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Close up shot of a rack of grilled ribs with bbq sauce with one rib flipped so the juicy cut side is up.

Grilled Ribs (ribs on the grill)

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 2 reviews
  • Author: Erin Jensen
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Marinate Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner/Entree
  • Method: Grill
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Grilled Ribs (ribs on the grill) – a delicious, flavorful and easy grilled ribs recipe that is perfect for your next cookout or family gathering!!


Ingredients

Scale

Marinade (optional):

  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • pinch of kosher salt
  • pinch of ground black pepper

Grilled Ribs:

  • 2 racks of baby back ribs (approx. 34 lbs each)
  • 12 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons lemon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon smoked garlic powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon ground black pepper
  • 1 cup your choice of bbq sauce

Instructions

  1. Make Marinade: Combine Marinade ingredients in a medium bowl. Whisk to combine. Set aside. 
  2. Prep Ribs + Marinate: Pat ribs dry with clean paper towel. Place ribs, meat side down, on a baking sheet. Using a small knife, gently lift off the corner of the membrane (the layer of thin connective tissue) and gently pull to remove. Place in 9×13 pan and pour marinade over top – rub marinade all over ensuring it covers every nook and cranny. Cover and let marinate 30-60 minutes.
  3. Prep Grill: Ensure grill grates are clean and well-greased. Preheat grill temperature to 500 degrees F. 
  4. Make Dry Rub: In a small bowl combine the kosher salt, smoked paprika, lemon pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), smoked garlic powder, onion powder and ground black pepper.
  5. Season Ribs: Remove ribs from the marinade and let the excess marinade drip off. Place on a baking sheet and cover ribs in the dry rub ensuring every nook and cranny is covered. 
  6. Grill Ribs: Place both ribs meat-side down over the middle burner. Drop heat down to 300 degrees F. (I usually turn off the middle burner and leave the outer two on and as low as they can go). Let ribs cook for 30 minutes then flip. 
  7. Continue cooking until the internal temp reaches between 190-203 degrees F. (190 degrees F. will be more firm, while 203 degrees F. the meat will fall off the bone easier). 
  8. BBQ Sauce: When ribs are approx. 5 degrees away from being done, brush the tops with a generous amount of your favorite bbq sauce and close the lid until they are done cooking. 
  9. Rest Ribs: Remove from grill and place on a baking sheet. Cover with foil and let sit 30-60 minutes.
  10. Serve: Uncover the foil and serve! 

Notes

  • Marinade: the marinade is totally optional but definitely adds some amazing extra flavor to take these ribs to the next level! 
  • Kosher Salt: make sure you are using kosher salt and NOT table salt – using table salt will result in a much too salty rib.
  • Cook Time: when we tested this recipe it took a little over an hour to reach approx. 200 degrees F. – there are lots of variables that go into total grill time such as thickness of ribs, outdoor temp, etc. Keep a close eye on the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to determine when your ribs are done. 
  • BBQ Sauce: you do not have to rub with bbq sauce, but we highly recommend!
  • Storage: store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. 

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6oz
  • Calories: 301
  • Sugar: 11.3 g
  • Sodium: 1055.6 mg
  • Fat: 16.4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16.5 g
  • Protein: 22.8 g
  • Cholesterol: 76.2 mg