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Grilled Baby Back Ribs

Grilling baby back ribs can yield incredibly tender and flavourful results, especially with the right preparation and technique.

Top Tip: If you are cooking on a pizza oven, use either a cast iron tuscan grill or cast iron pan to hold your ribs. These keep the floor of your oven safe from and liquids.

Here’s a detailed recipe to help you achieve delicious grilled baby back ribs:

Ingredients

  • 2 racks of baby back ribs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup paprika
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
  • 1 cup of your favourite barbecue sauce
  • Apple juice or apple cider (for spritzing)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ribs:
    • Remove the ribs from their packaging and pat them dry with paper towels.
    • Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This can be done by sliding a knife under the membrane and then using a paper towel to pull it off.
  2. Season the Ribs:
    • In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
    • Rub the olive oil all over the ribs, then generously apply the spice rub to both sides of the ribs, pressing it in to adhere well.
  3. Preheat:
    • Preheat your grill for indirect grilling. This means setting up the grill so that one side has direct heat (where the burners are on or the coals are placed) and the other side has indirect heat (where the burners are off or there are no coals). If you are using a pizza oven you need to be cooking at 225-250°F and using some cast iron cookware.
    • Aim for a temperature of around 225-250°F.
  4. Grill the Ribs:
    • Place the ribs on the grill or cast iron cookware over the indirect heat side, bone side down.
    • Close the lid or oven door and cook the ribs low and slow for about 2.5 to 3 hours. Maintain a consistent temperature and avoid opening the lid too often.
    • Every 30 minutes, spritz the ribs with apple juice or apple cider to keep them moist and add flavor.
  5. Baste with Barbecue Sauce:
    • During the last 30 minutes of cooking, begin basting the ribs with your favorite barbecue sauce.
    • Apply a thin layer of sauce on both sides of the ribs, then close the lid and let the sauce set.
    • Repeat this process every 10 minutes to build up a nice, sticky glaze.
  6. Check for Doneness:
    • The ribs are done when the meat is tender and pulls away from the bones easily. The internal temperature should be around 190-205°F for maximum tenderness.
    • You can also do the bend test: pick up the ribs with tongs, and if they bend and start to crack slightly in the middle, they’re ready.
  7. Rest and Serve:
    • Remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for about 10 minutes.
    • Slice the ribs between the bones and serve with additional barbecue sauce on the side, if desired.

Tips for Success

  • Consistent Temperature: Keep the grill or pizza oven temperature steady throughout the cooking process for even and thorough cooking.
  • Indirect Heat: Cooking over indirect heat prevents the ribs from burning and allows them to cook slowly, resulting in tender meat.
  • Spritzing: Regularly spritzing the ribs helps keep them moist and adds a layer of flavor.
  • Foiling Option: For extra tenderness, you can wrap the ribs in aluminum foil halfway through cooking with a little apple juice inside the packet, then finish unwrapped to set the glaze.

Grilling baby back ribs with this method ensures they are smoky, flavourful, and tender, making them a favourite at any barbecue gathering. Enjoy your delicious ribs!

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