Few things scream "summer" like the tantalizing aroma of BBQ ribs cooking low and slow on the grill. In this recipe, we'll walk you through the steps to achieve perfectly tender and flavorful ribs that will have your guests coming back for seconds (and thirds!). So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 3-4 pounds each)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spiciness)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ribs:
- Start by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs. Use a knife to loosen one corner of the membrane, then grip it with a paper towel and peel it off in one smooth motion.
- Rinse the ribs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Make the Dry Rub:
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, ground cumin, ground mustard, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure even distribution of spices.
3. Season the Ribs:
- Rub the dry rub mixture generously all over the ribs, making sure to coat them evenly on both sides. Use your hands to massage the rub into the meat, ensuring maximum flavor penetration.
- For best results, cover the ribs with plastic wrap and refrigerate them for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Preheat the Grill:
- Prepare your grill for indirect cooking over low heat. If using a charcoal grill, arrange the charcoal on one side of the grill and place a drip pan filled with water on the other side. If using a gas grill, preheat one side of the grill to low heat and leave the other side off.
5. Grill the Ribs:
- Place the seasoned ribs bone-side down on the cooler side of the grill, away from direct heat.
- Close the lid and let the ribs cook undisturbed for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and pulls away easily from the bones. Every 30 minutes or so, check the temperature of the grill and adjust the vents or burner knobs to maintain a steady temperature of around 225-250°F (107-121°C).
6. Glaze with BBQ Sauce:
- Once the ribs are cooked to your liking, brush them generously with your favorite BBQ sauce on both sides.
- Move the ribs to the direct heat side of the grill and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce is caramelized and sticky, turning them occasionally to prevent burning.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Transfer the ribs to a cutting board and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing between the bones.
- Serve the ribs hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side, along with your favorite sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans.
- Enjoy the smoky, succulent goodness of your homemade BBQ ribs with friends and family!
With this recipe, you'll be able to master the art of cooking ribs on the BBQ, achieving perfectly tender and flavorful results every time. So fire up the grill, unleash your inner pitmaster, and get ready to impress your guests with the ultimate summer BBQ feast!