Looking for a showstopping weeknight dinner idea? Try this easy grilled rib recipe made with tender pork ribs and a homemade BBQ sauce for a quick family favorite, save for later

BEST Grilled Rib

Introduction

Imagine sinking your teeth into a tender, juicy, and full-of-flavor grilled rib, with the perfect balance of spices and a hint of smokiness. This recipe for the BEST Grilled Rib is not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious, using everyday ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the room for creativity it offers, allowing you to experiment with different flavors and seasonings to make it your own. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned chef, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its impressive results and minimal effort required.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: This recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, using ingredients that are easily accessible in most supermarkets.
Ease of preparation: The preparation process is straightforward and simple, requiring minimal time and effort to get everything ready for grilling.
Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite the simplicity of the recipe, the end result is a dish that looks and tastes like it was made by a professional chef, making it perfect for special occasions or everyday meals.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for this recipe include pork Spare Ribs, olive oil, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. You can also use beef ribs if you prefer. For the sauce, you’ll need ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and honey. Practical substitutions for some of these ingredients include using coconut sugar instead of brown sugar, or replacing smoked paprika with regular paprika and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a smoky flavor. Additionally, you can use different types of vinegar, such as balsamic or white wine vinegar, to give the sauce a unique flavor.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. While the grill is heating up, prepare the dry rub by mixing together brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs to help the rub penetrate the meat and to make the ribs easier to chew.
Step 2: Apply the dry rub evenly to both sides of the ribs, making sure to coat them thoroughly. Let the ribs sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the seasonings to absorb into the meat. Meanwhile, mix the sauce ingredients in a separate bowl and set aside.
Step 3: Place the ribs on the grill, bone side down, and close the lid. Grill for 20-25 minutes, then flip the ribs over and grill for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. During the last 5 minutes of grilling, brush the ribs with the sauce to give them a sweet and sticky glaze.
Step 4: Once the ribs are done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. You can serve the ribs with additional sauce on the side, along with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, baked beans, or grilled vegetables.

Handy Tips

Make sure to not overcrowd the grill, as this can lower the temperature and affect the cooking time. Cook the ribs in batches if necessary, to ensure they have enough room to cook evenly.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ribs, which should be at least 160°F (71°C) for pork ribs and 145°F (63°C) for beef ribs.
Don’t press down on the ribs with your spatula while they’re grilling, as this can cause them to become dense and lose their juices. Instead, let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes on each side to develop a nice crust.

Heat Control

The ideal temperature for grilling ribs is between 275°F (135°C) and 300°F (150°C). If you’re using a gas grill, you can adjust the burners to achieve the desired temperature. For charcoal grills, you can adjust the vents to control the airflow and temperature. It’s also important to monitor the temperature of the ribs themselves, using a meat thermometer to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor for grilled ribs comes from the dry rub and the caramelized sauce. To achieve a crispy crust on the ribs, make sure to not overcook them, and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing. You can also broil the ribs for an additional 2-3 minutes after grilling to give them a crispy, caramelized crust.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

Use a rib rack to hold the ribs in place while they’re grilling, which can help them cook more evenly and prevent them from falling through the grates.
Wrap the ribs in foil during the last 10-15 minutes of grilling to help retain moisture and promote even cooking. This is called the “Texas Crutch” method.
Let the ribs rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing, which can help the juices redistribute and the meat to stay tender.

Storage Tips

Leftover ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or on the grill before serving.
You can also freeze cooked ribs for up to 2 months. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
When reheating frozen ribs, make sure to thaw them first in the refrigerator or cold water, then reheat them in the oven or on the grill until they’re hot and crispy.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you want to give grilled ribs as a gift, you can package them in a variety of ways. Consider using a large foil pan or a disposable aluminum tray, lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. You can also use a large zip-top plastic bag or a vacuum-sealer bag to keep the ribs fresh. Add some decorative touches, such as a ribbon or a gift tag, to make the gift more special. You can also include some sides, such as coleslaw or baked beans, to make the gift a complete meal.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Different spices: Try using different spices, such as cumin, coriander, or chili powder, to give the ribs a unique flavor.
🌟 Creative toppings: Top the ribs with creative ingredients, such as diced onions, chopped fresh herbs, or crumbled blue cheese, to add texture and flavor.
🌟 Ingredient swaps: Swap out the pork ribs for beef ribs, or use chicken or lamb ribs for a different twist. You can also use different types of wood chips or chunks, such as hickory or apple wood, to add a smoky flavor to the ribs.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If the ribs are too tough or chewy, it may be because they were overcooked or not rested long enough. Try cooking them for a shorter amount of time, or letting them rest for a longer period.
Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have a particular ingredient, such as brown sugar or smoked paprika, you can substitute it with a similar ingredient. For example, you can use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar, or regular paprika with a pinch of cayenne pepper instead of smoked paprika.
Over/undercooking signs: If the ribs are overcooked, they may be dry and tough. If they’re undercooked, they may be pink or raw in the center. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ribs, and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze cooked ribs for up to 2 months. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Is it gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free ingredients, such as gluten-free soy sauce or gluten-free Worcestershire sauce.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to feed a larger crowd. Simply multiply the ingredients and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Grilling ribs can seem intimidating, but with this recipe, you’ll be a pro in no time. Remember to have fun and experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make the recipe your own. Don’t be afraid to try new things and adjust the recipe to your taste. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to creating the BEST Grilled Rib recipe that’s sure to impress your family and friends. So go ahead, give it a try, and happy grilling!

Best Grilled Rib Recipe So Tender