How To Cook Ribs On Gas Grill Without Foil

Master the Art of Grilling Ribs on Your Gas Grill – No Foil Required!

For all the barbecue enthusiasts out there, there’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into tender, smoky ribs hot off the grill. While many recipes recommend using foil to cook ribs, we’re here to show you an alternative method that skips the foil but still delivers mouthwatering results. In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step on how to cook ribs on a gas grill without the need for foil.

What You’ll Need:

• A rack of ribs (baby back or spare)
• A gas grill with a lid
• Dry rub or marinade of your choice
• Wood chips (optional for added smoky flavor)
• A meat thermometer
• Tongs or a spatula

Step 1: Preparing the Ribs

Start by preparing your ribs. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs by loosening it with a butter knife and then gripping it with a paper towel for better grip. Gently pull it off in one piece.

Next, apply your favorite dry rub or marinade generously to both sides of the ribs. This will add flavor and help to tenderize the meat as it cooks. For added smokiness, soak wood chips in water for about 30 minutes, then drain them before grilling.

Step 2: Preparing the Gas Grill

Preheat your gas grill to medium heat. If your grill has multiple burners, turn off one of them to create an indirect heat zone. This will allow for slower, more even cooking.

If you’re using wood chips, place them in a smoker box or wrap them loosely in aluminum foil with a few holes poked in it. Place the smoker box or foil packet directly on the heat source or on the grates of your grill.

Step 3: Grilling the Ribs

Carefully place the ribs on the grill over the indirect heat zone. Close the lid and let them cook for about 2 to 2.5 hours at a consistent temperature of around 275°F (135°C). Remember, low and slow is the key!

During the cooking process, resist the temptation to constantly check on the ribs. Every time you lift the lid, you release heat and increase cooking time. Trust the process and let the grill work its magic.

Step 4: Checking for Doneness

After about 2 hours, start checking the internal temperature of the ribs using a meat thermometer. The ideal temperature for perfectly cooked ribs is between 190°F to 203°F (88°C to 95°C).

When the ribs reach this temperature range, you can remove them from the grill. If you prefer a saucier finish, you can brush your favorite barbecue sauce onto the ribs during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking time.

Step 5: Resting and Serving

Allow the cooked ribs to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing into them. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier ribs. Slice them between the bones, and you’re ready to dig in!

Serve your delicious ribs with your favorite sides and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Whether it’s a backyard cookout or a casual dinner, your guests will be impressed with the tender and flavorful ribs you cooked on your gas grill, without the need for foil!

Mastering the art of cooking ribs on a gas grill without foil opens up a whole world of flavor possibilities. Experiment with different dry rubs, marinades, or even homemade barbecue sauces to create your signature rib recipe. So fire up that gas grill, and let’s get grilling!