These Fall Off The Bone Ribs are perfect for grilling lovers! They get super tender and flavorful, coated with a tasty barbecue sauce that makes your mouth water.
You’ll love how easy it is to impress friends at your next cookout. Just toss them on the grill, watch them sizzle, and then enjoy the cheers when they fall right off the bone! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Back Ribs: These are tender and flavorful. If you can’t find baby backs, spare ribs are a good substitute. They take longer to cook but can also be delicious.
Olive Oil: It helps the dry rub stick to the ribs. You can replace it with avocado oil or melted butter for a richer flavor.
Spices: The spices make the rub flavorful. Feel free to adjust the chili powder for less heat or swap in smoked paprika for a smoky flavor without using wood chips.
Barbecue Sauce: You can use store-bought sauce for convenience or make your own. Just mix ketchup, vinegar, and honey for a quick homemade version!
Wood Chips: Hickory and applewood add great flavor while smoking. If you don’t have them, you could use a liquid smoke instead for a hint of smokiness.
How Do I Properly Prepare Ribs for Grilling?
Getting your ribs ready is key to superb flavor and tenderness. Start by removing the membrane on the back of the ribs. This can be done using a butter knife to lift a corner, then grabbing it with a paper towel for a solid grip. It ensures better seasoning and helps the meat cook evenly.
- Pat the ribs dry with a paper towel. This helps the rub stick better.
- Make the dry rub by mixing your spices well. Don’t skip this step; a good rub is the foundation of your ribs’ flavor.
- Drizzle olive oil on the ribs before applying the rub. This coats the ribs nicely and locks in flavors.
Fall Off The Bone Ribs On The Grill
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ribs:
- 2 racks of baby back ribs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Dry Rub:
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For Cooking:
- Wood chips (hickory or applewood) for smoking (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This grilling recipe will take about 30 minutes for preparation and around 3 to 4 hours for cooking. So, overall, you’re looking at about 4 to 4.5 hours to have deliciously tender ribs ready for your table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Ribs:
Start by removing the tough membrane on the back of the ribs. This step is important to assure the meat becomes flavorful and tender. After that, use a paper towel to pat the ribs dry, ensuring they are ready for seasoning.
2. Make the Rub:
In a small mixing bowl, combine the paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy). Stir well until everything is mixed together nicely.
3. Rub the Ribs:
Drizzle the olive oil over both sides of the ribs. Now take your dry rub and sprinkle it generously onto the ribs, making sure to massage it into the meat. This helps enhance the flavors. Don’t be shy—you want a good layer of rub!
4. Preheat the Grill:
Fire up your grill and aim for a low temperature between 225°F to 250°F. If you’re using charcoal, set it up for indirect grilling. If you have a gas grill, turn on only half of the burners to create a hot side and a cool side.
5. Add Wood Chips:
If you’re using wood chips for that delicious smoky flavor, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. Once soaked, place them in a smoker box, or wrap them in aluminum foil with some holes poked in it, and place this on the grill.
6. Cook the Ribs:
Place the ribs on the grill with the bone side down. Cover the grill and let them cook slowly for about 3 to 4 hours. Keep an eye on the temperature so it stays low and steady. The meat will become tender and should begin to pull away from the bones.
7. Sauce the Ribs:
When the ribs are nearly done, roughly 30 minutes before you plan to take them off, brush on your barbecue sauce. Close the lid and let it set for added flavor!
8. Check for Doneness:
The ribs are ready when they are very tender, and the meat has pulled back from the bones. You can use a toothpick or a meat thermometer to check tenderness. If it slides in easily, you’re good to go!
9. Rest and Serve:
Once done, remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for about 10 minutes. This helps keep them juicy. When you’re ready, slice between the bones and serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your spectacular fall-off-the-bone ribs!
Can I Use Different Types of Ribs?
Absolutely! While this recipe is for baby back ribs, you can also use spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, with spare ribs generally taking a bit longer due to their larger size.
What Can I Substitute for Barbecue Sauce?
If you prefer to make your own sauce or don’t have store-bought barbecue sauce on hand, you can create a simple mixture using ketchup, vinegar, honey, and your favorite spices. Just mix together 1 cup of ketchup, 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of honey, and add spices to taste!
How Do I Store Leftover Ribs?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To maintain their flavor, you might want to reheat them in the oven at 300°F while covered with foil to keep them moist, or you can reheat them on the grill for a nice char!
Can I Cook Ribs in the Oven Instead?
Yes, you can cook these ribs in the oven if you prefer! Season the ribs as directed and wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 300°F for 2.5 to 3 hours, then finish on the grill or under the broiler with barbecue sauce for a nice glaze!
