How To Cook Baby Back Ribs On A Traeger

Unlocking the Secret to Delicious Baby Back Ribs on a Traeger

Nothing beats sinking your teeth into tender and flavorful baby back ribs. Their succulent meat and mouthwatering flavor make them a favorite among grill enthusiasts. If you own a Traeger grill, you have a secret weapon to take your rib game to the next level. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook baby back ribs on a Traeger that will have your guests begging for seconds.

1. Prepare the Ribs

Start by selecting high-quality baby back ribs from your trusted butcher or grocery store. Look for ribs with a good marbling of fat, as this will enhance their tenderness and flavor.

Once you have your ribs, remove them from the packaging and rinse them under cold water. Pat them dry using paper towels, making sure to remove any excess moisture. This step helps the flavorful rub adhere to the meat.

Pro tip: Remove the thin membrane on the back of the ribs using a butter knife or your fingertips. This will prevent the ribs from becoming chewy and allow the flavors to penetrate more effectively.

2. Season with a Flavorful Rub

Now comes the fun part – creating a delicious rub to enhance the taste of your baby back ribs. Whether you prefer sweet and smoky or spicy and tangy, there’s a rub recipe out there to suit your palate.

Coat the ribs generously with your chosen rub, making sure to cover all sides. Massage the spices into the meat, allowing them to penetrate and infuse flavor as they cook. Let the ribs sit with the rub for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

3. Preparing your Traeger Grill

Meanwhile, preheat your Traeger grill to 225°F (107°C) using the indirect cooking method. This means placing the ribs away from the direct heat source, ensuring a slow and even cook.

For additional flavor, add wood pellets to the hopper. The choice of wood is crucial, as it contributes to the overall taste of the ribs. Try fruity woods like apple or cherry for a milder flavor, or go for hickory or mesquite for a bolder smokiness.

Pro tip: Soak the wood pellets in water for 30 minutes before using them. This helps them create more smoke, enhancing the flavor profile of your ribs.

4. Time to Cook!

Place the seasoned baby back ribs bone-side down on the grill grates. Close the lid and let them smoke for approximately 3 hours. Be patient and resist the temptation to open the lid too often, as this can cause temperature fluctuations.

After 3 hours, it’s time to wrap the ribs. Lay out a double layer of aluminum foil and transfer the ribs onto it. Top the ribs with a drizzle of your favorite barbecue sauce and tightly fold the foil to create a sealed packet. This method, known as the Texas crutch, helps keep the ribs moist and tender.

Return the wrapped ribs to the grill and cook for an additional 2 hours. This step allows the flavors to meld together and for the meat to become fork-tender.

5. The Final Touch

Once the cooking time is up, remove the ribs from the foil and place them directly on the grill grates. Brush them with more barbecue sauce and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the sauce caramelizes and forms a delicious glaze.

Pro tip: For an extra burst of flavor, add a handful of wood chips directly to the grill grates before placing the ribs. This will infuse them with an additional layer of smokiness.

6. Let’s Dig In!

Remove the baby back ribs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute. This step ensures juicy and tender ribs.

When the moment of truth arrives, slice the ribs between the bones, revealing the succulent meat beneath. Serve them up alongside your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, cornbread, or grilled vegetables, for a complete and satisfying meal.

With this step-by-step guide, you’re well on your way to becoming a master of cooking baby back ribs on a Traeger. So fire up your grill, unleash your creativity with rubs and sauces, and get ready to impress your friends and family with perfectly cooked, mouthwatering ribs!