These fall-off-the-bone ribs are grilled to perfection! The tender meat practically begs to be savored with every bite. Plus, they are loaded with flavor!
Nothing beats the smell of ribs sizzling on the grill. I could sit outside all day just to enjoy that! 🍖 Honestly, slathering them with BBQ sauce is a messy but tasty must!
Grilling is super easy, just season, grill, and enjoy. I love how these ribs make summer cookouts special. They’re always a hit with family and friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Back Ribs: Baby back ribs are tender and cook up beautifully. If you can’t find them, spare ribs work well too, though they may take a bit longer to cook.
Olive Oil: This helps the spice rub stick to the meat. If you need a substitute, any neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil will do just fine.
Spices: The paprika, garlic, and onion powders provide a great base of flavor. For a twist, you might swap in smoked paprika for extra depth. If you’re out of cayenne, you can use a pinch of chili powder instead.
Barbecue Sauce: You can use store-bought sauce for convenience, but if you have the time, homemade sauce can really elevate the ribs. If you’re watching sugar intake, a sugar-free barbecue sauce works as a substitute.
How Do I Get the Perfect Barbecue Ribs on the Grill?
Achieving perfectly tender, flavorful ribs on the grill requires some patience and technique. Here’s how to do it:
- **Remove the Membrane**: This step is crucial! Use a knife to gently lift the membrane from the back of the ribs and pull it off. This allows flavors to penetrate and makes the ribs more tender.
- **Rub the Flavors**: After covering the ribs in olive oil, apply your rub generously. Be sure to coat both sides so every bite is packed with flavor.
- **Grill Low and Slow**: Preheat your grill to a low temperature, between 225°F and 250°F. This low and slow cooking method breaks down the connective tissue in the meat, ensuring tender ribs.
- **Spritzing**: While grilling, keep the ribs moist by spritzing them with apple juice or water every hour. This will enhance moisture and add a slight sweetness.
- **Sauce at the End**: Apply the barbecue sauce during the last cooking phase. This helps to create a sticky glaze without burning the sugars in the sauce.
- **Check for Tenderness**: Look for meat that pulls away from the bones easily. When you gently tug on a bone, it should come out clean.
How to Make Fall Off The Bone Ribs On The Grill
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ribs:
- 2 racks of baby back ribs
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
For the Spice Rub:
- 1 tablespoon of paprika
- 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt to taste
For Finishing:
- 1 cup of barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes for preparation plus approximately 4 hours for grilling. You’ll spend some time seasoning the ribs and grilling them slowly to achieve that perfect tenderness. A bit of patience goes a long way with these delicious ribs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ribs:
Start by removing the silver membrane from the back of the ribs. This will allow the flavors to really soak in! After that, pat the ribs dry with paper towels to make sure they are ready for seasoning.
2. Make the Rub:
In a mixing bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, black pepper, brown sugar, cayenne pepper (if you like some heat), and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until well combined!
3. Season the Ribs:
Drizzle the olive oil over the ribs, making sure to cover them evenly. Then, take your spice mixture and rub it generously on both sides of the ribs. Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows those amazing flavors to really penetrate the meat!
4. Preheat the Grill:
Get your grill ready by preheating it to a low heat, around 225°F to 250°F. This low and slow cooking is key to making tender ribs.
5. Grill the Ribs:
Place the ribs on the grill, bone side down. Use indirect grilling, cooking them slowly for about 3 hours while maintaining that nice, steady temperature. Every hour, spritz the ribs with some apple juice or plain water to keep them nice and moist.
6. Apply Barbecue Sauce:
After 3 hours of grilling, it’s time for the flavor boost! Generously brush the barbecue sauce over the ribs. Close the grill lid and allow them to cook for an additional 30 to 45 minutes. This will create a delicious sticky glaze!
7. Check for Doneness:
The ribs are ready when the meat is tender and has pulled back from the bones, giving you that “fall off the bone” effect. A good test is to gently pull on a bone; it should come out easily without any fuss!
8. Rest and Serve:
Once the ribs are perfectly cooked, take them off the grill and let them rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the juices settle. Slice the ribs between the bones, serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side, and enjoy your tasty creation!
## FAQ Section for Fall Off The Bone Ribs On The Grill
Can I Use Spare Ribs Instead of Baby Back Ribs?
Absolutely! Spare ribs will work just as well, though they may require slightly longer cooking times due to their size and thickness. Just keep an eye on them and check for that tender “fall off the bone” quality.
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil, you can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or even melted butter. Each will provide moisture, but butter will add a bit of richness to the flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Ribs?
After cooling, wrap leftover ribs tightly in aluminum foil or transfer them to an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to reheat gently to maintain tenderness!
Can I Increase or Decrease the Spice Level?
Definitely! If you prefer milder ribs, you can skip the cayenne pepper or reduce the amount used. For more heat, feel free to add extra cayenne or even a dash of your favorite hot sauce when preparing the barbecue sauce.
