How To Cook Pork Ribs On The Grill

How To Cook Pork Ribs On The Grill

There’s something magical about the smoky aroma and tender, juicy meat of grilled pork ribs. Whether it’s a weekend barbecue party or a weekday dinner, cooking pork ribs on the grill is a surefire way to impress your family and friends. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps of creating mouthwatering pork ribs on the grill.

1. Selecting the Perfect Ribs

First things first, choosing the right ribs is crucial to achieving grilled perfection. There are two main types: baby back ribs and spare ribs. Baby back ribs, also known as back ribs, come from the top of the rib bone close to the spine. They are smaller, leaner, and cook faster compared to spare ribs. Spare ribs, on the other hand, are cut from the belly of the pig and contain more meat and fat. Both options are delicious, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.

• For baby back ribs, plan on allocating around 3/4 to 1 pound per person.
• For spare ribs, estimate around 1 to 1 1/2 pounds per person.

2. Preparing the Ribs

Before grilling the ribs, it’s important to remove the tough membrane from the back of the rack. To do this, start from one end and use a butter knife or your fingers to lift the membrane. Once lifted, grab it with a paper towel and pull it off in one smooth motion. Removing the membrane allows the flavors and seasonings to penetrate the meat, resulting in incredibly flavorful ribs.

3. Seasoning the Ribs

The next step is to season the ribs. This is where you can get creative and tailor the flavor to your liking. You can opt for a simple rub consisting of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, or you can explore various pre-made BBQ rubs available in stores. Make sure to generously coat both sides of the ribs, gently pressing the rub into the meat.

4. Preparing the Grill

Now that the ribs are seasoned, it’s time to fire up the grill. Preheat your grill to medium heat, preferably around 225-250°F (107-121°C) for a slow and low cooking process. For extra flavor, add wood chips or chunks of your favorite hardwood, such as hickory or apple, to the charcoal or gas grill. This will infuse the ribs with a delightful smoky taste.

5. Grilling the Ribs

Once the grill is ready, it’s time to place the ribs on the grates. For baby back ribs, grill them bone-side down for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. For spare ribs, grill them bone-side down for around 2.5 to 3 hours. The key here is low and slow cooking to achieve tender, fall-off-the-bone goodness. Brush the ribs with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking to add a sticky and caramelized glaze.

6. Rest and Serve

After the ribs are cooked to perfection, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a moist and flavorful bite. Once rested, it’s time to dig in! Serve the ribs with additional BBQ sauce on the side, some refreshing coleslaw, and maybe a cornbread on the side for a complete barbecue feast.

Now that you know how to cook pork ribs on the grill, it’s time to put your skills to the test. Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and get ready to indulge in a tantalizing meal that will have everyone licking their fingers and asking for seconds. Happy grilling!