These fall-off-the-bone ribs are a true treat for barbecue lovers! Tender, juicy meat coated in a flavorful sauce makes every bite a delight. Perfect for summer cookouts!
Trust me, you won’t be able to resist licking your fingers after these ribs! I love serving them with coleslaw and corn on the side for a fun and tasty meal. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Back Ribs: Baby back ribs are tender and full of flavor. If they aren’t available, spare ribs are a great alternative. They are slightly meatier but require a bit more cooking time.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This ingredient adds a tangy flavor and helps tenderize the ribs. You can use white vinegar or red wine vinegar, but apple cider gives a sweeter touch that pairs nicely with BBQ.
Brown Sugar: For a delicious caramel flavor, brown sugar is essential. If you’re out, you can use honey or even coconut sugar, which offers a different but engaging taste.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce, as this will influence the overall flavor. If you like it spicy, opt for a sauce with chili or chipotle. Homemade sauce can also be a fun twist!
How Do I Remove the Membrane from Ribs?
Removing the membrane from the back of the ribs is crucial for tender results. It allows the rub to penetrate better and keeps the ribs from being chewy.
- Start at one end of the rack and carefully use a butter knife to lift the membrane away from the meat.
- Grab the membrane with a paper towel for a better grip, as it can be slippery.
- Slowly pull it off in one piece. If it tears, just start at another spot. The goal is to remove as much as possible.
Trust me, taking this extra step makes a big difference in how the ribs turn out!
Fall Off The Bone Ribs On The Grill
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Ribs:
- 2 racks baby back ribs
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water
For The Dry Rub:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
- Optional: additional spices for rub (e.g., cumin, mustard powder)
For Basting:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your choice for basting)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 3 hours for this recipe. This includes 15 minutes for preparation and about 2.5 hours for grilling. The ribs will be cooked slowly to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, and a final 30 minutes to caramelize the BBQ sauce. Get ready for some deliciousness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat The Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to a medium heat, which is around 250°F to 300°F. If you’re using charcoal, arrange them for indirect cooking. This means that the ribs will cook slowly and evenly without direct flames underneath them.
2. Prepare The Ribs:
Make the ribs even more tender by removing the tough membrane from the back of the ribs. Just slide a knife under the membrane and pull it off gently. It helps the seasoning penetrate better!
3. Mix The Dry Rub:
In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper to create your flavorful dry rub. Mix it well so that all the spices are evenly distributed.
4. Season The Ribs:
Generously coat both sides of the ribs with the dry rub. Use your hands to press the rub into the meat so it sticks nicely. This is where all the flavor comes from!
5. Prepare The Cooking Pan:
Grab a large disposable aluminum pan and mix the apple cider vinegar and water. Place the seasoned ribs in the pan and cover them tightly with aluminum foil. This will help keep them moist during cooking.
6. Start Cooking:
Place the pan with the ribs on the grill and let them cook slowly for about 2 to 2.5 hours. It’s important to maintain a low temperature so the meat can gentle render and become super tender.
7. Remove and Discard Liquid:
After the initial cooking time, carefully take the ribs out of the pan. Discard the liquid that’s collected as we won’t need it anymore.
8. Add BBQ Sauce:
Brush a generous amount of BBQ sauce over both sides of the ribs. Make sure they are well coated! Then, return the ribs to the grill, this time leaving them uncovered.
9. Caramelize The Sauce:
Increase the heat on the grill a bit to help caramelize the BBQ sauce, and let the ribs cook for an additional 30 minutes. During the last 10 minutes, don’t forget to keep basting the ribs with more BBQ sauce for a tasty sticky finish.
10. Check For Tenderness:
When the ribs are done, the meat should easily pull away from the bones. That’s how you know they’re perfectly cooked! Remove them from the grill and let them rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
11. Serve And Enjoy!
Slice the ribs and serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side. Prepare for everyone to rave about how tender and delicious these ribs are. Enjoy your fall-off-the-bone ribs!
Can I Use Other Types of Ribs?
Absolutely! While baby back ribs are great, you can also use spare ribs or St. Louis style ribs. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, with spare ribs typically requiring a bit longer due to their larger size. Make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly for your chosen rib type.
What If I Don’t Have Apple Cider Vinegar?
No worries! You can substitute equal parts of white vinegar or red wine vinegar for the apple cider vinegar. If you prefer a milder flavor, consider using a mixture of lemon juice and water with a dash of sugar for sweetness.
How to Store Leftover Ribs?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider wrapping them tightly in foil and freezing for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm in a low oven or on the grill until heated through.
Can I Cook These Ribs in the Oven Instead?
Definitely! Preheat your oven to 300°F. Follow the same steps for seasoning and wrapping the ribs in foil. Place the ribs on a baking sheet and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours. Finish by brushing with BBQ sauce and broiling for a few minutes to caramelize, if desired. Enjoy your tender ribs even without a grill!
