BBQ Ribs on the Grill Recipe

Pork ribs: The main part of the dish, these are meaty and perfect for grilling.

BBQ sauce: Adds a sweet and tangy glaze to the ribs during cooking.

Olive oil: Helps the spices stick to the ribs and keeps them moist.

Paprika: A smoky spice that gives the ribs a nice color and flavor.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the rub.

Black pepper: Adds a little heat and depth to the seasoning.

Garlic powder: Brings a mild garlic flavor without the mess of fresh garlic.

One of the most important steps in this BBQ ribs recipe is how you baste the ribs with BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes of grilling. Basting means brushing or spooning the sauce over the ribs while they cook. Here’s how to do it so your ribs come out juicy and full of flavor:

1. Use a basting brush or a spoon to gently spread the BBQ sauce over the ribs.
2. Try to cover the ribs evenly but don’t soak them too much at once, or the sauce might drip and cause flare-ups on the grill.
3. Baste the ribs every 10 minutes during the last half hour of cooking. This helps build up a sticky, tasty coating.
4. Be careful when flipping the ribs so the sauce doesn’t fall off or burn.

Basting makes a big difference because it keeps the ribs moist and adds layers of flavor. Instead of just having dry meat, the sauce caramelizes a little on the grill, giving the ribs a nice sweet and smoky crust. Plus, it makes the ribs look super appetizing with that shiny glaze.

When I first tried this, I didn’t baste often enough and ended up with ribs that tasted a bit dry. After I started brushing the sauce more regularly, the ribs turned out way better—juicy and packed with flavor. One little shortcut I like is to keep some extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping when you eat. That way, if you want even more sauce, it’s right there!

So, don’t skip the basting step. It’s a simple trick that really makes your grilled ribs stand out and taste amazing.

• 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 juicy and can be grilled with similar seasoning, offering a lighter meat option.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce provides a sweet and savory flavor that complements grilled meats well.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with honey mustard sauce: Honey mustard offers a tangy and sweet alternative that pairs nicely with grilled meats.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it suitable for grilling.

• olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil is neutral in flavor and has a high smoke point, ideal for grilling.

• paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a deeper, smoky flavor that enhances the grilled taste.

• paprika - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder provides a bit more heat and complexity, adding a different dimension to the seasoning.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty and umami flavor, which can enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt offers a slightly different texture and can provide a more nuanced flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder taste and can be used to provide a subtle heat.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a spicy kick, giving the dish a bit more heat.

• garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder provides a similar savory depth and can be used in the same quantity.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic offers a more intense and aromatic flavor, enhancing the overall taste.

• 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 them from drying out.
• Place the wrapped ribs in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This will help keep them fresh and prevent any odors from other foods in the fridge from seeping in.
• Store the ribs in the refrigerator if you plan to eat them within 3-4 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer.
• When freezing, label the container or bag with the date to keep track of how long they have been stored.
• To reheat, thaw frozen ribs in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even reheating and prevents the ribs from becoming tough.
• Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) for reheating. Place the ribs on a baking sheet and cover them with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
• Heat the ribs in the oven for about 20-30 minutes, or until they are warmed through. You can also reheat them on the grill over low heat, turning occasionally and basting with extra bbq sauce if desired.
• For a quicker option, you can microwave the ribs on medium power, covered with a microwave-safe lid or wrap, for 2-3 minutes per side, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.

• Preheat your oven to 250°F. Wrap the ribs in aluminum foil to retain moisture. Place them on a baking sheet and heat for about 30 minutes or until warmed through.
• For a quicker method, use a microwave. Place the ribs in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through.
• If you prefer a smoky flavor, reheat on the grill. Preheat the grill to medium-low heat. Wrap the ribs in foil and place them on the grill for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally.
• Use a sous-vide method for a gourmet touch. Seal the ribs in a vacuum bag and immerse in a water bath set to 165°F for about 45 minutes.
• For a stovetop method, place the ribs in a skillet with a splash of bbq sauce and a bit of water. Cover and heat over medium-low heat for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally.

• Grill: Essential for cooking the ribs to achieve that smoky, charred flavor.

• Tongs: Useful for turning the ribs occasionally to ensure even cooking.

• Basting brush: Needed for applying the BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes of grilling.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine olive oil, paprika, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to make the rub.

• Meat thermometer: Helps in checking the internal temperature of the ribs to ensure they are cooked properly.

• Aluminum foil: Can be used to tent the ribs after removing them from the grill to keep them warm while they rest.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface to rest and cut the ribs before serving.

• Knife: Necessary for slicing the ribs into individual portions after they have rested.

• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of the spices and olive oil for the rub.

• Bowl: Additional bowl for holding the BBQ sauce while basting.

Pre-make the rub: Mix the olive oil, paprika, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder ahead of time and store in an airtight container.

Use a meat thermometer: Ensure the ribs reach an internal temperature of 145°F to avoid undercooking and reduce guesswork.

Parboil the ribs: Boil the ribs for 30 minutes before grilling to cut down on grill time.

Prep the grill: Clean and oil the grill grates before preheating to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Batch cook: Grill multiple racks at once and store leftovers for quick meals later.