These easy Greek ribs are a tasty treat! First, they bake to perfection, then they get a quick grill for a smoky finish. The blend of herbs gives them a fresh and zesty flavor.
Honestly, the smell of these ribs cooking is irresistible! I love piling them high on my plate, and don’t worry about sharing—I usually keep them all to myself. 😄
What I enjoy most is that they are so simple to make. You just bake, then grill, and voila! Perfect for a family dinner or a fun weekend cookout.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Back Ribs: Baby back ribs are tender and meaty. If you can’t find them, spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs can work as substitutes. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so check for doneness.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a fruity flavor. You can swap it with avocado oil or canola oil if you’re looking for a more neutral taste.
Dried Oregano: This herb gives an authentic Greek flavor. If you don’t have dried oregano, Italian seasoning can be a good substitute, though it’s more complex.
Smoked Paprika: It adds a lovely smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika works fine, though it won’t provide the smokiness. You can also use cayenne for a spicier kick!
Greek Yogurt: Serving Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tang. If you don’t have it, sour cream works well, or you can use plain yogurt for a lighter option.
How Do I Get the Ribs Tender While Baking?
Baking the ribs low and slow is the key to tenderness. This method allows the fat to render out while keeping the meat juicy. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) to create a gentle cooking environment.
- Wrap the ribs in foil; this traps moisture and steam, making them tender while baking.
- Cook for 2.5 to 3 hours. Check if they are tender by gently pulling the meat with a fork.
Letting them rest before grilling helps keep them juicy. Plus, basting with leftover marinade adds flavor!
Easy Greek Ribs Recipe (Baked Then Grilled)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ribs:
- 2 pounds baby back ribs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (for serving)
- Fresh dill or parsley (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare, plus 2.5 to 3 hours for baking in the oven. After that, you will spend around 15 minutes grilling the ribs. Overall, it’s a tasty endeavor that gives you delicious ribs with a little patience involved!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by setting your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low temperature will help the ribs cook slowly and become super tender!
2. Prepare the Ribs:
Carefully peel off the tough membrane from the back of the ribs—this little step can help all those tasty flavors soak in better. Once that’s done, pat the ribs dry with some paper towels to get rid of excess moisture.
3. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and honey. Mix everything together to form a delicious marinade that will give your ribs a Greek-style kick!
4. Marinate the Ribs:
Generously rub that flavorful marinade over both sides of the ribs, ensuring they are well-coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have extra time, letting them marinate overnight in the refrigerator will deepen those yummy flavors even more!
5. Bake the Ribs:
Place the marinated ribs on a baking sheet lined with foil for easy clean-up. Cover them with another piece of foil and pop them into your preheated oven. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the ribs are tender and almost falling off the bone.
6. Get the Grill Ready:
While the ribs are baking, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. A hot grill will give the ribs those lovely grill marks and help caramelize the marinade!
7. Grill the Ribs:
Once the ribs are nice and tender, carefully remove them from the oven and take off the top piece of foil. Place the ribs on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. As they grill, baste them with any leftover marinade for extra flavor and shine.
8. Serve:
After grilling, take the ribs off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This will keep them juicy! Serve with a side of Greek yogurt and sprinkle with fresh dill or parsley, if you like. Enjoy your Easy Greek Ribs with friends and family!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Ribs?
Absolutely! While baby back ribs are tender and delicious, you can also use spare ribs or St. Louis style ribs. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly—spare ribs usually take longer to become tender.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you enjoy some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade. You can also brush the ribs with a spicy barbecue sauce while grilling for an extra kick!
Can I Refrigerate Leftover Ribs?
Yes! Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) wrapped in foil, or grill them briefly to prevent drying out.
What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, you can use sour cream, regular yogurt, or even a creamy dressing like tzatziki for a similar flavor profile. Just keep in mind that regular yogurt may be runnier, so it could be best to drain any excess liquid beforehand.
