These Fall Off The Bone Ribs are a BBQ lover’s dream! Juicy, tender, and packed with flavor, they cook to perfection on the grill. The secret is a nice rub that makes them extra tasty!
Nothing beats the smell of ribs sizzling away on a summer day. I love to serve them with coleslaw and a cold drink! Just be careful, they can be messy—but that’s part of the fun! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Baby Back Ribs: These are tender and meaty, making them perfect for grilling. If baby backs aren’t available, spare ribs can work too, although they tend to be a bit tougher and need more cooking time.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a tangy flavor that keeps the ribs moist. If you don’t have it, white vinegar or even lemon juice can serve as substitutes, but they may alter the taste slightly.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade sauce. A sweet sauce can balance the heat of the rub. If you’re looking for a lower-sugar option, you could use a sugar-free barbecue sauce.
Dry Rub: You can customize your rub! If you don’t have brown sugar, honey or maple syrup in small amounts could work. For spice, consider adding cayenne or chili powder to kick it up a notch.
Mustard: This is optional for coating. I like it because it adds flavor and helps the rub stick, but you can skip it if you prefer.
How Do You Remove the Membrane from Ribs?
Removing the membrane from the back of ribs is crucial for tenderness and flavor absorption. Here’s how to do it easily:
- Use a sharp knife to lift one corner of the membrane, usually located on the bony side of the ribs.
- Once you have a good grip, pull it off slowly. If it tears, use the knife to help it along.
Don’t forget to pat the ribs dry after washing. This helps the rub stick better!
How to Make Fall Off The Bone Ribs On The Grill
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Ribs:
- 2 racks of pork baby back ribs
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your choice)
- 2 tablespoons dry rub (a mix of brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper)
- 1 tablespoon mustard (optional, for coating)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious rib recipe will take about 3 to 3.5 hours total time. You’ll need about 30 minutes for prep, and then let the ribs cook for 2.5 to 3 hours on the grill followed by a 10-15 minute rest before serving. Patience really pays off with these tender ribs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ribs:
First, you want to get your ribs ready. Turn the ribs over and remove the thin membrane from the back; this helps them become more tender. If there’s extra fat, trim it away. Rinse the ribs under cold water to clean them, and then use paper towels to pat them dry.
2. Apply the Rub:
In a small bowl, mix your dry rub ingredients. If you want, you can brush a little mustard on the ribs; this helps the rub stick better. Generously coat both sides of the ribs with the rub, making sure to cover them well. Let the seasoned ribs sit for at least 30 minutes, or for even more flavor, refrigerate them overnight!
3. Preheat the Grill:
Now it’s time to get your grill going! Preheat it to a low indirect heat, aiming for about 225°F to 250°F (107°C to 121°C). This low-and-slow method is what makes the ribs so tender and juicy.
4. Prepare the Cooking Liquid:
In a bowl, mix together the apple cider vinegar and water to create your mopping liquid. If you’d like, add a splash of barbecue sauce to make it extra tasty!
5. Grill the Ribs:
Place the ribs on the grill with the bone side down, making sure they’re away from direct heat. Close the lid and let them cook for about 2.5 to 3 hours. Keep an eye on the temperature, and every 30 minutes, use your mopping liquid to brush the ribs and keep them moist.
6. Add Barbecue Sauce:
After the ribs have cooked for 2.5 hours, it’s time to layer on the barbecue sauce! Brush them generously and then let them cook for an additional 30 minutes. Flip and baste the ribs every 10 minutes for a lovely, caramelized glaze.
7. Check for Tenderness:
Your ribs are ready when the meat has pulled back from the bones and they’re super tender. If you’re curious, check the internal temperature; it should be around 190°F to 203°F for that perfect tenderness.
8. Rest and Serve:
Once the ribs are done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the juices settle. Then, slice between the bones and serve them up with some extra barbecue sauce on the side. Enjoy your fall-off-the-bone ribs!
Can I Use Other Types of Ribs?
Absolutely! You can substitute pork spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs for baby back ribs. Keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly; spare ribs generally take a bit longer due to their larger size and more connective tissue, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What If I Don’t Have Mustard for the Rub?
No worries! The mustard is optional and primarily used to help the rub stick to the ribs. If you don’t have any, simply apply the dry rub directly to the ribs without it. You can also use a light coating of olive oil as an alternative to keep the rub in place.
How to Store Leftover Ribs
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. This can help keep them moist!
Can I Make These Ribs in the Oven Instead?
Yes! If grilling isn’t an option, you can cook the ribs in the oven. Wrap them tightly in foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 2.5 to 3 hours. Afterward, unwrap, baste with barbecue sauce, and broil for a few minutes to caramelize the sauce.
