowly on the grill, they become tender and juicy, falling right off the bone. You won’t want to miss this!
Whenever I make these, my friends and family can’t wait to dig in. Just a little messy with sauce—and that’s part of the fun! Perfect for a summer get-together.
What I love most is how easy they are to prepare. Just season, grill, and enjoy! It’s a real crowd-pleaser that lets you relax while the grill does the work.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Back Ribs: These are perfect for grilling since they are tender and flavorful. If baby back ribs aren’t available, you can substitute with spare ribs, though they will take longer to cook due to their thickness.
Pork Rub: Store-bought rubs are convenient, but you can create your own mix with spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar for extra sweetness. Adjust to your taste! I enjoy adding a pinch of cayenne for a bit of heat.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose a sauce based on your flavor preference, whether it’s tangy, sweet, or smoky. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider a low-sugar version or making your own with tomato paste, vinegar, and honey.
Apple Juice: This adds moisture and a mild sweetness to the ribs. You can use other fruit juices like pineapple or even broth if you’re looking for a different flavor profile. Some people like to use a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water for a little tang!
How Do I Properly Prepare Ribs for Grilling?
One key step in cooking perfect ribs is to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This allows the meat to cook evenly and makes them more tender.
- Use a sharp knife to slide under the membrane at one end of the ribs.
- Once lifted, grip it with a paper towel for better traction and pull off gently. It’s okay if it tears a bit; just remove as much as you can.
After this step, apply your pork rub generously for maximum flavor. Letting the ribs sit at room temperature allows the flavors to really soak in!
What’s the Best Way to Keep My Ribs Moist While Cooking?
Keeping your ribs moist while cooking is essential for that fall-off-the-bone texture. Here are my top tips:
- Spritz the ribs with apple juice every 30 minutes. This adds moisture and helps build a nice bark on the ribs.
- During the foil-wrapping stage, adding a splash of apple juice helps create steam, which makes the ribs tender.
- Make sure to cook over indirect heat, as this gives a slow, even cook without drying them out.
These little tricks will ensure your ribs stay juicy and delicious! Enjoy grill time with family and friends!
Fall Off The Bone Ribs On The Grill
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ribs:
- 3 racks of baby back ribs
- 1 cup pork rub (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your choice)
- 1 cup apple juice (for moisture)
- Aluminum foil (for wrapping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful rib recipe takes about 4 to 5 hours in total. You’ll need around 30 minutes to prep the ribs, followed by 2 hours of cooking, 1.5 to 2 hours for wrapping and cooking, and finally about 30 minutes for finishing and resting. Patience is key for that fall-off-the-bone tenderness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparation of Ribs:
Start by removing the membrane from the back of each rack of ribs. This is an important step as it helps the ribs become more tender and allows the delicious flavors to truly penetrate the meat. Simply slide a knife under the membrane, grab it with a paper towel, and pull it off. Easy peasy!
2. Apply the Rub:
Now it’s time to apply the pork rub! Generously coat all sides of the ribs with the pork rub, making sure every inch is covered. After rubbing, let the ribs sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will help the rub stick better and enhance the flavor.
3. Prepare the Grill:
While the ribs are resting, get your grill ready. Preheat it for indirect cooking. If you’re using a charcoal grill, pile the coals to one side and place a drip pan with water or apple juice on the other side. If using a gas grill, turn on only one side of the burners. This setup will help maintain a steady temperature.
4. Cooking the Ribs:
Time to place the ribs on the grill! Set them on the cooler side, bone side down. Close the lid and let them cook for about 2 hours. To keep your ribs moist and flavorful, spritz them with some apple juice every 30 minutes. Just a quick mist will do!
5. Wrap the Ribs:
After 2 hours, it’s wrapping time! Carefully remove the ribs and place them on a large piece of aluminum foil. Pour a splash of apple juice over them and wrap the foil tightly around the ribs. This step is important as it helps to steam the ribs, making them tender. Put the wrapped ribs back on the grill, bone side down, and let them cook for another 1.5 to 2 hours.
6. Finishing Touch:
Once the ribs have spent some time wrapped up, it’s time to add some sauce! Carefully unwrap the foil and brush both sides of the ribs with your favorite barbecue sauce. Now place the ribs back on the grill over direct heat for about 30 minutes. Turn them occasionally and feel free to add more sauce as you like for a sticky, sweet finish!
7. Rest and Serve:
After all that cooking, let the ribs rest for about 10-15 minutes off the heat. This helps the juices redistribute for maximum flavor. Slice between the bones and serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side. Enjoy your fall-off-the-bone ribs with family and friends!
Can I Use Different Types of Ribs?
Absolutely! While this recipe features baby back ribs for their tenderness, you can also use spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs. Just note that cooking times may vary: spare ribs usually require a bit longer due to their larger size and fat content.
What If I Don’t Have a Grill?
No grill? No problem! You can achieve similar results by cooking the ribs in the oven. Simply follow the same preparation steps, wrap the ribs in foil, and bake them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 3-4 hours until tender. Finish them on a broiler or grill for that caramelized barbecue sauce at the end!
Can I Make These Ribs Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the ribs up to the wrapping stage and refrigerate them overnight. Just be sure to bring them back to room temperature before grilling them. Alternatively, cooked ribs can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
How Can I Store Leftover Ribs?
To store leftover ribs, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. For reheating, wrap in foil and place in a low oven until warmed through or pop them in the microwave.
