Get ready for some mouthwatering ribs that just fall off the bone! These grilled delights are packed with flavor and coated in a tasty barbecue sauce that’s hard to resist.
I can’t help but sneak a rib or two before dinner—who can blame me? The best part is, they’re super easy to make, perfect for summer gatherings or a cozy night in!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Back Ribs: These are tender and meaty, perfect for grilling. If you can’t find baby back ribs, spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs would work well too—they might just take a bit longer to cook.
Cayenne Pepper: This adds a nice kick, but feel free to skip it or use less according to your heat tolerance. Smoked paprika is also a great substitution if you want a smokier flavor without the heat.
Barbecue Sauce: While store-bought is convenient, homemade can elevate the dish. If you’re short on time, look for sauces with natural ingredients. You can also use mustard-based or vinegar-based sauces for a different flavor profile.
Wood Chips: Soaking wood chips adds great flavor when smoking. If you’re in a pinch, you can skip them, or even try using herbs like rosemary or thyme for a fragrant twist.
How Do I Remove the Silver Skin from Ribs?
Removing the silver skin is vital for tenderness. This thin membrane can be tough and chewy once cooked. Here’s how to do it:
- Start at one end of the rack and use a small knife to gently loosen the edge of the silver skin.
- Once you have a small flap, grab it with a paper towel for a better grip.
- Pull it away from the meat, applying even pressure. It should come off in one piece.
Don’t worry if it tears a little; just remove as much as you can for the best results!
How to Make Fall Off The Bone Ribs On The Grill
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ribs:
- 2 racks of baby back ribs (around 4-5 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Dry Rub:
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For Glazing:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Optional:
- Wood chips for smoking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 4 hours in total: 30 minutes for prep and flavoring, and about 3 ½ hours for cooking and glazing on the grill. Perfect for a laid-back afternoon cookout!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Ribs:
Start by removing the silver skin from the back of the ribs. This is a thin membrane that can make the ribs chewy. Using a paper towel can help you grip it better. Once it’s off, pat the ribs dry with paper towels to remove any moisture, which will help the rub stick better.
2. Creating the Rub:
In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if you like a bit of heat!). Stir until well combined.
3. Seasoning the Ribs:
Generously coat both sides of the ribs with your homemade rub. Make sure to cover every bit for maximum flavor. Once coated, let the ribs sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps the spices soak into the meat.
4. Preheating the Grill:
Set your grill up for indirect cooking by heating one side and leaving the other side cool. Preheat it to about 225°F (107°C). If you’re using wood chips for a smoky flavor, soak them in water for about 30 minutes and then add them to the grill.
5. Cooking the Ribs:
Place the seasoned ribs on the cooler side of the grill. Close the lid and let the ribs cook for about 3 hours. Keep an eye on the temperature to maintain that steady 225°F and add more wood chips when needed to keep the smoke flowing.
6. Glazing the Ribs:
After 3 hours, it’s time to glaze! Brush a generous layer of barbecue sauce on the ribs. Then, transfer the ribs to the hotter side of the grill for an additional 30 minutes. Flip and glaze them every 10 minutes with more barbecue sauce for extra flavor.
7. Checking for Doneness:
To know the ribs are ready, look for the meat to have pulled back from the bones. It should be tender and bend easily without breaking apart. This means they’re soft and cooked just right!
8. Resting and Serving:
Once done, take the ribs off the grill and let them rest for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute. Serve your delicious ribs with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your fall-off-the-bone ribs with friends and family!
Can I Use Spare Ribs Instead of Baby Back Ribs?
Absolutely! Spare ribs can be used, but they may require a longer cooking time as they’re usually thicker. Just check for doneness by testing for tenderness—spare ribs should pull away easily from the bones too!
How Can I Make These Ribs Spicier?
If you’re looking for extra heat, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the rub or add crushed red pepper flakes to the barbecue sauce. Another option is to brush on a spicy sauce during the glazing step—try a chipotle barbecue sauce for an awesome kick!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Ribs?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating!
Can I Cook These Ribs in the Oven Instead?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Wrap the seasoned ribs in foil and bake on a baking sheet for about 2.5 to 3 hours. Unwrap them, brush with barbecue sauce, and broil for a few minutes to caramelize the sauce for that grilled flavor!
