These fall off the bone ribs are a treat for any grill lover! With a sweet and tangy sauce, they become super tender and juicy, perfect for those summer cookouts.
Nothing beats the feeling of biting into a rib that just glides off the bone. Trust me, you’ll be licking your fingers clean—it’s a messy but oh-so-fun way to enjoy dinner! 😄
I love how easy it is to prepare these ribs. Just slather on your favorite sauce, toss them on the grill, and let the magic happen. It’s all about good food and good times!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ribs: Use baby back ribs for tenderness. If unavailable, spare ribs are a good alternative; they have a richer flavor but need a bit more cooking time.
Olive Oil: This helps the rub stick. If you’d like a different flavor, avocado oil works too, as it has a high smoke point.
Apple Cider Vinegar: It aids in tenderizing the meat. White wine vinegar or even lemon juice can be used instead if needed.
Brown Sugar: This gives the ribs a sweet touch. You can swap it with maple syrup or honey, but adjust the quantity since they’re sweeter.
Spices: Smoked paprika is key for flavor, but if you don’t have it, regular paprika with a hint of liquid smoke can work. Adjust the chili powder and cayenne for your heat preference.
How to Properly Prepare Ribs for Grilling?
Getting the ribs ready is crucial for tenderness. First, you’ll want to remove the membrane from the back. This tough layer can keep seasonings from penetrating and makes the ribs less tender.
- Use a knife to gently lift one edge of the membrane.
- Grab it with a paper towel for a better grip and pull it off.
- Once removed, pat the ribs dry with paper towels to help the rub stick better.
What’s the Best Way to Apply the Rub?
Applying the rub evenly ensures every bite is flavorful. After you make your paste with the ingredients, be generous when applying it to the ribs.
- Spread the mix over the meat side and on the bones, making sure to massage it into every nook.
- Let the ribs marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, but overnight is best for flavor absorption!
Fall Off The Bone Ribs On The Grill
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ribs:
- 3 racks of baby back ribs
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of onion powder
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep, plus 3 to 4 hours for cooking on the grill. For the best flavor, let the ribs marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or even overnight if you have the time. Total time including marinating can span around 4 to 5 hours. Grab a drink and relax while the magic happens on the grill!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Ribs:
Start by removing the tough membrane from the back of each rack of ribs. This helps the ribs become super tender while cooking. After that, pat the ribs dry with paper towels to ensure the rub sticks better.
2. Making the Rub:
In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if you’re feeling spicy), along with some salt and pepper. Stir everything together until you have a nice paste.
3. Seasoning the Ribs:
Generously smear the rub all over the ribs, working it into every nook and cranny. Feel free to get your hands messy! Once coated, let the ribs marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour. For more flavor, let them sit overnight if you can.
4. Preheating the Grill:
While the ribs are marinating, preheat your grill to a low temperature, around 225°F to 250°F. This is key for indirect cooking, ensuring the ribs cook slowly and become tender.
5. Cooking the Ribs:
Once preheated, place the ribs on the grill bone-side down, keeping them off direct heat if you’re using a charcoal grill. Let them cook low and slow for about 3 to 4 hours. Keep an eye on them; you want them to be tender, with the meat starting to pull away from the bones.
6. Applying Barbecue Sauce:
During the last 30 minutes of cooking, start brushing your favorite barbecue sauce onto the ribs. Do this every 10 minutes to create a delicious, sticky glaze on the surface.
7. Checking for Doneness:
Your ribs are ready when they are tender and have a slight bend. You should be able to pull the bones apart easily. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for!
8. Resting and Serving:
Once done, remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for about 10 minutes. This helps seal in all those juicy flavors. After resting, slice between the bones and serve them up with extra barbecue sauce on the side. Get ready to enjoy some fall-off-the-bone, mouthwatering ribs!
Can I Use Different Types of Ribs?
Absolutely! You can use spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs if you prefer. Just keep in mind that they may require slightly different cooking times, with spare ribs typically needing a bit longer due to their larger size. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, ensuring the meat is tender and pulls away easily from the bones.
How Do I Store Leftover Ribs?
Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, wrap them in aluminum foil and warm them in a 300°F oven for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through. This helps keep them moist!
Can I Make the Rub Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Mix up the rub ingredients and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month. Just give it a good shake before using, and you’ll have it ready for the next time you grill!
What If I Don’t Have a Grill?
No worries! You can cook the ribs in the oven instead. Preheat your oven to 300°F, wrap the seasoned ribs tightly in aluminum foil, and bake for about 2.5 to 3 hours. Then, brush on the barbecue sauce and broil for a few minutes to caramelize the sauce, just like you would on the grill!
