Perfect Grilled BBQ Spare Ribs

Perfect Grilled BBQ Spare Ribs Recipe

If you’re dreaming of tender, juicy ribs slathered in a smoky BBQ glaze, this Perfect Grilled BBQ Spare Ribs recipe is your go-to. It’s simple, packed with flavor, and perfect for weekend cookouts or cozy weeknight dinners. You’ll love how easily these ribs come together, bringing that mouthwatering BBQ flavor right to your table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy prep: You can flavor the ribs a day ahead for ultimate convenience.
• Full of flavor: A delicious blend of spices and a tangy-sweet BBQ sauce make every bite irresistible.
• Perfect for grilling: Whether on a barbecue or in an oven, these ribs come out tender and juicy every time.
• Versatile: Great as a main dish or as part of a platter for gatherings.
• Fun to customize: Feel free to tweak the spice mix or BBQ sauce to suit your taste!

Ingredients

• Spare Ribs: The star of the show! Look for well-trimmed slabs for tenderness.
• Olive Oil: Helps the seasoning stick and adds a bit of richness.
• Brown Sugar: This gives the ribs a sweet caramelization on the grill. You could use coconut sugar for a different flavor!
• Paprika: Adds color and a mild smoky flavor. Try smoked paprika for extra depth.
• Garlic Powder: For that delicious warm garlic flavor. Fresh minced garlic works too!
• Onion Powder: Balances the flavors with a bit of sweetness.
• Black Pepper: Gives a mild bite. You can adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
• Salt: Helps to enhance all the flavors. Don’t skip this!
• BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade; it’s the perfect finishing touch!

Full measurements are in the recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

1. Prep the ribs: Start by removing the silver skin on the back of the ribs. This helps them cook evenly and makes them more tender.
2. Make the dry rub: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix well.
3. Season the ribs: Rub the spice mixture all over the ribs, making sure to coat them generously. If you have time, wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight.
4. Grill the ribs: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the ribs bone-side down and grill for about 2-3 hours, turning them every 30 minutes.
5. Add the BBQ sauce: During the last 20 minutes of grilling, brush a thick layer of BBQ sauce over the ribs. Close the lid and let the sauce caramelize.
6. Serve: Remove the ribs from the grill, let them rest for a few minutes, then slice between the bones and serve.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Marinate overnight: For an even deeper flavor, let the seasoned ribs sit overnight in the fridge.
• Low and slow: Cooking at a lower temperature for longer ensures the ribs stay tender and juicy.
• Check for doneness: The ribs are done when the meat has pulled back from the ends of the bones and they’re tender to the touch.
• Rest before slicing: Letting the ribs rest for a few minutes before cutting helps keep the juices inside.
• Experiment with sauces: Try different BBQ sauces, like spicy, sweet, or mustard-based, to personalize your ribs!

How to Serve

These BBQ spare ribs are fantastic on their own but can be even better with some sides! Serve them with coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans for a true BBQ feast. You can also drizzle extra BBQ sauce on top or garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Fridge storage: Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the ribs wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw them in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating tips: To reheat, place the ribs in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through. Add a little BBQ sauce to keep them moist!

FAQs

Can I use baby back ribs instead of spare ribs?
Absolutely! Baby back ribs will be a bit leaner, but they cook up beautifully with the same technique.

What’s the best BBQ sauce for these ribs?
It’s all about personal preference! A tangy vinegar-based sauce or a sweet and smokey variety works wonderfully.

How can I add more spice?
Feel free to add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the dry rub for a little kick.

Can I cook these ribs in the oven?
Yes! Bake them at 300°F for 2.5 to 3 hours, basting with BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes for that sticky finish.

Grilled BBQ Spare Ribs

Tender, juicy ribs slathered in a smoky BBQ glaze, perfect for cookouts and weeknight dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, BBQ

Calories: 600

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ribs and Marinade

• 2 lbs Spare Ribs Look for well-trimmed slabs for tenderness.
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil Helps the seasoning stick and adds richness.
• 1/2 cup Brown Sugar For sweet caramelization on the grill.
• 1 tbsp Paprika Adds color and a mild smoky flavor.
• 1 tbsp Garlic Powder For a warm garlic flavor.
• 1 tbsp Onion Powder Balances flavors with sweetness.
• 1/2 tbsp Black Pepper Adjust to taste based on spice preference.
• 1 tbsp Salt Enhances all flavors.
• 1 cup BBQ Sauce Choose your favorite brand or homemade.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Start by removing the silver skin on the back of the ribs.
2. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix well.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the ribs, coating generously. For best results, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight.

Grilling

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grill grates.
2. Place the ribs bone-side down and grill for about 2-3 hours, turning every 30 minutes.
3. During the last 20 minutes of grilling, brush a thick layer of BBQ sauce over the ribs and close the lid.
4. Once cooked, remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For deeper flavor, marinate overnight. Cooking at a lower temperature keeps the ribs tender. Serve with coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.