These fall-off-the-bone ribs are a dream for meat lovers! They are marinated in a tasty blend of spices and grilled to perfection, making them juicy and flavorful.
Trust me, there’s nothing like biting into a rib that just falls apart! I love to serve them with some coleslaw on the side for that perfect barbecue experience. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Back Ribs: These are tender and flavorful. If you can’t find baby back ribs, spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs work well too. They take slightly longer to cook but have great taste.
Olive Oil: This helps the rub stick to the ribs. If you prefer, feel free to use vegetable oil or grapeseed oil. Both are neutral and work well.
Spices: The rub features paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. You can swap the paprika for smoked paprika for a deeper flavor, and if you don’t like heat, skip the cayenne!
BBQ Sauce: Use any BBQ sauce you love. I personally enjoy a honey BBQ sauce for a sweet touch. If you’re looking for a healthier option, go for low-sugar BBQ sauces or even a homemade version.
Wood Chips: Hickory and applewood are popular, but you can try mesquite or cherry wood chips for different flavors. If you don’t have wood chips, no worries! The ribs will still taste great without them.
How Do I Remove the Silver Skin from Ribs?
Removing the silver skin is essential for tenderness and flavor. It’s the tough membrane on the back of the ribs. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a sharp knife to slide under one edge of the membrane to lift it, then grab it with a paper towel for a better grip.
- Try to peel it off in one go, but don’t stress if it tears. Just remove as much as you can.
Taking the time to do this makes a big difference in your ribs’ texture and flavor — they’ll be fall-off-the-bone delicious!
Fall Off The Bone Ribs On The Grill
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ribs:
- 2 racks baby back ribs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Spice Rub:
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your choice, for glazing)
Optional:
- Wood chips (hickory or applewood) for smoking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious rib recipe takes about 30 minutes for prep, plus 2.5 to 3.5 hours for cooking (including glazing time). If you decide to marinate the ribs overnight for more flavor, that would add extra time, but it’s totally worth it for tasty, tender ribs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Ribs:
Start by removing the silver skin from the back of the ribs. This thin layer can make the ribs tough, so taking it off will help the meat become tender and flavorful. After that, pat the ribs dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
2. Make the Rub:
In a medium bowl, combine the paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if you’re in the mood for some heat), salt, and black pepper. Give it a good mix until all the ingredients are well blended. This spicy rub is what will make your ribs super tasty!
3. Apply the Rub:
Drizzle olive oil on the ribs to help the spice rub stick. Then, take your spice mixture and generously coat both sides of the ribs. Press the rub into the meat for better flavor. Let the ribs sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature (or you can put them in the fridge for several hours or overnight to let those flavors really soak in).
4. Preheat the Grill:
Set up your grill for indirect grilling. If you have a gas grill, turn on one side to medium heat. For charcoal grills, you’ll only want to light coals on one side. Preheat your grill until it reaches a nice steady temperature of about 275°F (135°C).
5. Smoke the Ribs (Optional):
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to add some extra flavor, soak your wood chips in water for about 30 minutes. After soaking, place them in a smoker box or sprinkle them directly over the coals before you put on the ribs. This will give the ribs a delicious smoky taste!
6. Cook the Ribs:
Now it’s time for the magic! Place the ribs on the cooler side of the grill, bone side down. Close the lid and let them cook for 2.5 to 3 hours. Keep the grill temperature steady around 275°F (135°C). If you’re using wood chips, be sure to add more every hour to keep that smoky flavor coming.
7. Glaze with BBQ Sauce:
After 2.5 to 3 hours of cooking, take a brush and slather the BBQ sauce over the ribs. You’ll want to let them cook for another 30 minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize and get sticky—delicious!
8. Check for Doneness:
Your ribs are ready when the meat has pulled back from the bones and they feel super tender. If you want to be precise, a meat thermometer should read about 190°F-203°F (88°C-95°C) for that perfect fall-off-the-bone tenderness.
9. Rest and Serve:
Take the ribs off the grill and let them rest for about 10-15 minutes. This helps keep them juicy. Once rested, slice them up and serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side. Enjoy your amazing ribs!
Can I Use Spare Ribs Instead of Baby Back Ribs?
Absolutely! Spare ribs can be used in this recipe; however, they may require a slightly longer cooking time since they are thicker. Plan for an additional 30 minutes to an hour to ensure they become tender.
What If I Don’t Have BBQ Sauce?
No worries! You can create a simple homemade BBQ sauce using ketchup, honey, vinegar, and spices. Mix 1 cup of ketchup with 1/4 cup of honey, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and some salt and pepper to taste. This will work well for glazing!
How Should I Store Leftover Ribs?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the ribs in foil and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through.
Can I Cook Ribs Without a Grill?
Yes, you can! If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the ribs in the oven. Wrap them in foil and bake at 275°F (135°C) for about 2.5 to 3 hours, then uncover, brush with BBQ sauce, and broil for a few minutes to caramelize the sauce for that grilled effect.
