How To Smoke Ribs With Original BBQ Grill

Smoking Ribs with Your Original BBQ Grill

Smoking ribs on your original BBQ grill can be a delicious and rewarding experience. The smoky flavor and tender texture of smoked ribs are sure to be a hit at your next barbecue. If you’re new to smoking ribs, don’t worry! With the right equipment and a few tips, you can become a pro at smoking ribs with your original BBQ grill.

Choosing the Right Ribs

Before you start smoking your ribs, it’s important to choose the right type of ribs. Pork ribs are the most commonly smoked variety, and you have a few options to choose from:

• Baby back ribs: These are lean and cook relatively quickly.
• Spare ribs: These are larger and fattier than baby back ribs, with more flavor.
• St. Louis-style ribs: These are trimmed spare ribs, making them a great option for smoking.

Whichever type of ribs you choose, make sure they are fresh and high-quality for the best results.

Preparing the Ribs

Before you start smoking, it’s important to prepare the ribs properly. Start by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs, as this can prevent the smoke and seasoning from penetrating the meat. Once the membrane is removed, season the ribs generously with your favorite dry rub. This will add flavor to the ribs and create a delicious crust as they smoke.

Setting Up Your Grill

When smoking ribs with your original BBQ grill, it’s essential to set it up for indirect heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, arrange the coals to one side and place a drip pan filled with water on the other side. This will create a smoky and moist environment for the ribs to cook in. If you’re using a gas grill, only light one side of the grill and place the ribs on the unlit side.

Smoking the Ribs

Once your grill is set up, it’s time to start smoking the ribs. Aim to maintain a temperature of around 225-250°F (107-121°C) throughout the smoking process. Add wood chips or chunks to the coals or a smoker box for a gas grill to create smoke. Hickory, apple, and mesquite are popular choices for smoking ribs and will impart a delicious flavor.

Place the seasoned ribs on the grill grates, directly over the drip pan or opposite the coals. Close the lid and let the ribs smoke for several hours, maintaining a consistent temperature and adding more wood chips as needed to keep the smoke flowing.

Checking for Doneness

After a few hours of smoking, it’s time to check if the ribs are done. They should have a beautiful mahogany color and the meat should have pulled back from the bones. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the ribs has reached 190-203°F (88-95°C), indicating that they are tender and fully cooked.

Resting and Serving

Once the ribs are done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the ribs are juicy and flavorful. After resting, it’s time to slice the ribs and serve them to your eager guests. Pair the smoked ribs with your favorite BBQ sauce and sides for a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to be a hit.

Smoking ribs with your original BBQ grill is a fantastic way to enjoy tender, flavorful ribs without a dedicated smoker. With the right preparation and a little patience, you can create mouthwatering smoked ribs that will have everyone coming back for more.