Get ready to impress your friends and family with these mouth-watering BBQ ribs on the grill. This recipe is perfect for a summer cookout or any time you want to enjoy tender, flavorful ribs. With a simple rub and a delicious BBQ sauce, these ribs are sure to be a hit.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples. However, if you don't already have pork ribs at home, you'll need to pick them up from the supermarket. Make sure to choose fresh, high-quality ribs for the best results. Additionally, if you don't have bbq sauce on hand, you can either buy a bottle or make your own from scratch.

Ingredients for BBQ Ribs on the Grill
Pork ribs: The main protein of the dish, providing a rich and meaty flavor.
Bbq sauce: Adds a sweet and tangy glaze to the ribs, enhancing their flavor.
Olive oil: Helps to keep the ribs moist and adds a subtle richness.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ribs and the rub.
Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the seasoning rub.
Technique Tip for Perfect BBQ Ribs
To achieve perfectly tender ribs, consider using the two-zone grilling method. Set up your grill with one side on medium heat and the other side on low heat. Start by placing the ribs on the low-heat side, allowing them to cook slowly and evenly. This indirect heat will help break down the connective tissues, making the meat more tender. During the last 30 minutes, move the ribs to the medium-heat side for basting with bbq sauce and to develop a nice caramelized crust.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
pork ribs - Substitute with beef ribs: Beef ribs offer a similar texture and can be cooked in the same manner as pork ribs, providing a hearty alternative.
pork ribs - Substitute with chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are a flavorful and juicy alternative that can be grilled and basted with BBQ sauce.
bbq sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce provides a sweet and savory flavor profile that complements grilled meats well.
bbq sauce - Substitute with honey mustard sauce: Honey mustard offers a tangy and sweet flavor that pairs nicely with grilled meats.
olive oil - Substitute with vegetable oil: Vegetable oil has a neutral flavor and high smoke point, making it suitable for grilling.
olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, ideal for grilling.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the taste of grilled meats.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt provides a slightly different texture and flavor, often considered more natural and less processed.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile, often used in lighter-colored dishes.
black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a spicier kick, perfect for those who enjoy a bit more heat in their BBQ.
Alternative Recipes Similar to BBQ Ribs
How to Store and Freeze Your Grilled Ribs
- Allow the ribs to cool completely before storing. This helps maintain their texture and flavor.
- Wrap each rack of ribs tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to prevent air exposure, which can cause freezer burn.
- Place the wrapped ribs in a resealable plastic freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the bag or container with the date to keep track of freshness.
- Store the ribs in the refrigerator if you plan to eat them within 3-4 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer, where they can last up to 3 months.
- To reheat refrigerated ribs, preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Place the ribs on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat for 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
- For frozen ribs, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, follow the same reheating instructions as for refrigerated ribs.
- If you prefer a quicker method, you can reheat the ribs on the grill. Preheat the grill to medium-low heat, place the ribs on the grill, and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until heated through.
- For an extra burst of flavor, brush the ribs with additional bbq sauce during the last few minutes of reheating.
How to Reheat Leftover Ribs
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Wrap the ribs in aluminum foil to retain moisture. Place them on a baking sheet and heat for about 20-30 minutes, or until they reach your desired temperature. For an extra touch, you can brush on some additional bbq sauce before reheating.
Grill Method: Preheat your grill to medium-low heat. Wrap the ribs in aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Place them on the grill and heat for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. If you want a bit of a char, unwrap the ribs for the last 5 minutes and brush with extra bbq sauce.
Microwave Method: Place the ribs in a microwave-safe dish and cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through. If they need more time, continue heating in 30-second increments until warmed through.
Sous Vide Method: Set your sous vide machine to 165°F (74°C). Place the ribs in a vacuum-sealed bag or a resealable plastic bag using the water displacement method. Submerge the bag in the water bath and heat for about 45 minutes to an hour. This method ensures the ribs remain juicy and tender.
Slow Cooker Method: Place the ribs in your slow cooker and add a small amount of bbq sauce or broth to keep them moist. Set the slow cooker to low and heat for 1-2 hours, or until the ribs are warmed through. This method is great for maintaining the ribs' tenderness.
Essential Tools for Grilling Ribs
Grill: The primary cooking equipment used to cook the ribs over medium heat.
Tongs: Essential for turning the ribs occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Basting brush: Used to apply the BBQ sauce to the ribs during the last 30 minutes of grilling.
Meat thermometer: Helpful for checking the internal temperature of the ribs to ensure they are cooked through.
Cutting board: A surface to place the ribs on after removing them from the grill.
Knife: Used to cut the ribs into serving portions after they have rested.
Aluminum foil: Can be used to tent the ribs while they rest to keep them warm.
Serving platter: For presenting the ribs once they are ready to be served.
How to Save Time on Making Grilled Ribs
Pre-cook the ribs: Boil or bake the ribs for 30 minutes before grilling to reduce grill time.
Use a meat thermometer: Ensure the ribs reach an internal temperature of 145°F quickly and safely.
Marinate overnight: Let the ribs sit in the bbq sauce overnight to enhance flavor and reduce prep time.
Prepare in advance: Mix the olive oil, salt, and black pepper rub ahead of time.
Keep the grill lid closed: Maintain consistent heat to cook the ribs faster.
BBQ Ribs on the Grill Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 racks Pork Ribs
- 1 cup BBQ Sauce
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- 1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- 2. Rub the ribs with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
- 3. Place the ribs on the grill and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, turning occasionally.
- 4. During the last 30 minutes, baste the ribs with BBQ sauce.
- 5. Remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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