How To Cook Ribs On The Grill (5 Easy Steps)

Perfectly cooked ribs are one of the few items that stand out during a summer BBQ. Although smoke-house quality ribs might seem like a premium, you can easily replicate this BBQ classic at home using our simple method.

Are you seeking an easy-to-use recipe for grilling ribs? 

This place is ideal for you!

This dish is a lifesaver if you want grilled ribs but don’t have the time to prepare them. It shortens the grilling time for ribs, allowing you to quickly enjoy perfectly cooked ribs.

Pork Ribs on The Grill

Looking for a delectable grilled rib dish that takes 4 hours or less to prepare from fridge to plate?

Look nowhere else.

In this recipe, cooking at a higher temperature as well as some time wrapped in foil and covered in braising liquids and butter are the keys to a speedier grilling time. This dish is ideal for all palates, regardless of whether you want it plain and straightforward or saucy and acidic.

These ribs are equally wonderful as regular smoked ribs, even though you won’t get the same smoke ring. The ribs in this dish are cooked with an astounding, pork-flavoured seasoning and then braised until they are tender and falling off the bone.

Because the ribs are coated in caramelized sugar from the rub, sauce, and braising liquids, you’ll also get that crispy chew on the edges that many rib lovers adore.

Choosing Ribs For The Grill

Spareribs, St. Louis, baby back, and country style are the four cuts of pork ribs, and any of them will work. However, baby back ribs are the simplest cut since they are sliced to cook consistently, giving you fantastic results every time.

I prefer spareribs since they are a little meatier but a little more difficult to tear apart after cooking. The timing for each stage in the recipe may need to be on the higher end if you use a meatier cut like this one to ensure that the ribs have enough time to break down.

Ingredients For Cooking Ribs on The Grill

The ingredients for this dish are really simple and may already be in your cupboard or refrigerator.

• 1 rack of St. Louis pork ribs- If you like, you may also use baby back ribs. They are perfect if you’re truly pressed for time, since they will cook even faster!

• 2 tablespoons rib rub- grab your preferred rib rub!

• 1 cup apple cider- Since everything works, it doesn’t matter what brand or variation it is.

• ¼ cup dark brown sugar- Grab some dark brown sugar for that delicious molasses! Light brown sugar won’t have the same results as regular sugar.

• 2 tablespoons salted butter

• 1 cup BBQ sauce- Once more, take your preferred BBQ sauce here. Usually, something smoky and sweet works best!

How to Cook Ribs on Grill

1. Preheating

2. Trim the Ribs

3. Grill ’em

4. Prepare the Braise

5. Finish Grilling

1. Preheating

You should have your grill adjusted to about 300 degrees. For this dish, fruit woods are suggested since they provide the ribs with a delicious flavor.

Do you lack any? No issue. Simply omit the wood this time.

2. Trim the Ribs

Trim any extra fat and the membrane off the rear of the ribs to begin preparing your ribs. Add your preferred rib rub for seasoning.

3. Grill `em

Put the ribs right on the grill grates and grill for 2 ½ hours at 300 degrees.

4. Prepare the Braise

Place the ribs, bone side up, on a big sheet of aluminum foil that has been placed on a level surface after the initial grilling period. To keep the braised inside the ribs, fold the corners to form pockets.

Here, you should rub the ribs with butter and brown sugar before adding apple cider. Place the ribs back on the grill at 300 degrees for a further hour, with the foil securely closed over them.

5. Finish Grilling

After an hour of braising, take the ribs out of the foil and put them back on the grill. For an additional 15 minutes of grilling to let the sauce solidify, brush your favorite barbecue sauce on the ribs.

After the allotted time has passed, take the ribs off the grill and let them rest for an additional 10–15 minutes.

You’re now prepared to savor some mouthwatering ribs cooked on the grill!

Is it better to cook ribs in the oven or grill?

There isn’t really a correct response to this. While cooking ribs in the oven is faster and offers you more control over the temperature, grilling them (like we do here) will give you the familiar and beloved smokey flavors. Both approaches are effective, but if you have the time, simply light the grill.

How Long to Cook Ribs on the Grill?

The temperature of your grill will determine how long you need to cook your ribs. You should anticipate grilling them for 3–4 hours at a temperature of 190 °F on a grill set to 300 °F.

Should You Cook Ribs Before Grilling?

Ribs don’t necessarily need to be cooked before being grilled, although some gas grill owners prefer to start the cooking process in the oven. Although it is possible, it is not necessary to make excellent ribs.